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 2:22:49 finish broke the American course record in New York and reaffirmed her status as a true marathon star. Joel’s impressive rise into running elite during the 2025 season includes winning Grandma’s Marathon this past summer and finishing sixth in New York with a 2:09:56 negative‑split run. Daniel’s talent was on full display, winning the nonbinary category and running a personal best of 2:41:39 to claim their first marathon victory. These rising marathon stars talk about what it takes to be at the top of their game. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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 guidance counselor Jason Jacobs, who was one of the first people to encourage Anthony to pursue a career in the arts. Rounding out the experience was a very special pacer—Olympian and Boston Marathon champion Des Linden. Anthony opens up about how the course was like a microcosm of his life as friends and family cheered him on at critical moments. Also joining the show is Sandra Garcia, whose connection to New York Road Runners started in 1998 with the launch of NYRR’s free youth running programs in New York City schools. As a Harlem kid in that program, she raced city courses and became pen pals with New York City Marathon legend Grete Waitz.Check out our interview with the champions of the 2026 TCS New York City MarathonAnd listen to our episode with Susannah Sullivan that Becs' mentions in the show!FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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 | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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 of marathon weekend!FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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 Network with his brother James and lacing up for his very first marathon right here in New York, running for the Matt Hampson Foundation. Plus, Anil Nandkumar, advanced clinician and board-certified physical therapist at Hospital for Special Surgery, offers advice for what runners should focus on in the final hours leading up to race day.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton is the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton Instuctor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication. Each episode also includes an NYRR Member Moment spotlight and pro tip from 2009 New York City Marathon champ and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi.