The CITIUS MAG Podcast | A Running + Track and Field Show

“I’m drawing a lot more confidence for the track from what I did on the grass just this last weekend. I’m really excited just to get there, get going, and keep building strength. The sky’s the limit because if I can do that on the cross course, who knows what I can do on the track. I’m super pumped for it!”My guest for today's episode is Parker Wolfe. If you're paying attention to the next generation of American distance running, his name has been on that list for a while now. Just last weekend, Parker made his World Championships debut representing Team USA at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida. In a loaded men's 10K field, he ran with patience and composure and steadily worked his way forward and finished as the top American across the finish line in 12th place.Just a few months back, Parker left the NCAA as an 11-time All-American at North Carolina, anchoring the program during the early years of coach Chris Miltenberg's tenure and leading the Tar Heels to multiple top 10 national finishes in cross country. Individually, his highlight was probably winning the 2024 NCAA Outdoor 5K title where he upset Nico Young in one of the biggest races of his career.The resume for Parker speaks for itself. He's run 3:34 for the 1500m, 3:54 for the mile, 7:30 for 3K, and 13:10 for the 5K. In this conversation, we talk about his transition from college to the world stage, what he's learned from racing these international studs, and what comes next as he steps into the next phase of his career as a pro with Swoosh TC under coach Mike Smith. Also, he's in a loaded men's two-mile at the Millrose Games on February 1st in New York City.____________Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠Guest: Parker Wolfe | @parkerw19 on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

“The top three spots [at the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials], you've got to work very hard to get one of them—which is exciting for me. Nothing was ever handed to me. I have to work hard for it and I'm willing to do the same thing for it now." Zouhair Talbi joins the CITIUS MAG Podcast to share his journey from Morocco to becoming an American citizen. He discusses his recent victory at the Houston Marathon, the decision to switch his allegiance to the United States and the challenges he faced along the way from the Moroccan federation.He reflects on his early running career, the setbacks he encountered during the Tokyo Olympics where an issue with Morocco’s drug testing ruined his chance to become an Olympian and his transition to marathon running.Talbi also talks about his experience in the US Army, his training insights, and his aspirations for the future, including the upcoming 2028 Olympic Trials.____________Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠Guest: Zouhair Talbi | @zouhairathle on InstagramProduced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

This week in track and field, Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia cover:– The World Cross Country Championships showcased impressive performances but faced broadcasting challenges. Preet explains his experience with watching.– Houston’s half marathon saw the U.S. men’s half marathon list get totally re-written and then a strong run by Taylor Roe to move to No. 2 on the U.S. list.– Zouhair Talbi runs the fourth-fastest marathon by an American but it takes a bit of explaining; Sara Hall went the full distance and continues to impress.– Valencia produced European records by Andreas Almgren and Eilish McColgan.– The bidding for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials is underway and St. Louis is interested.– Preet likes figure skating!– Unsurprisingly, Marvin Bracy-Williams has signed with the Enhanced Games– A look at the other washed-up, has-been runners that are joining the doped Olympics.– Albert Korir was provisionally suspended after testing positive for CERA.– Our way too early picks for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials.____________Mentioned in this episode: Listen: World Cross Country Championships Reactions: Jacob Kiplimo Wins 3rd Straight Title, Agnes Ngetich Dominates + More Highlights____________Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠@preet_athletics⁠ Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSWAHOO: The KICKR RUN responds to you: run faster, it speeds up. Ease back, it slows down. It's called the run-free mode – no buttons, just running that actually feels like running. The Wahoo KICKR RUN turns those long indoor miles into something you actually look forward to. Add in a quiet motor, a buttery smooth belt, and speeds up to 15 MPH, it's the closest thing you can get to an outdoor run without dealing with the ice, wind, or darkness. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more at Wahoofitness.com and unlock a special offer when you use code CITIUS⁠⁠⁠⁠. OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Join Chris Chavez, Aisha Praught-Leer and Eric Jenkins as they unpack all of the action at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee.Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo continued his reign at the World Cross Country Championships, cruising to a third consecutive title in commanding fashion. Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi claimed silver for the third time in his career, while Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo rounded out the podium with bronze.In the women’s race, Agnes Ngetich delivered a statement performance, powering to victory to extend Kenya’s streak to 10 straight World Cross Country titles. The 10km world record holder broke clear early and won by 42 seconds, the second-largest winning margin in the history of the championships.____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSASICS: When you move your body, amazing things happen to your mind. Lace up and feel the good vibrations. ⁠Check out all of ASICS’ latest running shoes and gear here.⁠OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

The World XC Championships return to the U.S. for the first time since 1992, with Saturday’s races in Tallahassee offering a chance to reignite global attention on the best distance runners in the world.How to watch: The races will be broadcast on Peacock (starting at 9:35 a.m.) and will be televised on CNBC (starting at 10 a.m. ET).Schedule (All times ET):9:45 a.m. – Mixed 4x2K Relay10:20 a.m. – Women’s U20 6K Race10:55 a.m. – Men’s U20 8K Race11:35 a.m. – Women’s Senior 10K Race12:20 p.m. – Men’s Senior 10K RaceYou can read our full race preview here.____________Mixed Relay Preview:Favorites: Kenya w/ Reynold CheruiyotChallengers:Australia (Jessica Hull, Olli Hoare)France (Agathe Guillemot)USA (Sage Hurta-Klecker, Ethan Strand)Morocco's NCAA starsKenya has won 3 of 4 editions since 2017.Senior Women’s Race:Star Power Dip: No Beatrice Chebet (pregnancy), no Olympic or World medalists from 5000m/10,000m entered.Top Teams:Kenya: Agnes Ngetich leads (14:01/28:46 PBs); Maurine Chebor debutsEthiopia: Loaded with U20 grads like Senayet Getachew, Asayech AyichewUganda: Joy Cheptoyek, Sarah & Rebecca Chelangat returnUSA: Led by Weini Kelati; Schweizer, Kurgat, Izzo in the mixWild cards: Megan Keith, Lauren Ryan Senior Men’s Race:Deepest Field Post-COVID: 145 entrantsTitle contenders:Jacob Kiplimo: Two-time champ, fresh off 2:02:23 marathon winEthiopia: Berihu Aregawi + rising star Biniam MeharyKenya: Daniel Ebenyo returns; Weldon Langat, Robert Koech supportFrance: Jimmy Gressier headlines strong squadTeam USA Outlook:Potential for medal with Graham Blanks, Nico Young, Parker Wolfe, Rocky HansenU.S. last medaled in 2013 (silver)____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSASICS: When you move your body, amazing things happen to your mind. Lace up and feel the good vibrations. Check out all of ASICS’ latest running shoes and gear here.OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.