Set the Pace
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
NYC Running Legend Gordon Bakoulis on a Lifetime in Women's Running
New York Road Runners’ Gordon Bakoulis joins Set the Pace this week to talk with Rob about her legendary career as both an elite athlete and NYRR’s editorial director. Gordon qualified for the Olympic marathon trials in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 and was a finalist in the 1992 U.S. Olympic 10,000m trials. As she looks ahead to retirement after nearly 24 years at New York Road Run
Rerun the Mastercard New York Mini 10k
Join Ali Feller from Ali on the Run and Aisha Praught Leer from Citius Mag as Set the Pace, Presented by Peloton Reruns the MastercardNew York Mini 10k. Whether you ran the race or have FOMO for not being there, this episode is for you! Tune in for post-race interviews with the Mastercard New York City Mini 10K champions, to hear what it took to break the tape at this iconic race. Following
Peloton’s Selena Samuela on Motherhood, Mental Health, and Finding Her Way Back to Running
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and throughout the month we’ve been sharing stories about running and mental well-being. We also celebrated Mother’s Day, and for many members of our community, running, mental health, and motherhood are deeply intertwined. In this week’s episode, Rob and Becs speak with Peloton instructor Selena Samuela, who opens up about raising identical
How Becs Gentry Walked Away from Road Racing - and Fell Back in Love with Running
This week, Rob turns the mic on Becs to talk about her next adventure. Becs opens up about the highs and lows she’s experienced with running since completing the Great World Race over a year ago. She shares how she stepped away from road racing, rediscovered her love of the sport through trail and ultra running, and embraced a less pressure-filled approach to training and competition. After
Relive the RBC Brooklyn Half Race-Day Vibes
Joining Rob live from the RBC Brooklyn Half After-Party at Maimonides Park is special guest Camila Ramón, a Peloton instructor and recording artist who was one of the thousands of runners crossing the finish line on Coney Island. Born in Buenos Aires, Camila moved to Miami when she was seven. She teaches cycling, treadmill, and strength training in English and Spanish as Peloton's first bil
Behind the Scenes of NYRR’s Trip to Kenya
Winning a major marathon goes way beyond the podium for a Kenyan athlete—it reaches their families, their communities, and entire towns. But for the women, success can also put them in danger. Check out this week’s episode as Rob joins a roundtable discussion led by NYRR's Head of Content Matthew Singer along with Chief Diversity Officer Erica Edwards-O'Neal and Director of Professiona
Everything You Need to Know about the RBC Brooklyn Half
Watch this episode on YouTube Joining Rob and Becs this week is NYRR Chief Event Production Officer and Race Director Ted Metellus, breaking down everything you need to know about the RBC Brooklyn Half, from the new expo location at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park to essential race-day logistics such as getting to your corral with plenty of time to spare for a stress-free arrival. T
Behind the Scenes of the New Balance Marathon Relay
More than 600 runners from over 24 teams descended on The TRACK at New Balance to cover 26.2 miles — but instead of slogging through city streets, this one was 211 laps on a banked 200m indoor track. And Rob and Meb were in the center of it all, interviewing runners right off the track including Ali Feller, Olympians Kim Conley and Aisha Praught Leer, Endorphins Running founder Tyler Swartz,
Exciting Changes Are Coming for Set the Pace
This episode of Set the Pace marks an exciting new chapter for the show as Rob and Becs explain how the podcast is evolving to focus more deeply on what matters most: the transformative power of running. Guided by the mission to build healthier lives and stronger communities, this shift brings more intentional, story-driven content. While episodes will no longer be released weekly, listeners can e
Mary Wittenberg - Leadership, Legacy, and Leveling the Running Playing Field
Mary Wittenberg, former New York Road Runners President and CEO, joins Set the Pace this week as part of our celebration of Women’s History Month. After becoming a partner at a law firm in New York City, she pivoted to pursue her passion for sports, joining New York Road Runners in 1998. A dedicated runner, she won the 1987 Marine Corps Marathon and competed in the 1988 U.S. Olympic Marathon
Life After the NFL: Justin Britt Tackles the United Airlines NYC Half
Former NFL center Justin Britt, who spent most of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, joins Rob and Becs on Set the Pace this week. Justin ran the United Airlines NYC Half in 1:31:11, coached by professional distance runner Emily Venters, who finished the race in 1:09:46, placing 10th in the women’s field. For Justin, running has helped him navigate a rocky transition to life after the NFL
How the 2026 United Airlines NYC Half Champions Conquered the Course
In this special race-day episode of Set the Pace, hosts Olympian Carrie Tollefson and CITIUS MAG's Kyle Merber interview the 2026 United Airlines NYC Half champions—Eden Rainbow-Cooper, Daniel Romanchuk, Hellen Obiri, Adriaan Wildschutt, and Daniel Mata—who led more than 30,000 athletes from the start in Prospect Park, across the Brooklyn Bridge, through Manhattan, and to the finish in
From the News Desk to the Start Line: ABC’s Liz Cho and Mike Marza Take on the United Airlines NYC Half
Joining Rob and Becs this week are Liz Cho and Mike Marza, anchors for ABC7 Eyewitness News. Together, they report on the events that shape daily life across the five boroughs. There will be more than 30,000 stories at this weekend’s United Airlines NYC Half—the kind of stories today’s guests usually spend their days telling. But this weekend, instead of covering the stories, the
Everything You Need to Know about the United Airlines NYC Half - 2026
New York Road Runners’ Chief Event Production Officer and Race Director, Ted Metellus, joins Becs to talk all things United Airlines NYC Half. This year’s race is set for Sunday, March 15, and Ted has all the answers to questions about race week and race day. Learn the deets about bib pickup at the Expo (in a new location at the Javits Center!), getting to the start, navigating t
The Vital Importance of Safety for Women Runners
This episode discusses sexual violence, which may be triggering or distressing for some listeners. In this episode, New York Road Runners leaders Christine Burke and Erica Edwards-O’Neal explore runner safety—particularly for women—through global and local lenses. Reflecting on a recent trip to Kenya, they share their experience meeting with Tirop’s Angels, an organization
Live from Kenya with Marathon Champ Sharon Lokedi
In this special episode of Set the Pace Rob sits down with Sharon Lokedi, TCS New York City Marathon champion, at her mother’s home in Eldoret, Kenya. Lokedi reflects on her journey from training on Kenya’s red clay roads to winning major marathons, and what it means to inspire other Kenyan runners. She shares how Kenya’s deep-rooted running culture fuels her motivation as she pr
Dr. Jordan Metzl on the Science of Running Motivation
This week, Rob and Becs are joined by Dr. Jordan Metzl, a sports medicine physician at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) who has treated thousands of runners. A runner himself, Dr. Metzl has completed dozens of marathons and multiple Ironman triathlons. His new book, “Push: Unlock the Science of Fitness Motivation to Embrace Health and Longevity,” draws on research, p
What Every Runner Can Learn From Olympian Grant Fisher
Two-time Olympian Grant Fisher joins Set the Pace this week in a live interview with Rob, recorded on January 30 at the TCS New York City Marathon Partner Forum in NYC. Grant was in town preparing for the Millrose Games, where he was set to race the Wanamaker Mile, but after our interview, he scratched due to illness. In the conversation, Grant shares what excites him about making his road racing
What’s New and What’s Next for New York Road Runners' Members
This week, Rob is joined by New York Road Runners Chief Marketing and Digital Officer Juliette Morris for a special Town Hall edition of Set the Pace where they talk about what’s happening across the entire organization. Rob addresses some of the most common questions and concerns raised by the running community, from race access and registration demand to new processing fees and the growing
Special Live Taping of Set the Pace with Olympian and Peloton Instructor Alex Karwoski
Check out this special episode of Set the Pace taped live at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square. Hosts Rob and Becs sit down with Olympian and Peloton instructor Alex Karwoski, who represented the U.S. in the men’s eight at the Rio Games and later served as an alternate for Tokyo. Since his last appearance on the show in August 2024, Alex has completed the TCS New York City Marathon t
Behind the Scenes with Team For Kids' Jeremie Kasmarcak
Jeremie Kasmarcak, head of Team for Kids (TFK) at New York Road Runners, joins Set the Pace to share a behind-the-scenes perspective on TFK, a charity program that’s become a training ground for runners of all ages, paces, and experience levels. Jeremie has led Team for Kids for nearly a decade, guiding it into one of the most impactful and in-demand charity running programs in the world. Si
Game Changers: Empowering Women of Color to Become Leaders in the Running Industry
Joining the show this week is Vanessa Peralta-Mitchell, the founder of Game Changers, a program that aims to encourage and support more women of color to become certified run coaches. Launched in 2020, the program was born out of Vanessa’s realization that very few running coaches and experts in the industry looked like her—and her desire to change that. Since then, the program h
