Marathon Handbook Podcast

Patriots Day is almost here — and Michael and Jessy are in full Boston Marathon mode.

In this episode, they break down the five biggest stories heading into the 130th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20th, before laying out their bold picks for the men's and women's race winners and top American finishers.

Story 1 – Kipruto vs. Korir: The Headliner MatchupPast champion Benson Kipruto (Boston 2021, Chicago 2022, Tokyo 2024, New York 2024) returns to face defending champion John Korir in what shapes up as the defining men's storyline. Their personal bests are separated by just eight seconds, but as Michael and Jessy discuss, Boston is never won on speed alone — Newton Hills, race tactics, and championship experience are just as decisive.

Story 2 – Can Anyone Beat the Defending Women's Champion?The defending women's champion is the heavy favourite, but with her fiercest rival Helen Obiri absent from the field this year, the dynamic shifts. Does she need that neck-and-neck rivalry to bring out her best? Jessy breaks down the closest challengers on paper, including Irene Cheptai and Worknesh Edesa, and why Emily Sisson is the American name to watch.

Story 3 – Top American Men: Who Steps Up with Manz Out?American record holder Conner Mantz is a DNS due to injury — a big blow, but the American men's field still has plenty to get excited about. Michael and Jessy spotlight Zha Alby (2:05:45 at Houston this year and ascending fast), Clayton Young (crashing into Boston off an abbreviated build but motivated by a fresh move to Brooks), and breakout names Ryan Ford and CJ Albertson — who'll be joining the team at their live Saturday event on Newbury Street.

Story 4 – Emily Sisson, Fiona O'Keefe & a Stacked American Women's FieldIs this finally Emily Sisson's signature Boston moment? Or does Fiona O'Keefe — Michael's sleeper pick and someone who was genuinely in contention to win New York last fall — steal the spotlight? The pair also make the case for Susanna Sullivan (low-key, deadly), Jess McClain (due a big day after a brutal run of bad luck), and the ever-reliable Sarah Hall.

Story 5 – The Dark Horse: Nicholas Kipkorir's Marathon DebutJessy's personal favourite storyline. The 27-year-old Kenyan ran 58:08 at the Lisbon Half Marathon this year — second behind Jacob Kiplimo's world record — translating theoretically to a 2:01:12 marathon equivalent. He's never run a marathon. Boston is his debut. Will his track speed and raw talent carry him, or will the Newton Hills claim another rookie? Either way, this is the subplot to watch.