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

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Jonathan Gault, Rojo & WEjo break down a huge week in track: Emmanuel Wanyonyi's 2:11.83 world record 1000m at a stacked Diamond League Monaco, then preview Saturday's London Diamond League, where Josh Kerr targets Hicham El Guerrouj's 27-year-old mile world record with Yared Nuguse also in the mix. They debate the doping-era asterisks on El Guerrouj's mark, rabbit strategy, and whether Marco Arop or Emmanuel Wanyonyi could snap the 800m world record on the same night. Graham Blanks' near-win in Monaco sparks a Grant Fisher comparison and a 2028 Olympic 5,000m/10,000m draft. Elsewhere: Keely Hodgkinson's world record hopes look shaky, USA Championships heads to New York for the first time in decades, and England faces Argentina in a World Cup semifinal.

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LINKS

Josh Kerr's Mile World Record Attempt Preview

Aletheia Run (free trial, code LETSRUN10

Running with the Buffaloes: Beyond Fast by Chris Lear

Discussion: What would El Guerrouj run with today's tech

LetsRun.com Shop (T-shirts)

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Sponsor: Try Aletheia Run use code LETSRUN10

01:25 Welcome, Show Preview & World Cup Banter

05:16 Monaco Diamond League Recap

10:22 Grant Blanks vs Grant Fisher

15:03 5000m Talent Pool & 2028 Olympic Draft

19:16 London Preview: Josh Kerr's Mile World Record Bid

25:04 Rabbit Strategy for the Record Attempt

28:23 Doping Era Debate: El Guerrouj's Legacy

33:40 El Guerrouj's Historic Splits & Pacing

36:40 Wildcard Predictions: Birnbaum

40:29 Yared Nuguse's World Record Chances

46:40 Final Predictions: Does the Record Fall?

52:36 Keely Hodgkinson & The 800m Debate

56:07 800m World Record Watch: Arop vs Wanyonyi

62:37 Supporters Club & Beer Run Recap

64:44 Hurdles Rivalry: Thorpe vs Britt

71:11 USA Championships Head to New York

74:53 England vs Argentina: World Cup Semifinal

Contact us:

Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

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Aletheia is a biomechanics sensor and app that analyzes your running form stride by stride, then delivers personalized feedback and exercises to help you run more efficiently and reduce injury risk. LetsRun visitors get a free 30-day trial and 10% off your first year with code LETSRUN10. https://aletheia.run/

Also celebrate the LetsRun.com Shop's 250th anniversary sale — use code JULY4 for 25% off at shop.letsrun.com.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Fresh off the 2026 Prefontaine Classic, Wejo, Rojo, & Jonathan Gault break down a meet with no world records but plenty of drama. Nikki Hiltz stuns Faith Kipyegon for the biggest win of their career, while Tate Taylor's blistering 19.75 200m into a headwind raises questions about his amateur status and Nike NIL kit. Brandon Miller outkicks Cooper Lutkenhaus in the 800m, and the crew debates Donovan Brazier's stalled season and a possible Colorado-Flagstaff training gap. Brewing tension between training partners Sha'Carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden after a razor-thin 100m finish and pointed post-race comments. Elsewhere: an AP article riddled with apparent AI-generated errors, Josh Kerr's looming mile world record attempt in London, and a full slate of World Cup banter.

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content:
Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

LINKS

Nikki Hiltz upsets Faith Kipyegon in the 1500m at Prefontaine

Tate Taylor runs 19.75 in the 200m at Prefontaine

Discussion: Would Sha'Carri vs MJW rivalry be different if they were male

Ed Murphy Track Classic 400m watch: Samuel Ogazi's pro debut

Associated Press article with apparent AI-generated errors on the Prefontaine Classic

Sha'Carri Richardson - Melissa Jefferson-Wooden 100m rivalry

Aletheia running form sensor and app — use code LETSRUN10 for a free trial at aletheia.run

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Sponsor / Intro

01:23 Prefontaine Classic Preview and World Cup Banter

07:42 Nikki Hiltz Makes History

11:33 Debating Nikki Hiltz's Path Forward

17:33 Tate Taylor's Stunning 200

24:04 Brandon Miller Upsets Lutkenhaus

28:30 Donovan Brazier's Search for Answers

32:53 Josh Kerr's Mile World Record Bid

37:29 Colin Solomon's Rough Day at Pre

39:38 Coaching Carousel and World Cup Wrap-Up

41:53 Aletheia Free Trial with code LETSRUN10

42:58 Cam Myers and the Commonwealth Games Duel

48:34 Monaco Preview and the 400m Watch

52:45 The Sha'Carri Richardson-Melissa Jefferson Rivalry

55:36 Is This Rivalry Sustainable?