Running Into the New Year with ABC7’s Sam Ryan
For our first episode of the year, Rob speaks with ABC sports anchor Sam Ryan, who has helped tell the stories of NYRR races and the running community. A runner herself, Sam has lived those stories too—completing 13 marathons, including four New York City Marathons, and serving as an NYRR Team for Kids ambassador. The last time Sam was on the show, it was just two days before the Boston Mara
26 Mantras for Your Holiday Run
Your winter gift from Set the Pace. Head out for a run as Rob and Becs revisit some of the most powerful words shared on Set the Pace this year. These are the moments our guests return to when things get hard. The phrases they repeat when they need to keep going. The mantras that carry them FORWARD. You’ll hear from teachers and Olympians, Peloton instructors and physical therapists, CEOs, r
The Red Sox Take New York: Alex Cora Runs the TCS NYC Marathon
Red Sox manager Alex Cora joins Rob and Becs for this week’s Set the Pace. One of the most recognizable figures in sports, Alex is a World Series–winning manager, a regular presence in Boston headlines, and someone whose every decision is analyzed by millions of Red Sox fans. Recently, Alex has also become a runner—starting with short races then progressing to a half marathon and
Marathoner and Mother: Caitlin Phillips on Qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Trials at 43 Years Old
This week’s guest is Caitlin Phillips, a 43-year-old runner who ran a 2:36 at Sunday’s California International Marathon (CIM), qualifying for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Trials. Caitlin shares with Rob and Becs what it took to achieve this amazing feat while working full-time and returning to competition postpartum after giving birth in 2023. She breaks down what makes the CIM course ideal
Phil Keoghan and His Amazing TCS New York Marathon Race
Joining Rob and Becs this week is Phil Keoghan, host of “The Amazing Race.” He recently completed the TCS New York City Marathon while raising money for Back on My Feet, an organization that empowers people to achieve economic independence. The New Zealand-born adventurer isn’t just a marathoner, he’s also cycled across America, set a world record in bungee jumping, and ret
Runner’s World Theo Kahler on Running, Reporting, and Dreaming Big
This week, Runner’s World News Editor Theo Kahler joins the show to share how he spends his weekdays writing about running and then lines up on the weekends to hold his own with some of the best runners in the world. Theo ran this year’s TCS New York City Marathon for the first time, placing an impressive 40th overall and finishing as the 15th American in the men’s field. A forme
Team Inspire Member Relly Ladner’s Journey From Setback to Start Line
Joining Rob this week is Relly Ladner, a member of this year’s Team Inspire, a diverse group of 26 TCS New York City Marathon runners whose stories capture the power of running to change lives. Growing up in Vienna, Relly played soccer, and as a freshman in high school she secured a Division I offer to play at Dartmouth College. But after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome s
Top Marathoners Fiona O’Keeffe, Joel Reichow, and Daniel Mata Share Their Running Journeys
This week, Becs is joined by some of the top finishers from the TCS New York City Marathon—the top American woman, Fiona O’Keeffe; the top American man, Joel Reichow; and the top nonbinary runner, Daniel Mata. They share personal recaps of their incredible performances and how they balance the demands of everyday life while continuing to excel in the sport. Fiona’s astounding 2:2
From Stage to the Start Line: Hamilton’s Anthony Ramos Makes His TCS New York City Marathon Debut
oining Set the Pace this week is actor Anthony Ramos, best known for his breakout role on Broadway in “Hamilton” as well as on the big screen in Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite (and coming in 2026, Ryan Murphy’s The Beauty.) This past Sunday, the Brooklyn native ran his first-ever race at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon with his former high school g
Checking In with the Champions of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon
Hear from the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon champions—Hellen Obiri, Susannah Scaroni, Benson Kipruto and Marcel Hug, about what it took to crush the competition on this iconic course. With focus, determination, and a whole lot of heart, these athletes gave it their all on the best day of the year, in the best city in the world. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPOR
Spotlight on the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K Champions
