“As much as I wanted to win – what I really was after, what really drove me was finding out how good I could be. And it turns out I did. I found out how good I could be. I had a four or five-year stretch where seventh place in Boston was as good as I could be and 2:09:02 and 2:08:52 – right in that range was as fast as I could run. So, I found out. And it wasn’t good enough to win a major, but it was fun. It was a lot of fun to find out.”
My guest on today's episode is a close friend of CITIUS MAG and for the better part of a decade, one of the most respected, most relatable marathoners in the United States: Scott Fauble. He's here with us for a big announcement after years of doing things his way and doing them well. Scott is officially retiring from professional running.
If you've followed American marathoning at any point over the last seven or eight years, you know that Scott wasn't just good; he was consistently, relentlessly, unapologetically confident. Boston became his stage. He was top American in 2019, 2022, and 2023, each time dipping under 2:10 back when that wasn't happening all that often. He even beat Conner Mantz in Boston before Conner became the star that we know now.
If Scott had spent the last few years chasing flat fast courses like Chicago or London, his PR probably would live somewhere in the 2:07s. But that was never the point. You could hear it in past interviews that we've done with him. Scott built his career with a chip on his shoulder and gave American fans something real to root for at these major marathons. His toughness, his honesty, and the way he kept leveling up made you believe in the power of hard work.
In this episode, we look back on his career, unpack what happened over the last few years, and talk about what it means to move on and move forward from the sport that shaped him.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Scott Fauble | @sfaubs on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.
Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia are back at it to preview the USATF Cross Country Championships in Portland this Saturday as well as the Valencia Marathon on Sunday. They also unpack the L.A. 2028 Olympics schedule, dive into some of the updates surrounding Grand Slam Track's financial situation, and lots more.
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Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Preet Majithia | @preet_athletics on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.
“I've been thinking about it for a while… It was pretty apparent. I think because I'm very happy with how my career went, it made the decision easy. Realizing that I'm not in the mix for making teams anymore, I didn't want to keep running just to try to make USAs year in, year out. I felt good about everything and it felt like the right time.”
Evan Jager, a two-time Olympian for Team USA, is ending his professional track career at the age of 36. Jager is the most decorated U.S. steeplechaser in history, winning Olympic bronze in 2016 and World silver in 2017 along with seven straight national titles from 2012 to 2018. Jager’s 8:00.45 personal best, set in 2015, is the American record and he owns nine of the ten fastest marks on the U.S. all-time list. After years of injuries, Jager was able to make one last World team in 2022 and finished fourth at last year’s Olympic Trials. Jager discussed his long, storied career in an Exit Interview with Chris Chavez.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Evan Jager | @evanjager on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
The 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships delivered on the hype! Isaac Wood and Paul Hof-Mahoney recap all the biggest takeaways from an action-packed morning in Columbia, Missouri, including:
- Women’s individual champion: Defending champion Doris Lemngole puts her championship experience to use, running 18:25.4 to win over Jane Hedengren’s 18:38.9.
- Men’s individual champion: New Mexico’s Habtom Samuel runs 28:33.9 to finally get his individual cross country victory after finishing runner-up last year.
- Women’s team champion: Hannah Gapes and Grace Hartman’s 5th and 6th place finishes lead NC State to the team win with 114 points over BYU’s 130 points.
- Men’s team champion: OSU redeems themselves from last year’s 7th place showing to finish with 57 points ahead of New Mexico’s 82 points.
+ Reactions and analysis on the biggest surprises and most exciting moments, including Syracuse finishing 4th, Hilda Olemomoi peaking at just the right time, and lots more.
“You get these really unique matchups that you probably wouldn’t get in the lead-up to a championship, but you can in a lead-up to Millrose because people are looking to race and have some fun.” - Grant Fisher
Buckle up because one of the greatest indoor matchups that we've ever seen is officially coming back to the Armory. Today's episode is all about a rematch that we already have to look forward to in 2026. Cole Hocker and Grant Fisher are stepping back onto that 200m track at the Armory for the 2026 Millrose Games. This time, for a 2-mile showdown.
Last year, these two didn't just race over 3000m; they absolutely rewrote the history books. Grant Fisher dropped a world record of 7:22 and Cole Hawker was right behind him in 7:23. Both men went under the previous world record. Both men ran absolutely fearlessly. It set them up very well for strong 2025 outdoor campaigns.
Now as we fast forward into 2026, Cole Hocker is heading into the new year as the Olympic champion in the 1500m and the reigning world champion at 5000m. Fisher is a double bronze medalist who spent all of 2025 sharpening one of the best closing kicks in the world. And instead of running back the same event at 3K, they're leveling up this time with the 2-mile and the perfect opportunity for these two to test their limits again.
What makes this rivalry so electric is that they meet right in the middle of who they are as athletes. Cole Hocker, the swaggering closer who showed that he's unafraid to surge early and Grant Fisher, the diesel engine who can drag any field through at record-setting pace and then still have a gear at the bell. When these two collide, you don't just get a race; you get a moment. Millrose specializes in moments. Get your tickets today at Millrosegames.org
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guests: Cole Hocker | @colehocker on Instagram & Grant Fisher | @grantfisher_ on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
Chris Chavez and Isaac Wood preview the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships set to take place in Columbia, Missouri this weekend.
- The NCAA Cross Country Championships are Isaac’s Super Bowl
- Key Regional performances and takeaways
- The Case For and Against NC State, BYU, Florida, New Mexico, Notre Dame and Oregon on the women’s side
- The Case For and Against Oklahoma State, Iowa State, New Mexico, Syracuse, Virginia and Oregon on the men’s side
- Is this Jane Hedengren’s title to lose?
- Can Habtom Samuel finally pull off the win?
- Who will be the top American and top freshman on the men’s side?
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Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Isaac Wood | @isaacew on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
“My biggest thing has been remembering that I’m not Dathan, I’m not Kelsey, but that’s why I was hired. The three of us all have very different experiences, we bring different things to the table, and we’re just hoping to give the athletes this well-roundedness in support and resources... That’s the really cool part about what OAC is doing. We’re trying to help this next wave of incredible athletes maximize what they’re capable of and it’s okay that we all do that differently.”
My guest for today's episode is Laura Thweatt, the former professional marathoner who has now stepped into an assistant coach role and is helping oversee the roads team with the On Athletics Club. For 13 years, Laura was a steady coaching presence for high school runners in Boulde and now she's made the jump to guide the likes of 2025 New York City Marathon champion Hellen Obiri and has also helped Joe Klecker navigate the transition from the track to 26.2.
Laura is someone who understands the emotional and psychological side of performance. The OAC has seen quite a bit of success in its first five years as a team and as the sport is in one of the most competitive eras ever. Laura is now the connective tissue between the original core of the team and the next generation stepping onto the roads. She talks about how she's built that trust with the athletes, fostered the culture, and developed her own coaching philosophy and style.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Laura Thweatt | @lthweatt on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
“I had worked too damn hard to get back to the line to just accept defeat and sit there and not even finish the race. I didn’t even have to think about it. I just got straight back into it… I think it was a bit of a blessing in disguise since I didn’t know what my fitness was like coming in. I thought it was decent, but this was almost an extra test of, ‘Can you fall in the last lap and still make the final? Then alright, you must be pretty fit!’ I tried to take it in a positive light. To be able to do that as comfortably as I did meant that I was in a good spot.”
My guest for today's episode is George Beamish, the 2025 world champion in the men's 3000m steeplechase. If you somehow missed it, go back and watch that last lap in Tokyo. It was one for the ages. George was 11th with 400m to go, behind the world record holder and the reigning four-time global champion, but this is textbook George we're talking about. The guy who has made a career out of chaos and closing speed in those final stages of the race.
In this episode, he'll put you in his shoes for the final lap and how he flipped the story of that race on its head. He stopped the clock in 8:33, the slowest winning time for the steeplechase at a global championship since 1968 and somehow one of the most electric finishes that you'll ever see.
For New Zealand, it was their first gold in a track event at Worlds in a long time. For Beamish, it was validation after years of injuries and disappointments at global championships and that with a little bit of belief, he'd still be able to prove his best. Today we talk about that race and the season as a whole.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: George Beamish | @georgebeamish on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
“Sometimes you have these workouts on paper that look pretty intimidating. To be able to get them done and feel strong towards the end of them is always an exciting feeling. Obviously you don’t always nail it, but doing things that maybe you haven’t done before or that you’re not quite sure if you can do is always exciting.”
My guest for today's episode is Fiona O'Keefe: the reigning U.S. Olympic Trials champion and now the fastest American woman ever on the New York City Marathon course. She's also someone who's showing us what it looks like to grow, stumble, and come back stronger.
In 2024, Fiona burst onto the scene in Orlando with a 2:22:12 performance, the fastest debut marathon in American history. But after the high of that performance came the hardest stretch of her career: an injury that forced her to drop out of the Olympic marathon in Paris after just one mile.
It could have been a moment that derailed everything. Instead, it became a lesson that shaped her next chapter. She took her time and returned to the marathon in New York to prove that patience pays off, running 2:22:49 and finishing 4th against one of the deepest fields in race history.
She beat the Olympic champion, hung tough with some of the present legends in the marathon, and reminded everyone why she's built for this distance. We talk about what it means to find herself after the Olympic heartbreak and why she really feels at home in the marathon distance. Fiona O'Keefe announced herself as America's next marathon star in Orlando and reminded people that she's at a high level again in New York.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Fiona O’Keeffe | @fiona_okeeffe on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
“I've heard over and over that you have to respect the distance. I kind of understood that, but you need to experience it to have respect for it and the emotional waves that you go through during it. I had heard that and it made sense to me, but the true understanding of that hit later. That was humbling a little bit. It’s not an easy race. You can't fake a marathon.”
My guest for today's episode is Kylie Mantz. If that name sounds familiar, yes, she is the wife of CITIUS MAG Podcast regular and U.S. marathon record holder Conner Mantz. But beyond that, Kylie is coming off a year in which she walked on to BYU's track team and can call herself a marathoner now after making her debut just a couple days ago with a strong 2:43 victory at the Two Cities Marathon in Fresno, California.
Kylie didn't run much in high school. In fact, she only started running consistently in the last two years or so. At first, it was just to understand her husband's world and then because she realized that she could belong in it. Fast forward to this year and she's raced in a BYU singlet, trained under coach Diljeet Taylor, and ran 34:57 for 10,000m on the track. Then after that, she's taken super well to the roads all while wrapping up her degree in elementary education.
What I love about this conversation is that her path is unconventional and refreshingly honest. She learned the sport from scratch with the occasional lessons from Conner and then found the confidence and spark to chase the U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier in the marathon. That's 2:37. She's proving that it's never too late to start and to dream big.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guests: Kylie Mantz | @kyliehmantz on Instagram + Conner Mantz | @connermantz on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
The 54th New York City Marathon is in the books, and what a race it was. Nearly 60,000 runners took to the streets of the Big Apple, and near-perfect weather conditions meant that times were fast and racing was fierce.
We got to witness both historically-fast and historically-close races, as three women broke the 22-year-old course record and the men’s race was decided by a photo finish, the smallest margin in the race’s history. Hellen Obiri is now a two-time champ—winning first in 2023 and again in 2025—and Benson Kipruto claimed his fourth World Marathon Major title by mere inches.
For the second time this year, Hellen Obiri and Sharon Lokedi claimed the top two spots on a World Marathon Major podium. In April, Lokedi held off Obiri to claim her first Boston Marathon title as both shattered the course record. Once again, Obiri and Lokedi (plus third-placer Sheila Chepkirui, the 2024 champ) worked together to run the fastest time in New York history. Only this time, Obiri turned the tables on her rival with a blistering final 800 meters and a 2:19:51 victory.
For those watching along on the CITIUS MAG YouTube broadcast, Chris Chavez came very close to ending up on “Old Takes Exposed.” With about half a mile to go in the men’s race, he called Benson Kipruto as the race winner. Kipruto, the Paris bronze medalist and a three-time World Marathon Major winner, had survived the whittling down of the lead pack over the second half and found himself in the driver’s seat in Central Park, putting the hurt on 2024 London champ Alexander Mutiso Munyao.