1:02:23 Lessons From Past Training Partner Rivalries

1:04:04 Wrapping Up: Lukaku, Palace, and World Cup Talk

1:10:31 Closing Thoughts and What's Next

1:11:39 Outro: Aletheia and Under Armour

Contact us:

Email: podcast@letsrun.com

Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Jonathan Gault and Rojo preview a stacked Prefontaine Classic, from Cooper Lutkenhaus chasing the American 800m record and Jackson Spencer's shot at Alan Webb's high school mile mark, to a loaded Bowerman Mile featuring Yared Nuguse, Cole Hocker, Niels Laros and Cam Myers, and Faith Kipyegon's much-anticipated return in the women's mile. They also break down the men's and women's 100m fields, Keely Hodgkinson's build toward a world record attempt, and Marco Langan's surprise pro signing.

At 50:52 US 100m champion Kenny Bednarek joins to discuss switching from the 200m to the 100m at Pre, his rivalry with Noah Lyles, his elaborate recovery routine, his Grand Slam Track experience, and his goals for the Ultimate Championship in a season without Worlds or the Olympics.

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Cold Open

00:24 Prefontaine Classic Weekend Preview

02:15 Podcast Schedule Banter and Supporters Club

04:42 RoJo's Parenting Story

06:16 Cooper Lutkenhaus Chases the American Record

12:33 Donovan Brazier's Disappointing Season

16:08 Jackson Spencer's Bid for Alan Webb's Record

19:30 Men's Two Mile and Marco Langan's Pro Signing

25:42 Faith Kipyegon's Return to the Mile

30:59 Bowerman Mile Field Preview

34:21 Bowerman Mile Predictions

40:27 Steeplechase, Women's 800, and Keely Hodgkinson

45:55 Men's 100 and Saturday's Sprint Showdowns

50:52 Kenny Bednarek guest

55:02 Favorite Racing Venues

58:21 Travel, Recovery, and Pre-Race Routine

62:01 2026 Goals and the Budapest Double

65:09 Rivalry with Noah Lyles

67:33 Secrets to Consistency and Recovery Investments

75:31 Reflecting on Silver Medals

77:45 Training Partner Sam Blaskowski

81:38 Grand Slam Track and Athlete Pay

86:30 Prefontaine Preview and Closing Thoughts

Contact us:

Email: podcast@letsrun.com

Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com

🏃 Presented by Aletheia.Run Use code LETSRUN10 to save 10% and get a Free 30 Day Trial Aletheia is a biomechanics sensor and app that analyzes your running form stride by stride, then delivers personalized feedback and exercises to help you run more efficiently and reduce injury risk. LetsRun visitors get a free 30-day trial and 10% off your first year with code LETSRUN10. https://aletheia.run/

EPISODE SUMMARY

Welcome to the LetsRun.com Track Talk Podcast. Another busy weekend has taken place and we are pumped to break it down for you. Podcast listener Niels Laros is back and better than ever – at least in the 800, where he ran a 1:43.83 pb to earn a dominant win in Hengelo. We’ll tell you why he’s now our favorite for the Bowerman mile. It was actually double Dutch as Femke Broeders-Bol joined him with a 1:57.41 win at the same meet. Across the North Sea, Georgia Hunter Bell earned a dominant 800m win at the British champs but Keely Hodgkinson left the start line of the 400m in tears. The Kenyan Commonwealth Games trials were chaotic as always, and we’ll tell you how that dysfunction benefits USA and Europe.

And America has another Diamond League winner thanks to Addy Wiley’s 800 win in Doha. in the high school ranks, Quincy Wilson was beaten by another rising high school 400m star - is Jayden Deleon now the US’s #1 400m prospect? Plus some of America’s best runners are still MIA in 2026 - where are Athing Mu, Jonah Koech, Josh Hoey etc.?

Plus lots of World Cup talk at the end.

LINKS

How much mileage is too much for a high school cross country runner? T

Jayden Deleon runs super fast to take US U20m crown from Quincy Wilson -- is he now the better 400m prospect?

Dutch delight in Hengelo: Niels Laros gets pb, Femke Broeders-Bol kicks to victory at FBK Games

Sha'Carri Richardson runs 10.77 - her fastest time in nearly 2 years - at low key meet at high school track in Florida

Addy Wiley Wins Doha Diamond League 800

Jenny Simpson Shows ‘Encouraging Improvement’ After Track Collapse — Already Asking About Her Mile Time

Nike Outdoor Nationals vs New Balance Nationals: Which Meet Is Better?

TIMESTAMPS

01:43 – Welcome & Episode Intro: Breaking down a massive weekend in track and field.

02:47 – Jonathan’s World Cup Vacation & Rojo's Life Advice: The guys banter about showing up every day versus taking trips to see Harry Kane.

06:32 – Kenyan Commonwealth Games Trials Chaos: Analyzing the last-minute scheduling, the messy two-section 10,000m final, and how administrative dysfunction impacts athletes.

14:28 – Timothy Cheruiyot's Rejuvenation: A deep dive into the Men's 1500m Kenyan trials, Cheruiyot's consistency under Thomas Lewandowski, and the tactical pacing of the race.

21:21 – Rosemary Longisa's Incredible Double: Praising the Iowa State-bound NCAA champ making the Kenyan squad just a week after collegiate nationals.

23:38 – Jenny Simpson Health Update: Addressing the scary situation at the Sir Walter Miler event and sending well-wishes to an American legend.

25:01 – The 2026 MIA Report: Where are reigning US Champion Jonah Koech, Olympic Champion Athing Mu, and World Indoor record-holder Josh Hoey?

29:54 – Puma Shoe Lawsuits: Exploring the rumors, athlete complaints, and how footwear changes affect elite performances.

35:44 – The Dutch Wonder Twins in Hengelo: Niels Laros drops an incredible 1:43.83 800m PB, and Femke Bol handles the pressure in the women's 800m.

46:32 – Keely Hodgkinson's 400m Tears: Interpreting Hodgkinson pulling out of the British Champs 400m final and the immense pressure of chasing world records.

50:27 – US Under-20 400m Showdown: Did Jayden DeLeon pass Quincy Wilson as America’s top high school 400m prospect?

60:37 – Sprinting Stars to Watch: Breaking down Tate Taylor, Jake Odey-Jordan, and the upcoming World Juniors excitement on home soil.

01:03:01 – The World Cup Segment: Jonathan's live reactions, the expanded 48-team tournament, Messi's missed penalties, and Rojo's wild rule change proposals (like expanding the goals in overtime).

01:22:50 – Show Wrap-Up & Supporters Club Plug: How to subscribe, get your LetsRun t-shirt, and final remarks.

Contact us:
Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line.

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Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com

Addy Wiley Wiley scored a gutsy Diamond League 800m win in Doha, holding off Olympic silver medalist Tsige Duguma in sweltering heat., but Rojo can't celebrate,

The London Marathon announces a controversial two-day split for 2027, drawing skepticism about creeping commercialism. Jenny Simpson collapsed at the Sir Walter Miler and was hospitalized after losing her pulse, sparking an outpouring of support and renewed conversation about cardiac events in runners. Plus: a high school nationals turf war, Femke Bol's 800m pivot, and World Cup takes.

LINKS

Addie Wiley Wins Doha Diamond League 800

American Diamond League Distance Winners (Forum Thread)

Runners Who Have Died of Heart Issues (Forum Thread)

Jackson Spencer & Averi Lowen Break Meet Records at New Balance Nationals Outdoor

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro / Cold Open

00:23 Intro and World Cup Fever

02:15 Doha Diamond League and Addy Wiley's Big Win

06:50 High School Stars and Suspect Coaches

09:26 High School Nationals and New Balance vs Nike

12:53 London Marathon Goes to Two Days

18:24 Jenny Simpson's Collapse and Recovery

20:37 Coaching Plans, Voicemail, and World Cup Takes

24:49 Kenyan Championships and Global Nationals Roundup

26:29 Femke Bol's 800 Move and Heneghan Hype Check

CONTACT

Email: podcast@letsrun.com

Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)