Check out this special episode as guest hosts Olympian Carrie Tollefson and sports journalist Chris Chavez bring you the very first interviews with the 2025 Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K champions Amon Kemboi and three time champ Annie Rodenfels. Their conversation was livestreamed at a watch party just steps from the finish line in the new Westside Hospitality Tent. Tune in to the excitement
Harry Potter's George Weasley Runs a Marathon
Actor Oliver Phelps aka George Weasley of Harry Potter fame, joins Set the Pace during a live taping from the Citizens Stage at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance. Millions grew up watching him on screen as one of the fun-loving red-haired twins of the Wizarding World. These days, you’ll find him co-hosting “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” on the Food N
Writer, Marathoner, Record-Breaker: Nicholas Thompson and “The Running Ground”
Race week is finally here! And just in time for this weekend's 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, joins Rob and Becs for a conversation about his newly published book “The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports,”. Exactly the inspiration you need before your weekend run, Thompson's book explores how running shaped his relations
Everything You Need to Know About This Year's TCS New York City Marathon
With race day just a little over a week away, New York Road Runners’ Chief Event Production Officer and TCS New York City Marathon Race Director Ted Metellus joins Rob and Becs to give runners all the inside information on this year’s TCS New York City Marathon. Ted breaks down key logistics—from picking up your bib at the Expo to getting to the start on Staten Island. He also hi
This Episode Could Save A Marathon Runner's Life
An Insider's Guide to the Medical Operation at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. n this episode of Set the Pace, Rob interviews Dr. Matt Friedman, the national medical directory of CrowdRx, the team responsible for the medical operation at the TCS New York City Marathon and other New York Road Runners events. Dr. Friedman talks about the year-round planning that goes into supporting runners on
2025 NYRR Hall of Fame Inductee Jenny Simpson’s Latest Adventure
This week, Rob and Becs welcome back to the show Jenny Simpson, a 2025 NYRR Hall of Fame inductee. Jenny has played a pivotal role as an ambassador and special advisor to Rising New York Road Runners, NYRR’s free youth running program. A three-time Olympian and 11-time U.S. national champion, she dominated the iconic 5th Avenue Mile with a record eight victories. Jenny recently retired from
Special Live Episode with Meb to Kick Off Chicago Marathon Weekend
Tune into this live episode of Set the Pace during the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon weekend as Rob interviews the legendary Meb Keflezighi, who shares his experience running Chicago in 2003 with the goal to run sub 2:12. Then Meb turns the tables and interviews Rob about training for his own Chicago moment. Also joining the podcast is Al Hamood, the president and chief financial and admin
Paralympic Medalist Ali Truwit Takes on Her First TCS New York City Marathon
Paralympic silver medalist and newly announced 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Team Inspire runner Ali Truwit joins Rob and Becs this week. A former Yale swimmer, Ali survived a shark attack in 2023 that led to the devastating loss of her left foot. Then, less than a year later, Ali qualified for Team USA, winning two silver medals and setting American records at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Ali op
Cole Cook on Running Marathons and Fundraising for a Life-Changing Cause
On this week’s episode, Rob interviews Cole Cook, a filmmaker and the younger brother of Alicia Keys. Cole will run this year’s TCS New York City Marathon for Keep a Child Alive (KCA), a charity that Keys co-founded in 2003 to combat the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa and that now has a global mission to support children facing the most challenging circumstances. KCA's executive director, A
“Wicked” Star Jordan Litz Prepares for His First TCS New York City Marathon
Joining Rob on this episode of Set the Pace is Jordan Litz, a Broadway actor and singer currently starring in “Wicked” as Fiyero. Originally from California, Jordan trained to be an Olympic swimmer, competing in the 2012 U.S. Olympic trials. He’s built a career on stage with performances in national tours and regional productions before making his Broadway debut. Off the stage, h
Sof Camacho on Culture, Creating Art, and Chasing PRs
This week, Becs speaks with Sof Camacho about Sof's breakout year in distance running—winning the nonbinary division at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon in 2:31:29 and, just weeks later, finishing the Valencia Marathon in 2:29:15, one of the fastest marathon times ever run by a nonbinary athlete. By day, Sof is chasing PRs and coaching other runners to find their potential; by night, they
Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan Talk 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Debuts
This week, Rob and Becs welcome two of the greatest marathoners of all time—Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan—less than two months before their 2025 TCS New York City Marathon debuts. Fresh off her win at the Sydney Marathon and a year after her historic Olympic triple, Hassan continues to push boundaries few thought possible. Finishing in ninth place in Sydney, Kipchoge, at age 40, who
Americans Yared Nuguse and Gracie Morris Win the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile
Check out this exciting episode of Set the Pace as Olympian Carrie Tollefson interviews the winners of the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile. Olympic bronze medalist Yared Nuguse becomes the first American man to win the men’s race since 2016, and Olympic Trials finalist Gracie Morris ran the third-fastest time in the race's history. Hear from both athletes on their thrilling performances at this
Olympic Medalist Yared Nuguse on Racing Along Fifth Avenue
Live from the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, hosts Rob and Becs were joined by Olympian Yared Nuguse, who’ll be facing a deep competitive field this Sunday as he makes his debut at the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile. The Louisville native once planned to become an orthodontist while studying biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame, before focusing his talent on the track
From the Mile to the Marathon: How Ellie and Jordan Fisher Balance Parenting, Running, and Giving Back
On this week’s show, Rob and Becs talk with Jordan Fisher—best known for his roles in Broadway’s Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and Moulin Rouge!, as well as Dancing with the Stars —and his wife, Ellie Fisher, who graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in clinical dietetics. This fall, Jordan will line up for the inaugural Broadway Mile at the New Balance 5th A
Training for the TCS New York City Marathon with Carl Radke and More!
Bravo TV’s Carl Radke, Peloton instructor Mariana Fernández, and Mallory Kilmer of @runswithMal are all training to run the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. Check them out on this week’s episode recorded live from the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub. Carl is four years sober and was inspired to run the marathon after experiencing the excitement of race day last
Conquering Roads and Trails with Peloton's Susie Chan
Joining Rob and Becs this week is British ultramarathon runner, and Becs’ fellow Peloton Tread instructor, Susie Chan. Susie didn’t start running until she was 35, when her brother convinced her to join him for a half marathon. Now, at age 50, she’s completed many marathons, including all six Abbott World Marathon Majors. She went on to conquer the Marathon des Sables, a six‑day,
Olympian Kenneth Rooks on Resilience, Trusting Faith, and Chasing World Titles
On this week’s show, Rob and Becs are joined by Olympic silver medalist and three-time U.S. steeplechase champion Kenneth Rooks. Kenneth talks about his breakout performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics and what makes the steeplechase such a unique and demanding event. He shares his journey from high school runner to NCAA champion and opens up about his two-year church mission in Uganda—
Patina Miller, Tony and Grammy Award Winner, Runs for a Cause
This week, Rob announced that he’ll be running the 2025 Chicago Marathon for Team for Kids, with Becs coaching him to a Boston Marathon qualifying time. Tune in to learn what Becs has planned for Rob’s training program. Featured on the show is guest Patina Miller—Tony Award and Grammy Award-winning actor and avid runner. She’s completed the TCS New York City Marathon twice
Top American Marathoner Susanna Sullivan Talks Balancing Teaching and Training
Susanna Sullivan, the top American finisher at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, joins Set the Pace this week to talk about the preparation it took to clock a blazing 2:21:56 finish time. She went on to be the top American finisher at the 2025 London Marathon. Susanna isn’t just one of the fastest American marathon runners around, she’s also a sixth-grade math teacher in Virginia. She shares
From Rhymes to Runs: N.O.R.E. Sets His Sights on the TCS New York City Marathon
The first-ever video version of Set the Pace launches this week at the Peloton Studios in NYC, as Rob and Becs interview Queens-born N.O.R.E., who burst onto the scene in the late 1990s as one half of the hip-hop duo Capone-N-Noreaga. He went on to a successful solo career, and most recently, became the co-host of the popular podcast Drink Champs, where he interviews rap legends over a few drinks.
How ADA Hero Deborah McFadden Paved the Way for Disability Equality
Joining the show this week is Deborah McFadden, a trailblazer in disability rights who played a key role in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At 23, while in graduate school, Deborah was struck with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare illness that causes paralysis. Facing intense discrimination, Deborah became determined to fight for disability equality and was later appointed
Behind the Scenes of “Final Finishers” with Emmy Award-winning Filmmaker Rudy Valdez
Emmy award-winning filmmaker Rudy Valdez joins Rob to talk about directing “Final Finishers,” a new documentary that premiered at the Tribeca Festival and marks the launch of NYRR’s in-house studio, East 89th St Productions. The film highlights the incredible journeys of the back-of-the-pack runners—whose stories of grit and determination embody the spirit of what it takes
Running with Pride: Olympian Nikki Hiltz on Representation, Advocacy, and Making History "
Olympian Nikki Hiltz returns to Set the Pace after a record-breaking year of headline-making races and personal milestones. When they last joined the podcast, Nikki was on the verge of earning a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics—where they made history as the first openly transgender and nonbinary American to reach an individual Olympic final. Nikki joins Becs to talk about setting records on
Tiki Barber Talks Marathons, Motivation, and What’s Next
Joining Rob and Becs this week is New York Giants legend and longtime runner Tiki Barber. Tiki shares what inspired him to run his first New York City Marathon in 2014 and going on to complete over 15 marathons, including races in Boston, Big Sur, and Jerusalem with hopes of running all Abbott World Marathon Majors. He talks about how the “beauty of running is the encouragement you get&rdquo
7 Marathons on 7 Continents in SIX days! A Father's Journey
In this special Father’s Day episode, Rob is joined by NYRR board member and marathoner Juan Uro who shares how running gave him the motivation to keep moving after losing his 6-year-old son, Bautista. Earlier this year Juan completed the World Marathon Challenge—running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days—in memory of Bauti, as he affectionally refers to his late s
2025 Mastercard New York Mini 10K Champs
Broadcaster and Olympian Carrie Tollefson steps in to host today's interviews with the two Mastercard New York Mini 10k Champions, Susannah Scaroni and Hellen Obiri. Also joining Carrie, is the 2nd place pro-finisher and new American record holder for the course, Weini Kelati. Champ Hellen Obiri Joins Carrie: (01:19)6 Time Champ Susannah Scaroni: (08:13)Fastest American Weini Kelati: (17:15) FOLLO
BONUS SERIES: 850M Reasons To Run- Ep. 5 | Memento Mori (LIVE EPISODE)
It all started with a devastating diagnosis in the fall of 2020. Multiple chemo treatments, a stem cell transplant and many marathon finish lines later, Peter joins NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer for a special LIVE taping of 850 Million Reasons to Run. Rob and Peter dive into the “memento mori” moment that reframed the meaning of Peter's life, turning a busines
Champion Sharon Lokedi is ready for the Mastercard Mini 10k
Live from the annual TCS New York City Marathon Partner Forum, Rob is joined by Anne Valentzas, Senior Vice President of Consumer Marketing and Sponsorships at Mastercard, where she spearheads the global Priceless program, curating experiences that connect cardholders to culture, sport, and sustainability initiatives. This Saturday is the Mastercard New York Mini 10K Women’s Race and Anne, w
BONUS SERIES: 850M Reasons To Run- Ep. 4 | The Man Who Said Yes
What happens when the person who saves your life is someone you’ve never met? A year after his transplant, Peter is finally allowed to contact the donor whose stem cells now run through his body and an eight‑page letter, dashed off at 38,000 feet, transforms into the meeting of two, forever connected humans. How do you pay it forward after the unthinkable? What do we owe others when someone
BONUS SERIES: 850M Reasons To Run- Ep. 3 | Ninety Nine Seconds
Ninety nine seconds—that’s all Peter’s lungs can manage on his first post-transplant run. But the shock of those agonizing 200 meters ignites an out‑loud promise to himself: Peter pledges he will run the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon, just 12 weeks away. Starting with small steps, Peter shrinks the city into single‑block laps, keeping the memory of coughing up blood
Running Slow AF with Martinus Evans
Tune into this week’s episode as Rob and Becs are joined by Slow AF Run Club founder Martinus Evans—an author, advocate, and someone who's made the sport of running so much more inclusive. Back in 2012 while working 10-12 hours a day at a sales job, he hurt his hip and went to his doctor for a checkup. The doctor told him he was fat and needed to lose weight. Martinus told the doctor h
BONUS SERIES: 850M Reasons To Run- Ep. 2 | Tour De France
A Tour de France postcard is all Peter clutches as he steps back through the hospital doors, determined to earn a permanent cure. He’s about to take on the most demanding stage yet, flanked by bossy nurses, amazed pulmonologists, his devoted cavapoo, and his wife, Torun—all rooting for him along this personal, indoor Tour. (It will feel like the toughest climb—until he laces up f
BONUS SERIES: 850M Reasons To Run- Ep. 1 | Decimated
We're so excited to announce our brand new audio docuseries, NYRR Set the Pace Presents: 850 Million Reasons to Run, the first audio documentary from East 89th St Productions, an NYRR Studio. Meet Peter Kirk - a father, a New Yorker, and a runner - who found himself facing something far bigger than 26.2 miles. 850 Million Reasons to Run is the true story of Peter's journey—not jus
Running and Redefining Strength with Shaunta-Maé Alexander
This week, Shaunta-Maé Alexander joins Becs to talk about her path to healing and embracing the sport of running even after living with Crohn's disease and surviving countless medical setbacks, including two episodes of paralysis. Growing up in foster care and enduring abuse, Shaunta-Maé looked to her faith for guidance and turned to sports and acting as outlets to cope and heal. A c
Running with the Stars: Alan Bersten LIVE at the RBC Brooklyn Half
In this special live episode recorded LIVE from the RBC Brooklyn Half After-Party at Maimonides Park, we celebrated an incredible race day with a very special guest — Alan Bersten. Best known for his dazzling performances on Dancing with the Stars, Alan has been wowing audiences since 2017, even taking home the Mirrorball Trophy with Bachelorette star Hannah Brown. A lifelong dancer and So Y
RBC Brooklyn Half Playbook From a Local Elite Runner
This special episode comes to you live from the RBC Brooklyn Half Pre-Party, Presented by New Balance. Hosts Rob Simmelkjaer and Becs Gentry go behind the scenes with the sub-elite field lining up for Saturday’s race. Dorian Kail, NYRR’s Director of Professional Athletes, breaks down the time standards and perks of becoming a “seeded” athlete. Alana Levy, the fastest New Yo
Marathon Mom Carey Socol’s 74 Marathons and Counting
This week, Rob is joined by marathon mom Carey Socol for this special Mother’s Day episode. Carey’s been a New York Road Runners member since 1999 and has run 74 marathons and 64 half marathons, many while raising children. She shares how running helped her manage the stress and anxiety that came from working a full-time job while also parenting. Carey attributes Jeff Galloway’s
RBC Brooklyn Half Advice: "Panic Is Not a Pace" and More Wisdom from NYRR’s Ted Metellus
With just over two weeks until the RBC Brooklyn Half, Rob is joined by Ted Metellus, NYRR’s chief event production officer and race director, to discuss important updates to the race. In response to survey results, this year's race will have four start waves to ease course crowding and allow for an easier flow at the start, and the RBC Brooklyn Half Pre-Party will have extended hours to make
Meditation and Mindfulness for the Miles Ahead with Peloton Instructor Kirra Michel
