LetsRun.com's Track Talk: The Home of Running and Track and Field

LetsRun.com

LetsRun.com's weekly podcast where we go behind the scenes of the professional running, marathoning, and track and field world. If you want a second podcast every week join out Supporters Club https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

  1. College doping scandal?, Valencia half, 7th American sub 2:09, New York City Marathon week

    3 HR AGO

    College doping scandal?, Valencia half, 7th American sub 2:09, New York City Marathon week

    The #1 cross country team in the country is racked by some teamwide suspensions for violations of "team rules" for the rest of the year. World record holder in the marathon Ruth Chepngetich was banned 3 years. Agnes Ngetich, Yomif Kejelcha, and Andreas Almgren ran fast in Valencia. Who will go fastest in New York City this weekend? Mini preview of the marathon preview at the end. Want our full NYC Marathon Preview podcast? Become a LetsRun.com VIP today. Annual members get the new Nick Thompson book for free, plus a LetsRun.com tshirt. Show notes: 00:00 College doping scandal?, Valencia half, 7th American sub 2:09, New York City Marathon week 00:24 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:53 Special Announcements and Supporters Club 07:15 Jon's thoughts on Ruth Chepngetich suspension 15:15 Iowa State scandal? 22:36 Florida, Arkansas cases 25:36 Duane Ross & Balco 30:55 Texas Tech won NCAA title with Divine Oduduru who later was popped for doping 36:41 Valencia Half Marathon: World record given a scare by Agnes Ngetich 40:58 Andreas Almgren European record 44:04 Jakob Kiplimo record not ratified, but neither was Grant Fisher's 5000m 50:24 Handling Rumors and Speculations 53:23 Keely Hodgkinson's see through dress gets write-up in Daily Mail 54:37 Kenya's World Cross Country Trials in the books and the team is... 01:03:09 Jakob Ingebrigtsen says he wants 1500, mile & 5k world records 01:06:34 USC Cross Country team's gets beats by a bunch of little girls 01:12:13 USAs Daniel Mesfin wins Dublin Marathon in 2:08:51, 7th American under 2:09 this year 01:20:34 New York City Marathon mini preview 01:21:38 Boston Red Sox's Alex Cora running New York 01:26:14 Sifan Hassan vs Obiri vs Lokedi on women's side Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/7a212fd2-7842-4166-b820-bcc353b20c7f

    1h 30m
  2. The Atlantic’s Nick Thompson on His New Book, Running Fast, Why We Run, and LetsRun.com

    1 DAY AGO

    The Atlantic’s Nick Thompson on His New Book, Running Fast, Why We Run, and LetsRun.com

    Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, former editor-in-chief of Wired, 2:29 marathoner, and daily LetsRun visitor, joins this week’s LetsRun.com Track Talk Podcast to talk about his new book, The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports (buy it here). Thompson shares how he went from a decent high school runner to running 2:29 in his 40s and setting the American record for 50K in the 45–49 age group. He opens up about the mental breakthrough that unlocked his improvement, lessons from surviving thyroid cancer, and how running helped him understand his complicated relationship with his father. Nick talks about why we run, how it fits in our life, and also he tells wild stories about getting fired from 60 Minutes after 59 minutes and being kidnapped in Morocco. Plus some business advice for LetsRun.com, and his thoughts on today’s top track stars. Bonus: Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club for a year and we’ll send you The Running Ground for free ($30 value) + a free LetsRun.com shirt. You get all the LetsRun content, a bonus podcast every week and savings on running shoes. Buy the book at Amazon here or support independent booksellers here. 00:00 Get The Running Ground for free by joining the LetsRun.com Supporters Club 02:00 Introducing Nick Thompson 03:56 What inspired The Running Ground 05:57 Nick’s realization and running breakthrough 09:31 His complicated relationship with his father 19:32 Balancing running with life and career 23:00 Training and staying injury-free with the Alexander Technique 30:42 Reflecting on Stanford and early running years 34:00 Moving to ultras and the joy of trail running 36:58 Getting kidnapped in Morocco 40:38 Fired from 60 Minutes after 59 minutes 46:20 Nick’s thoughts on today’s track and field stars 54:04 Nick’s advice for LetsRun.com and navigating the AI era 1:00:18 Wrapping up and how to get the book free Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Bonus: Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club for a year and we’ll send you The Running Ground for free ($30 value) + a free LetsRun.com shirt. You get all the LetsRun content, a bonus podcast every week and savings on running shoes. Buy the book at Amazon here or support independent booksellers here. Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/13a2d960-f122-4afb-9779-334ed3c6add5

    1h 1m
  3. Jane Hedengren debut, Parker Valby & Katelyn Tuohy return, Joshua Cheptegei vs Conner Mantz + Keely Hodgkinson

    21 OCT

    Jane Hedengren debut, Parker Valby & Katelyn Tuohy return, Joshua Cheptegei vs Conner Mantz + Keely Hodgkinson

    Jane Hedengren blew her NCAA debut out of the park? Could she be the favorite at NCAA cross country? Joshua Cheptegei's improved in marahton #3 in Amsterdam, but is he even better than Conner Mantz? What about Mo Farah?marathon performances and questions whether he's cut out for the distance, comparing him to other marathoners like Connor Mantz and Mo Farah. Parker Valby and Katelyn Tuohy are entered in the NYRR 5k. Does that mean they'll do US cross? What about Nico Young, Grant Fisher, and Cole Hocker? Plus, should they debate Keely Hodgkinson's instagram post? Show notes below: Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Show notes: 00:00 Jane Hedengren debut, Parker Valby & Katelyn Tuohy return, Joshua Cheptegei vs Conner Mantz + Keely Hodgkinson 00:22 Welcome to Track Talk: Introduction and Hosts 02:36 Jonathan Gault's Soccer Pilgrimage 05:26 Jane Hedengren's Collegiate Debut 09:13 Is she the favorite for NCAAs? 14:38 History isn't kind to top hs 5000m runners 16:09 Joshua Cheptegei marathon #3 2:04:52 in Amsterdam 29:09 Conner Mantz vs Joshua Cheptegei 32:42 Cole Hocker at US Cross? 40:24 Who will be ready in December? 41:06 Debate on Cross Country Team Selection 44:54 Katelyn Tuohy and Parker Valby for NYRR 5k 49:28 Who are favorites? 56:01 Supporters Club and upcoming news tease 59:01 Keely Hodgkinson's instagram post 01:07:47 Final Thoughts and Sign-Off Links: Weekt That Was: Hedengren and Cheptegei Hedengren's debut Keely's outfit Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/d2c4be54-32ae-4020-9256-819703331c7d

    1h 15m
  4. Chicago Marathon + Conner Mantz on His American Record | Femke Bol Moving Up & Athlos 2025

    13 OCT

    Chicago Marathon + Conner Mantz on His American Record | Femke Bol Moving Up & Athlos 2025

    The 2025 Chicago Marathon delivered: Jacob Kiplimo flirted with the world record, Conner Mantz smashed Khalid Khannouchi’s 23-year-old American record with a 2:04:43., and we got to put Ruth Chepngetich’s world record another year in the rear view mirror. Mantz' joins the show at 1:56:41 to speak with Jonathan Gault about his American record. Plus, the 2nd Athlos meet in NYC, Femke Bol’s shocking move to the 800 meters, and Wesley Kiptoo’s new U.S. citizenship. Show notes below. 🛍️ Shop LetsRun Gear: https://shop.letsrun.com/ 📞 Contact Us Email: podcast@letsrun.com Voicemail/Text: 1-844-LETSRUN 🎧 Get a 2nd podcast every week. Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club Get a bonus weekly podcast, shoe discounts, and exclusive content: 👉 https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Show notes 0:00 Chicago: Conner Mantz American Record (Guest) + 0:24 Introduction and Episode Overview 4:08 Chicago Marathon 2025: Jacob Kiplimo gives World Record a scare 11:41 What happened to Korir? 16:40 Kiplimo's training 21:49 Conner Mantz's American Record 23:31 Odds of winning a major? 30:03 HOKA NAZ Elite's Alex Masai beat Conner Mantz. How? 40:14 Wesley Kiptoo a U.S. citizen 43:35 Other Americans 47:00 Wesley Kiptoo vs Alex Masai's Future 50:12 Galen Rupp's Comeback 52:04 Women's race: Hawi Feysa goes 2:14:56 54:26 Ruth Chepngetich's world record and positive test 56:23 Should the Rosas have to pay back their commissions? 1:00:34 Jon's question to Kiplimo & his camp's physical reaction 1:07:47 Crazy Marcell Jacobs story 1:12:04 Was Kipchoge not a generational talent in the marathon? Is Kiplimo? 1:19:38 Athlos NYC Track Meet #2 entertains 1:33:28 Comparing Athlos to Other Sports Ventures 1:44:32 Diplo's 5k 1:48:26 Femke Bol's Move to the 800 Meters 1:52:13 Athing Mu's Potential in the 400 Meter Hurdles 1:56:41 Conner Mantz speaks on American recor 📞 Contact Us Email: podcast@letsrun.com Voicemail/Text: 1-844-LETSRUN 🎧 Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club Get a bonus weekly podcast, shoe discounts, and exclusive content: 👉 https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe 🛍️ Shop LetsRun Gear: https://shop.letsrun.com/ Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/5a998e53-aa49-4365-9ccb-4dc22f438e4c

    2h 7m
  5. (Better Audio) Conner Mantz American Record Alert: Chicago Marathon & Athlos Preview

    8 OCT

    (Better Audio) Conner Mantz American Record Alert: Chicago Marathon & Athlos Preview

    Chicago and Athlos are here. Want the inside scoop from Chicago? Join the Letsrun.com Supporters Club and become a VIP and get a bonus podcast every week, a super soft t-shirt and savings on running shoes. https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe In this episode of the Let'sRun Track Talk podcast, the Rojo, Wejo & Jon discuss the upcoming Chicago Marathon featuring Connor Mantz's attempt at breaking Khalid Khannouchi's American record of 2:05:38. Defending champion John Korir and world half marathon record holder Jacob Kiplimo will be competing in a highly anticipated men's field. Could Kelvin Kiptum's world record go down? The episode also covers the Athlos women's meet in New York, highlighting the middle-distance events with stars like Keely Hodgkinson, Faith Kipyegon and Nikki Hiltz. Additionally, the team recaps their pre-Worlds fantasy draft and debates whether Cole Hocker is the greatest American distance runner ever. They also promote their upcoming bonus episode with Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, about his memoir and running experiences. Show notes: 00:00 Music 00:23 Welcome to Let's Run Track Talk Podcast 04:50 Athlos Meet Thursday & Friday in NYC 19:16 Chicago Marathon Preview 22:02 Chicago Marathon Weather & world record talk 30:07 Conner Mantz American Record Discussion 36:02 2:03 for Mantz? 38:15 Rojo's realism 43:49 Galen Rupp's Current Form 6:21 Galen Rupp's Olympic Prospects 49:06 Other notable Americans 56:15 Women's Race: Ruth Chepngetich not back to defend her WR 01:01:18 Ejgayehu Taye debut 01:04:21 Looking back at USA only getting 1 distance medal at Worlds 01:12:51 Greatest American Distance Runner Debate *64 runner bracket 01:30:18 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts *64 runner American GOAT bracket Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/e51e9bf2-4c40-4f63-93cb-e54d70d22fa9

    1h 31m
  6. Conner Mantz American Record Alert: Chicago Marathon & Athlos Preview

    8 OCT

    Conner Mantz American Record Alert: Chicago Marathon & Athlos Preview

    Chicago and Athlos are here. Want the inside scoop from Chicago? Join the Letsrun.com Supporters Club and become a VIP and get a bonus podcast every week, a super soft t-shirt and savings on running shoes. https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe In this episode of the Let'sRun Track Talk podcast, the Rojo, Wejo & Jon discuss the upcoming Chicago Marathon featuring Connor Mantz's attempt at breaking Khalid Khannouchi's American record of 2:05:38. Defending champion John Korir and world half marathon record holder Jacob Kiplimo will be competing in a highly anticipated men's field. Could Kelvin Kiptum's world record go down? The episode also covers the Athlos women's meet in New York, highlighting the middle-distance events with stars like Keely Hodgkinson, Faith Kipyegon and Nikki Hiltz. Additionally, the team recaps their pre-Worlds fantasy draft and debates whether Cole Hocker is the greatest American distance runner ever. They also promote their upcoming bonus episode with Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, about his memoir and running experiences. Show notes: 00:00 Music 00:23 Welcome to Let's Run Track Talk Podcast 04:50 Athlos Meet Thursday & Friday in NYC 19:16 Chicago Marathon Preview 22:02 Chicago Marathon Weather & world record talk 30:07 Conner Mantz American Record Discussion 36:02 2:03 for Mantz? 38:15 Rojo's realism 43:49 Galen Rupp's Current Form 6:21 Galen Rupp's Olympic Prospects 49:06 Other notable Americans 56:15 Women's Race: Ruth Chepngetich not back to defend her WR 01:01:18 Ejgayehu Taye debut 01:04:21 Looking back at USA only getting 1 distance medal at Worlds 01:12:51 Greatest American Distance Runner Debate *64 runner bracket 01:30:18 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts *64 runner American GOAT bracket Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/7c8fdad2-b3d4-425c-8954-c994dca0355d

    1h 31m
  7. From Hocker to Mu: The Shocks & Surprises of 2025 & What Comes Next

    1 OCT

    From Hocker to Mu: The Shocks & Surprises of 2025 & What Comes Next

    Jon is back from Japan. Which World Champ did he bump into near Kyoto? The crew breaks down a crazy 2025 track and field season. What were the biggest shocks and surprises? What does the future hold? Become a Letsrun.com VIP to get our 2nd podcast every week Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe The Chicago Marathon is next week and so is Athlos and NCAA XC (Jane Hedengren's debut) and USA XC (World XC qualifier) are fast approaching. What are we most excited about? And what about the latest Kenyan doping scandal. Show notes: 00:00 Meeting a World Champion in Japan 01:35 Welcome to the Let's Run Podcast 02:39 Podcast Team Reunion 04:48 Rojo & Jon's living situation 09:56 Analyzing the 2025 Track Surprises 10:15 The biggest surprise of 2025 was... 12:03 Cole Hocker's 5000 16:57 Brazier 19:04 Josh Hoey 22:37 African men won no track titles 1500-10k 28:12 Jon Gault audio on Cole Hocker 32:31 Athing Mu's year 37:43 Guess how many Olympic champs repeated in Tokyo 41:42 Grant Fisher 45:46 Grand Slam Track 49:45 Jimmy Gressier 51:29 Sydney was Sydney 54:18 Michael Norman, Emmanuel Korir 56:54 Upcoming Marathons and Expectations 01:00:50 What are you most excited about for the fall.. 01:05:51 US Cross Country Championships 01:13:50 The #1 ranked US 800 and 1500m runner are... 01:18:44 World Ultimate Championships in 2026 01:24:28 Kenyan Doping scandal with bus conductor 01:29:58 Chicago & Athlos next week Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/8c8c6413-b775-4a2d-b77c-c12466b375c8

    1h 32m
  8. Chaos & Order: 2025 Worlds Championships One Final Look

    27 SEPT

    Chaos & Order: 2025 Worlds Championships One Final Look

    Cole Hocker got gold, just not the one you expected. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was Sydney, Rai was Rai (half the time) and so was Noah Lyles? Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Niels Laros came up short and Geordie Beamish shocked the world while Melissa Jefferson Wooden is your new superstar. We break it all down and have some Need a better sleep? AGZ is a nighttime, melatonin free drink designed to support restful, restorative, sleep. Go to DrinkAG1.com here for more info. Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club for 50% off 1st year with code GOAT 50 Join today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Show notes below links. Links Thread of Week: Wanyonyi, Nader, Beamish, Hocker. 2025 World Championships; A Kicker’s Paradise? From 1987 to 2022, African born men won 64 straight world finals between 1500 and 10,000. They won 0/4 this year. Why Sage Hurta Klecker 1:55.89 Biggest disappointment of World Champs Biggest winner of Worlds Biggest shock of World Champs What do Griffith Joyner, Koch, Kratochvílová, Wang, Joyner-Kersee have in common? What's up with Geordie Beamish? No races since June 17th. Is he hurt again? Show notes: 00:00 AGZ - The nighttime melatonin free drink for restorative sleep (Sponsored) 00:19 NBC audio of Cole Hocker 00:58 Start 03:35 Big Picture Reflections on World Championships 06:59 Biggest Winners and Losers 11:30 Championship races are very different 17:14 Western dominance in men's distance running? 23:35 American runners "on drugs" 28:08 Nikki Hiltz 5th 30:26 Sage Hurta-Klecker 5th 38:11 Men's 1500 Meters Discussion 38:43 Laros & Jakob 45:03 Voicemail on pacing 48:18 Amazing thread on Cole Hocker's, Isaac Nader's and Geordie Beamish's kicks 53:04 Josh Kerr's Injury and Praise for Jake Weightman 56:05 Fake Josh Kerr audio 58:45 Jake MF Weightman 01:00:04 2028 01:05:18 What if Donavan Brazier... 01:08:58 What if Beatrice Chebet... 01:10:50 MVP... 01:14:48 DQs need to settled quickly 01:15:38 Rai Benjamin's late night before 4x4 final 01:21:30 Hottest take.. Noah Lyles will... 01:24:51 Remembering Magic Monday 01:28:59 Supporters Club Josh Kerr audio Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/9902e2c7-8efa-4875-aa3f-87c671207466

    1h 29m

About

LetsRun.com's weekly podcast where we go behind the scenes of the professional running, marathoning, and track and field world. If you want a second podcast every week join out Supporters Club https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

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