Home Podcasts Set the Pace
Set the Pace

Set the Pace

New York Road Runners 174 Episodes Oct 15, 2026

Set the Pace is the official podcast of New York Road Runners, hosted by CEO Rob Simmelkjaer and Peloton instructor Becs Gentry. Each week, they interview inspiring athletes from everyday runners to elite marathoners, sharing stories of perseverance and dedication. The show also features an NYRR Member Moment and a pro tip from 2009 NYC Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi.

Episodes

How Back on My Feet Impacts Lives Through Running
How Back on My Feet Impacts Lives Through Running Oct 15, 2026 3218 In this week’s episode, we continue to spotlight runners who put purpose behind their miles and the organizations that make up the more than 670 Official Charity Partners of the TCS New York City Marathon. Rob is joined by guests from Back on My Feet, including CEO Nathan Watt, volunteer Diana Cruz Solash, and member Tim Blackmore. Back on My Feet is a national nonprofit that uses running, c
Everything You Need to Know for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon—Ortho Edition
Everything You Need to Know for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon—Ortho Edition Oct 8, 2026 4071 If you’re training for the TCS New York City Marathon or another fall marathon, this episode of Set the Pace is for you! Rob sits down with Dr. Jordan Metzl, a nationally recognized sports medicine physician at Hospital for Special Surgery and a member of New York Road Runners’ Medical Advisory Council. A 14-time Ironman finisher who has run over 40 marathons, Dr. Metzl is also the aut
How Runners Can Save Lives
How Runners Can Save Lives Oct 1, 2026 3140 Counting down to the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, Set the Pace is shining a spotlight on the runners who put purpose behind every mile by raising funds for the race’s more than 670 Official Charity Partners. This week, Rob is joined by Christopher Sheridan of the American Heart Association (AHA), NYRR Hall of Famer and Olympic medalist Jenny Simpson, and NYRR Medical Director Dr. Matt Fr
Becs Gentry & Friends Take Us Way Beyond the Marathon Distance
Becs Gentry & Friends Take Us Way Beyond the Marathon Distance Sep 24, 2026 3806 Behind the Scenes  of the 2026 UTMB - The world summit of trail running with Becs Gentry, Margot Fleming and Jeremiah Maestre.This week, Rob interviews Becs and friends about their passion for ultramarathon running. Joining the conversation is Margot Fleming, an ultrarunner and coach based in Los Angeles whose father, Tom Fleming, won the New York City Marathon in 1973 and again in 1975. Marg
Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon
Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon Sep 18, 2026 3872 With the marathon just weeks away, Rob is joined by Ted Metellus, NYRR’s chief event production officer and race director, for a comprehensive guide to race week and race day. They reflect on the significance of the 50th anniversary of the New York City Marathon’s 5-boro course, then dive into everything runners need to know—from special activations at the marathon expo and engag
New Balance 5th Avenue Mile Champions Jemma Reekie and Marco Langon
New Balance 5th Avenue Mile Champions Jemma Reekie and Marco Langon Sep 14, 2026 2361 New Balance 5th Avenue Mile champions Jemma Reekie and Marco Langon join a special edition of Set the Pace. Wondering what broken nails and diamond bracelets have to do with the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile? Guest hosts Carrie Tollefson (Olympian and host of C Tolle Run) and Ali Feller (host of the Ali on the Run Show) find out on this special episode of Set the Pace, recorded live at the New York
Fueling the Run: What GLP-1 Users Need to Know
Fueling the Run: What GLP-1 Users Need to Know Sep 3, 2026 3281 For this week’s Set the Pace, NYRR’s Gordon Bakoulis—Coach Gordon to many–steps in to host the show while Rob and Becs are away. Gordon sits down with Heidi Skolnik, a sports nutritionist and exercise physiologist who is also a member of the NYRR Medical Advisory Council, to discuss her newest book, “Your GLP-1 Game Plan: What Your Doctor Didn't Tell You About How to
Viola Cheptoo on Fighting Gender-Based Violence and Her Next Big New York Run
Viola Cheptoo on Fighting Gender-Based Violence and Her Next Big New York Run Aug 27, 2026 3703 In this episode, Rob sits down with NYRR’s Director of Professional Athletes Dorian Kail to preview the pros taking on the TCS New York City Marathon on November 1 and explore what it takes to assemble the field. One of those athletes is Viola Cheptoo, who is gearing up for her return to New York. Cheptoo grew up in one of Kenya's great running families as the younger sister of five-time Oly
The Power House that Percy Sutton Built
The Power House that Percy Sutton Built Aug 13, 2026 3910 On this special live show from the Apollo Stages at the Victoria, Rob is joined by co-host Keisha Sutton-James, Percy Sutton's granddaughter and former deputy Manhattan borough president. Together, they sit down with MS NOW political analyst Dr. Basil Smikle Jr., multi-platinum Harlem recording artist FERG; Billy “Mr. Apollo” Mitchell, Harlem Run member and NYRR marketing lead Kristina
Updates to NYRR Membership and 9+1: Members’ Questions Answered
Updates to NYRR Membership and 9+1: Members’ Questions Answered Aug 7, 2026 3287 For this week’s episode of Set the Pace, Rob is joined by NYRR VP of Strategy, Planning & Analytics Matthew Forys to answer members’ questions LIVE about the updates to the 9+1 program and membership. For decades, New York Road Runners has connected its members to races, community, and unforgettable experiences, including the opportunity to earn guaranteed entry to the TCS New York
Mary Cain’s Atalanta NYC Empowers Young Runners to Thrive
Mary Cain’s Atalanta NYC Empowers Young Runners to Thrive Jul 30, 2026 3946 Building on last week’s conversation with Mary Cain, Set the Pace explores how she transformed her experiences into a movement to create a healthier future for girls and women in sport by founding Atalanta NYC, a nonprofit that employs professional runners to achieve their goals while mentoring the next generation. Becs sits down with Atalanta NYC professional athletes Emily Richards, Susan
The Fastest Girl in America: Inside Mary Cain’s “This Is Not About Running” (Part 1)
The Fastest Girl in America: Inside Mary Cain’s “This Is Not About Running” (Part 1) Jul 23, 2026 4368   When The New York Times featured Mary Cain’s Opinion piece, "I Was the Fastest Girl in America, Until I Joined Nike," in 2019, the running world, including elite athletes, was shocked. Behind her record-breaking success was a story of pressure, abuse, and survival. In Part 1 of this special two-part series for Set the Pace, Rob sits down with Mary to discuss her powerful memoir, &ldqu

Recommended