This week, Becs is joined by Peloton instructor Kirra Michel who leads us all on a meditation specifically for runners. Kirra's grounded presence has inspired thousands through her yoga and meditation classes. Born in Santa Cruz, California, Kirra moved with her family coastal town of Lennox Head, Australia when she was just three months old. Her childhood was filled with movement, from surfing, d
Boston Marathon BTS with Ed Eyestone - Coach of America’s Top Runners
Just two days before the 129th Boston Marathon, we recorded a special live episode of Set the Pace at the Citizens House of Blues in Boston. With co-host Sam Ryan—four-time Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster and Boston Marathon runner—we dive into the racing mindset, the power of community, and what it means to cover the sport from both sides of the finish line. Then, legendary BYU
Cheers to NYRR Volunteers Who Give Back at the Marathon and in the Community
April is Global Volunteer Month and this week Rob and Becs interview three NYRR Volunteer Hall of Fame Inductees about their years of experience helping out at the New York City Marathon and Open Run. David Csillan has spent more than 35 years safeguarding the health of runners as a medical volunteer, becoming an essential part of the marathon's medical team. Larry Sillen has volunteered since 197
Marathons, Milestones, and Meb: Celebrating 100 Episodes of Set the Pace
This week we celebrated the 100th episode of NYRR Set the Pace live at the Public Theater in NYC. Rob and Becs kicked off the show by bringing back the podcast’s very first guest, Meb Keflezighi, a 2004 Olympic silver medalist in Athens who in 2009, became the first American since 1982 to win the New York City Marathon, and in 2014 became the first American man to win the Boston Marathon sin
A Special Marathon Episode for Your Long Run - with Cory Wharton-Malcolm and Austin Curtis
If you are training for spring marathons, this one is just for you! Settle into your long run with this week’s special long edition of Set the Pace featuring a few incredible guests. Cory Wharton-Malcolm, Apple Fitness+ trainer, running coach, and author of the book, All You Need Is Rhythm & Grit brings joy and inclusivity to a sport that can often feel very intimidating and continues to
How Kwasi Kessie Merges Marathoning and Fashion
Joining Rob and Becs this week is celebrity stylist and marathon runner Kwasi Kessie whose influence spans both the fashion and sports worlds. Kwasi outlines his journeys in both fashion and running and shares his experience styling athletes like 100-meter Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles. He also reflects on his own experience on the roads, starting from when he was a kid running with NYRR and go
From GTL to GT-Half-Marathon with Jersey Shore's Vinny Guadagnino
This week, Becs interviews Jersey Shore’s Vinny Guadagnino about his transition from reality TV star to long-distance runner. Vinny completed the United Airlines NYC Half this past Sunday and ran his first marathon last November at the TCS New York City Marathon, fundraising for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Vinny talks about the joy of training in NYC and how running helps sup
First Interviews with the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Champions!
In this special race-day edition of Set the Pace, Olympian Carrie Tollefson gets the very first interviews with 2025 United Airlines NYC Half champions Sharon Lokedi, Abel Kipchumba, Manuela Schär and Geert Schipper, who led more than 28,600 athletes through Brooklyn and Manhattan to the finish line in Central Park. Geert Schipper at: (01:45)Manuela Schär at: (15:22)Sharon Lokedi
Reclaiming the Run: Alison Mariella Désir on Diversity, Activism, and Adventure
It's Race Week! In preparation for the United Airlines NYC Half, Set The Pace presents a special episode recorded live at the NYRR Run Center Featuring the New Balance Run Hub.Hosts Rob and Becs are joined by special guest Alison Mariella Désir, founder of Harlem Run, author of the bestselling book Running While Black, and the host of the award-winning PBS show, "Out & Back with Alison
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