There was only one problem: with 200 meters left in the race, Mutiso found one last gear and began to reel Kipruto back in. Kipruto was focused on navigating the slight uphill finish of New York’s and only realized Mutiso was so close in the final steps, turning on one last burst of speed to stay ahead of his challenger. It was a true photo finish, as 0.3 seconds separated the duo and both men were credited with a time of 2:08:09.
You can find our full NYC Marathon recap here.
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Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Preet Majithia | @preet_athletics on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Crisp Apple started as a holiday special, but people went absolutely wild for it. You begged, Olipop listened, and now it's officially part of the family. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.
“[The marathon] rewards people that are patient, consistent, and build up strength. I’ve got a good engine, so late in the race I feel like my cardio holds up very well. As long as the body holds up, it’s going to be a good day!”
My guest for today’s episode is Joel Reichow, who could be viewed as a surprise story of the New York City Marathon and the top American finisher in 2025.
In a race packed with Olympians and pros backed by some of the biggest brands in running, Joel — a 32-year-old unsponsored athlete from Minnesota — ran the best race of his life, clocking 2:09:56 to finish sixth overall and claim top American honors.
At 24 miles, he was still in 12th and starting to get a bit tired. Then he saw the front starting to come back and ripped a 4:45 mile to catch them. He held strong through Central Park and won out for the U.S. honors over the likes of Charles Hicks and Joe Klecker.
Joel’s marathon journey hasn’t been flashy. He ran for South Dakota State under Rod DeHaven, grinded through years on the roads, and is working at a running store while chasing marathon miles.
Patience paid off, and finally, he put it all together on one perfect day in New York.
We talk about what it takes to break through, how he’s supporting the dream and his recollection of Sunday’s race. Joel may have come into New York as a name few knew but now he’s certainly on most people’s radars.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Joel Reichow | @joelreichow on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Crisp Apple started as a holiday special, but people went absolutely wild for it. You begged, Olipop listened, and now it's officially part of the family. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.
The 54th running of the New York City Marathon is shaping up to be a great one. The women’s race features four of the most exciting road racers on the scene today, all duking it out for claim to the title of world’s top active marathoner. The high-quality men’s field looks wide open, and the masters battle between two of the sport’s GOATs is sure to keep things interesting. And you can always count on the million-plus spectators lining the streets of all five boroughs to bring unmatched energy to the race.
With a forecast calling for pretty ideal conditions—low-40º temps at the start, a high that shouldn’t exceed the mid-50s, and gentle breezes—the weather shouldn’t slow things down too much; that’s a job for the notoriously challenging course.
Not counting the Sydney Marathon, which only joined the World Marathon Major ranks this August, New York City boasts the slowest course records of all WMMs. (The men’s record of 2:04:58 was run by Tamirat Tola in 2023, and Margaret Okayo set the women’s mark of 2:22:31 way back in 2003.) If the other non-Boston WMMs have a tendency to become time-trial-like races of pure attrition, NYC is more often a tactical affair, albeit one with plenty of bridge-induced attrition!
HOW TO WATCH: The professional women’s field is scheduled to start at 8:35am ET, with the men following at 9:05am. From there, the civilian fields will get underway on a rolling basis, beginning at 9:10am.
Coverage of the race will begin a bit earlier, at 8:00am, and will conclude at 11:30am. You can tune in via New York’s ABC 7 if you’re local, or ESPN2 if you’re not in the Tri-State area. Additionally, ABC7NY.com will stream live from the finish line from 10:30am until 6:00pm, should you want to watch a particular athlete cross it.
The HOKA Flagship store will host CITIUS MAG’s coverage of the elite races. Join Chris Chavez, Eric Jenkins, and Aisha Praught Leer as they bring you their commentary, analysis, and humor on our LIVE watchalong on Sunday morning.
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Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Eric Jenkins | @_ericjenkins on Instagram + Aisha Praught Leer | @aishapraughtleer on Instagram
Produced by: Mac Fleet | @macfleet on Instagram + Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
HOKA: CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with HOKA for another year of programming out of the HOKA flagship store at 579 5th Avenue, including: giveaways of commemorative HOKA x NYC 2025 merchandise including shirts, tote bags, and more; an easy run with Sofar Sounds + secret concert experience, tonight at 6:00pm; and opportunities to test and shop the HOKA Mach X 3 and the Rocket X 3. HOKA will also have a hub at the marathon expo. Plus, the HOKA Flagship store will host CITIUS MAG’s coverage of the elite races. Register or get more details for all of the events here.
Hillary Bor will be making his marathon debut in Sunday's New York City Marathon. He is taking great confidence from a healthy training block and a runner-up finish at the US 20K Championships, where he ran 56:32 for No. 2 on the U.S. all-time list. He stopped by the HOKA Flagship Store on 5th Avenue in New York City to discuss his preparation for the race.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Hillary Bor | @bor.hillary on Instagram
Produced by: Mac Fleet | @macfleet on Instagram + Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
HOKA: CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with HOKA for another year of programming out of the HOKA flagship store at 579 5th Avenue, including: giveaways of commemorative HOKA x NYC 2025 merchandise including shirts, tote bags, and more; an easy run with Sofar Sounds + secret concert experience, tonight at 6:00pm; and opportunities to test and shop the HOKA Mach X 3 and the Rocket X 3. HOKA will also have a hub at the marathon expo. Plus, the HOKA Flagship store will host CITIUS MAG’s coverage of the elite races. Register or get more details for all of the events here.
Jessica Warner Judd suffered a tonic clonic seizure at the European track and field championships in 2024 and stuggled with symptoms in early 2025. She decided to leave the track to focus on making her marathon debut in New York City. She stopped by the HOKA Flagship Store on 5th Avenue to discuss her preparations for the race.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Jessica Warner Judd | @jesswarnerjuddxx on Instagram
Produced by: Mac Fleet | @macfleet on Instagram + Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
HOKA: CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with HOKA for another year of programming out of the HOKA flagship store at 579 5th Avenue, including: giveaways of commemorative HOKA x NYC 2025 merchandise including shirts, tote bags, and more; an easy run with Sofar Sounds + secret concert experience, tonight at 6:00pm; and opportunities to test and shop the HOKA Mach X 3 and the Rocket X 3. HOKA will also have a hub at the marathon expo. Plus, the HOKA Flagship store will host CITIUS MAG’s coverage of the elite races. Register or get more details for all of the events here.
Patrick Sang — the coach behind Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon and many other Kenyan stars — reflects on humility, intuition, and the unseen architecture of greatness from more than two decades of coaching. In this wide-ranging interview that we recorded from the NN Running Team Pop Up in New York City (15 E 40th Street), Sang discusses his role as a coach, teacher, mentor, and friend to some of the best in the world, the lessons on longevity and how he’s taking great inspiration from Kipchoge’s career to foster in Faith Kipyegon’s future success on the roads.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Patrick Sang
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
HOKA: CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with HOKA for another year of programming out of the HOKA flagship store at 579 5th Avenue, including: giveaways of commemorative HOKA x NYC 2025 merchandise including shirts, tote bags, and more; an easy run with Sofar Sounds + secret concert experience, tonight at 6:00pm; and opportunities to test and shop the HOKA Mach X 3 and the Rocket X 3. HOKA will also have a hub at the marathon expo. Plus, the HOKA Flagship store will host CITIUS MAG’s coverage of the elite races. Register or get more details for all of the events here.
New York City gears up for its biggest day of the year — the 2025 NYC Marathon. The race is as tough and electric as the city itself, and this year’s field is stacked.
Men’s Preview:
- Abdi Nageeye defends his title.
- Legends Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele aim for one last battle.
- Rising U.S. stars Biya Simbassa, Joe Klecker, and Hillary Bor chase world-class competition.
Women's Preview:
- Olympic champ Sifan Hassan has stolen the show as the headliner
- Past NYC winners Sharon Lokedi, Sheila Chepkirui, and Helen Obiri return.
- Fiona O’Keefe (first race since Trials win), Emily Sisson, and Molly Seidel add U.S. firepower.
Where to watch:
- National TV coverage: ESPN2, 8 AM ET.
- Live commentary and analysis from the CITIUS MAG YouTube channel at the same time, live from the HOKA Flagship Store on 5th Ave.
Also on today's show:
- The World Treadmill Championships are real — and happening in 2026.
- Iowa State XC athletes suspended for team rule violations?
- Jakob Ingebrigtsen gets his tonsils out and now wants three world records.
- Andreas Almgren has quietly pieced together one of Europe’s best distance seasons in history.
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Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Preet Majithia | @preet_athletics on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Crisp Apple started as a holiday special, but people went absolutely wild for it. You begged, Olipop listened, and now it's officially part of the family. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.
“My big mantra for the whole weekend is to just execute. Just do what we’ve done in practice and this is going to work. I haven’t thought about kicking into the park or anything like that because that’s going to take care of itself if I execute mile 22. And if I execute mile 21, that’s going to make mile 22 better. Just working from the start, if I execute each bottle station and each section of the course, I think it’s going to be very positive."
My guest for today’s episode is Joe Klecker — a 2020 Olympian and a U.S. 10,000-meter champion on the track. But this year marks something new. After an adductor injury forced him out of the Olympic Trials and cost him a shot at Paris, Klecker is stepping into the next phase of his career — the roads. We chronicled much of this transition last winter when we produced a mini-documentary series on Klecker facing off against Conner Mantz and Clayton Young in January.
In January, he ran his first half-marathon in Houston and ran 1:01:06. By spring, he was grinding through the U.S. road circuit with races in Atlanta, D.C., Boulder and learning what it takes to trade spikes for super shoes. And now, he’s taking on the biggest debut of all: the New York City Marathon.
In this episode, we talk about that transition, the process of learning the roads in a very public way and how he’s dialed in a plan for a successful day in New York. Without further ado, here is Joe Klecker.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Joe Klecker | @joe_klecker on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Crisp Apple started as a holiday special, but people went absolutely wild for it. You begged, Olipop listened, and now it's officially part of the family. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.
“When I crossed that finish line and ripped my shirt off, I was like, ‘Yeah!’ That was one of my best moments… It was a dream come true, something that I’ve been wanting for years. I’ve dreamt about that moment and I finally got that moment!”
Our guest today is Oblique Seville — the new 100-meter world champion and the man who brought Jamaica back to the top of men’s sprinting. On a humid night in Tokyo in September, Seville ran 9.77 to win his first global title, the fastest championship final in six years, and the first for a Jamaican man since Usain Bolt. It was a performance years in the making and the fulfillment of potential we’d seen flashes of since he was 21 and running 9.86 for fourth place at the World Championships.
In past championships, it was always something — an injury here, a tight groin there, or a perfect semifinal that came one race too soon. But this year was different with two big Diamond League wins, a healthy buildup and a conviction that his time had come. He said in the mixed zone: ‘This is my year. I’m going to take this moment and no one is going to take it away from me.’
In this episode, we talk about how he finally made it happen — the lessons learned from setbacks, the mentorship of coach Glen Mills, and what it means to carry Jamaica’s legacy forward after Bolt.
Oblique Seville isn’t loud, and he doesn’t need to be. His running does all the talking. Without further ado, please welcome – the world’s fastest man.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Oblique Seville | @obliqueseville on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
Marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich has been banned for three years by the AIU following her admission to an Anti-Doping Rule Violation regarding the presence and use of Hydrochlorothiazide, a banned diuretic and masking agent in doping. The announcement from the AIU was made public on Thursday morning.
Chepngetich broke the women's marathon world record in 2:09:56 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. She is the 2019 World Champion and three-time winner of the Chicago Marathon.
The AIU shared that Chepngetich was tested 15 times out of competition and four times in competition in 2024. After she broke the world record, the AIU tested her more as she prepared to race the 2025 London Marathon. Chepngetich struggled in the two races that followed.
Tune in for more of the details on Chepngetich's case. You can also read our recap article here.
____________
Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Preet Majithia | @preet_athletics on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.