Marathon Handbook Podcast

• 2025 Running Year in Review (Part 1): Records, Rivalries & Scandals

  In Part 1 of our 2025 Year in Review, the Marathon Handbook team breaks down the biggest storylines from January through July. We open with Conner Mantz’s American record in Houston (01:30), then move into February’s world-record spree — from Yared Nuguse’s indoor mile to Jacob Kiplimo’s 56:42 half marathon (10:10). We relive the March Tokyo Marathon (11:40), then the Boston–London doubleheader in April, including John Korir’s dramatic win (16:00) and the Obiri–Lokedi showdown (17:30). We examine whether the marathon majors have grown too big (26:30) before heading into the mountains for a brutal no-finisher Barkley year (30:00). June brings Nike’s Breaking4 experiment with Faith Kipyegon (34:40), followed by her 1500m world record rebound (42:00) and Beatrice Chebet’s stunning sub-14 5K (49:00). We wrap with Western States, UTMB (53:00), and July’s devastating revelation: Ruth Chepngetich’s doping ban and its implications for the sport (1:00:00). Part 2 (Aug–Dec 2025) arrives next week.Part 2 (August–December) drops next week!This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: ⁠livemomentous.com Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at [email protected]. Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcastInstagram: @marathon.handbookFacebook: @marathonhandbookJoin 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter  Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.  Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.

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• Why Is the Valencia Marathon So Fast? + A Full Race Recap

  In this episode, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth deliver an almost-instant reaction to the 2025 Valencia Marathon, starting with Jessy’s on-the-ground report of the city’s electric atmosphere and why this race has become the destination for fast times (00:09). They break down the course, weather, and astounding depth that led to more than 5,500 sub-3 finishes (08:46). The team dives into John Korir’s dramatic mid-race drop followed by a massive surge that secured him the win (14:24), plus a wave of national records (33:27). Then they power-rank the men’s marathon stars of 2025 and debate whether anyone alive can break two hours (22:15). The women’s race delivered fireworks too, with Jocelyn Jepkosgei outdueling Olympic champ Perez Jepchirchir in a dominant course-record run (42:02). They also cover American performances (48:19), Melinda Elmore’s astonishing age-graded result (50:32), and whether Valencia should become a World Marathon Major (54:26). A packed episode from a wild race weekend.This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo’s KICKR RUN – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order.📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at [email protected].🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.#ValenciaMarathon #MarathonHandbook #RunningPodcast #MarathonNews #EliteRunning #RoadRacing

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• The Biggest Running Shoe Trends Coming in 2026

  Today on the Marathon Handbook Podcast, we take you inside The Running Event for a deep dive into the future of running shoes. From the exploding gravel category to major durability upgrades, next-gen super trainers, and adidas’ secret prototypes, we break down which brands are innovating — and which ones might be falling behind. This is the most detailed look yet at the shoes shaping 2026 and beyond.This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo’s KICKR RUN – go to ⁠https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order!And by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: ⁠livemomentous.com📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at [email protected].🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.#RunningShoes #2026Trends #SuperShoes #MarathonHandbook #TheRunningEvent #TRE2024 #RunningGear #TrailRunning #RoadRunning #RunningPodcast

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• The Best Running Shoes of 2025: Our Official Winners & Big Surprises

  In this episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, the team reveals the Best Running Shoes of 2025, breaking down every major category—from Best New Shoe (32:35) to Best Daily Trainer (42:55), Best Stability Shoe (48:40), Best Super Trainer (54:15), the hotly debated Super Shoe of the Year (1:12:25), Most Innovative Shoe (1:28:05), Best Lineup (1:32:05), and finally the official 2025 Shoe of the Year (1:40:00). We kick things off with a fun “What Shoe Brand Are You?” debate (00:48) and a detailed listener question about achieving a sub-4 marathon at CIM (6:50). We share race-week stories from Philadelphia (24:40), dive into tech trends shaping next year’s shoes, and preview what we expect to see at TRE in San Antonio (1:49:00). A packed episode for shoe geeks, racers, and everyday runners alike.This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo’s KICKR RUN – go to ⁠https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get 25% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY, plus a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order!📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at [email protected].🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 270,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.#RunningShoes #MarathonTraining #SuperShoes #RunningPodcast #Marathon #2025RunningShoes #ShoeReview #running

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• BONUS EPISODE: What’s the Best American Marathon That Isn’t a Major? Philly Makes Its Case

  This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo’s KICKR RUN – go to ⁠https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get 25% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY, plus a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order!In this episode, Michael Doyle and Alex Cyr tackle a big question: What is the best American marathon that isn’t a World Marathon Major? Using their Philadelphia Marathon Weekend experience as a catalyst, they break down the traits of a true “Great American Marathon,” from elite-friendly course design (03:48) to race-day logistics (18:35), spectator experience (15:10), and city identity (41:00). They compare Philly to other top contenders such as CIM, Grandma’s, Houston, and Twin Cities (22:00), while also examining how mid-sized races often outperform majors in value, execution, and overall runner experience. If you’re choosing your next big marathon, this deep dive is required listening.📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at [email protected].🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.#MarathonRunning #PhiladelphiaMarathon #GreatAmericanMarathon #RunningPodcast #RoadRacing #MarathonTraining #CIM #GrandmasMarathon #HoustonMarathon

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