Episode 68: Meet The Man Responsible For The Greatest Marathon Field We’ve Ever Seen

Welcome to a truly jam-packed episode of Marathon Talk this week, where we bring you all of the news from a thrilling weekend of racing at the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America. From John Korir’s incredible comeback after a shocking start-line tumble to Sharon Lokedi’s course record.

We then head across the Atlantic to a preview of this weekend’s TCS London Marathon, featuring an insane elite field that includes Eliud Kipchoge, Sifan Hassan and a potential world record showdown.

Plus we have an exclusive interview with Spencer Barden, Head of Elite Athletes at London Marathon Events, the mastermind behind assembling these marathon stars.

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In this episode of Marathon Talk:
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0:00 - Martin and Deena share their personal running updates including spring weather, stargazing and hill-training

4:31 - Boston Marathon Review: We discuss the unique features of Boston such as the finish line area, pop-up shops and competitive nature.

11:21 - Men’s Race Highlights including John Korir’s first Boston win.

13:03 - Women’s Race Highlights including Sharon Lokedi’s course record.

17:56 - Martin and Deena discuss the excitement surrounding the TCS London Marathon, including the star-studded fields.

24:53 - Spencer Barden: We meet the man responsible for the greatest marathon field we’ve ever seen, Head of Elite Athletes at London Marathon Events.

49:45 - Our notes from the community this week include a review of Boston race times, a prize for a lucky listener and another opportunity to be a winner!

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Episode highlights

“It is great to finally get outside and feel the sun on your shoulders as you’re putting in the miles. It’s just so much easier with these lighter days to get out and enjoy the weather” - 1:13 - Deena Kastor

“John Korir actually had a bit of a nightmare in the first 25 metres because he fell over - he hit the deck. Then he ran the second fastest time in the race’s 129 year history.” - 12:50 - Martin Yelling

“There were 1594 Six Star finishes, 29 of them completing their journey for a repeat time.” - 17:18 - Martin Yelling

“If you’re battling an injury, make that be a call to you that your body is out of balance, and do what it’s going to take to maintain the health, because we want you in this sport forever, not just for your next race.” - 23:54 - Deena Kastor

“Four women in the field own marathon personal bests under 2:17, and we’re looking at potentially going for a 2:16:16 world record pace.” - 34:20 - Spencer Barden

“Two plus years ago, I had that conversation with [Jacob Kiplimo’s] manager and I said “Well, if and when he debuts, it must be in London” and we agreed it on a handshake.” - 41:36 - Spencer Barden

“You want a competitive race, you want an exciting race - right down to the last few hundred meters, last kilometer. That’s what makes it great.” - 45:56 - Spencer Barden