The Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert is among the toughest feats any runner can achieve, and fresh from a Top 50 finish is the remarkable Chris Slater.

It’s a privilege and a pleasure to speak with him on this week’s Marathon Talk - his recovery from addiction has led him on an endurance running journey from which we can’t help but be inspired.

Elsewhere in the show, we put the spotlight on Russ Cook for his next adventure, track & field taking centre stage at the next Olympics, and a curious new dating-running series…

In this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 0:00 - Kicking things off, Martin and Deena round up their fortnight watching the riveting US Olympic trials, and how they’ve been exploring different running formats

• 12:00 - All the latest in the running world sees a new challenge for the Hardest Geezer Russ Cook, track & field taking top billing in L.A, and a new, faster way to go dating…

• 23:45 - Chris Slater is our incredible guest this week, with not only an inspirational story overcoming addiction, but in doing so he’s an 81 time marathon finisher and is fresh from a remarkable 250km Marathon Des Sables

Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Abbott World Marathon Majors, who create, build and support opportunities for all to discover the power of the marathon community. Learn more at https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/

https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/

Martin Yelling: https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/

Deena Kastor: https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/

Chris Slater: https://www.instagram.com/chrisslaterrr/

The AbbottWMM MTT Age Group World Championships are nearly upon us - are you ready for the blazing fast field lining up in Sydney?

This week’s Marathon Talk is your chance to put that to the test, as Danny Coyle returns to the podcast as quizmaster, bringing us the stellar stats for those toeing the line in September.

Elsewhere in the running world, we bring you the latest from a record-setting NCAA Championships, the rapid racing we saw in Rome last week, and why Boston’s ‘Spike’ is getting a makeover…

In this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 0:00 - Martin & Deena kick off with each others’ chaotic camping stories, and the latest on Martin’s road to recovery

• 10:35 - We round up this week’s news, from a historical NCAA win for Louis Hinchcliffe, the scintillating performances from the European Championships, and Boston’s mascot makeover

• 21:30 - The stats team at Abbott World Marathon Majors has pulled some remarkable facts to prepare you for this year’s Age Group World Championships lineup, and Danny Coyle joins us for a play-along pub quiz spotlighting some of the most incredible performers to toe the line in Sydney

Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Abbott World Marathon Majors, who create, build and support opportunities for all to discover the power of the marathon community. Learn more at https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/

When LA saw the first ever Olympic women’s marathon champion, it was none other than this week’s Marathon Talk guest who crossed the line first - Joan Benoit Samuelson.

An icon in the sport and Deena’s greatest mentor, she joins us on the podcast this week to share her remarkable relationship with the sport, and the power of storytelling within it.

Elsewhere in the show, the Diamond League gives us record-breaking runs and a tantalising preview of Paris, while Training Talk is all about refinding your speed this summer!

In this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 0:00 - Martin & Deena return to share their holiday weekend escapades, riding adventures, and how Martin is ‘irritating George Clooney’

• 5:15 - In the news this week, we recap the Diamond League’s biggest stories, from the new Women’s 10,000m record to the Kerr vs Ingebrigtsen tussle, and how it all points towards an unmissable Paris 2024

• 20:45 - Training Talk is timely as ever this week, with a look over how to redefine your legs over the summer break, and refinding your pace as a way to prepare for the marathon season ahead

• 27:35 - The indomitable Joan Benoit Samuelson is our very special guest as we chat to her about the camaraderie en route to becoming 1984’s Olympic Champion, Joan’s love for storytelling in the sport, and her journey to achieving her 6th Star - plus so much more!

Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Abbott World Marathon Majors, who create, build and support opportunities for all to discover the power of the marathon community. Learn more at https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/