Who Is the Best Runner of 2024?

Our editors Alex, Katelyn and Michael select the best runners, athletes, performances, the biggest controversies and defining moments this year on the roads, track and trails, with our first annual Marathon Handbook Awards!

But to start things off, Michael shares what the trail running scene is like in Hong Kong, as well as the experience of running UTMB TransLantau, one of the premiere ultramarathon events in South East Asia.

Then, they kick off year-in-review season by culling over all the biggest performances, emerging athletes, and the most compelling storylines in running in 2024.

00:00:00 - Intro Chat
00:03:35 - Trail Running in Hong Kong + UTMB TransLantau
00:25:35 - The Biggest Controversy of 2024 Award
00:38:12 - The Defining Moment of 2024 Award
00:52:26 - The Running Event of the Year Award
01:01:22 - Inspirational Runner of the Year Award
01:09:00 - Male Runner of the Year Award
01:18:00 - Female Runner of the Year Award
01:27:04 - Ultra-Trail Runner of the Year Award
01:36:40 - A Special Announcement!

Let us know your picks in the comments!

Hosts: Alex Cyr, Michael Doyle and Katelyn Tocci

Further Reading:

Opinion: Why It’s Hard To Trust Ruth Chepngetich’s Marathon World Record:

The Awesomesauce Controversy Explained:

The Josh Kerr vs. Jakob Ingebrigtsen Rivalry Is Exactly What Track and Field Needs:

Parkrun Records Are Gone To “Promote Inclusivity” And Runners Aren’t Happy About It:

Why Lululemon Dropped Ultrarunner Camille Herron | Wikipedia Controversy Explained:

Who Is Jasmin Paris? Meet The First Woman To Finish The Barkley Marathons:

WATCH: Jasmin Paris Becomes First Woman To Complete The Barkley Marathons:

Is Sifan Hassan Nike's Perfect Replacement for Eliud Kipchoge ?

Live from New York! Our NYC Marathon Instant Reaction Pod:

Kelvin Kiptum’s Marathon World Record: Pace and Splits Analysis:

WATCH: Olympic Champion Athing Mu Will Not Defend Title In Paris After Nasty Fall In U.S. Trials 800m Final:

Abbott Announces Sydney Marathon as Newest Addition to the World Marathon Majors:

How Boston Marathon Qualification Times Have Changed Throughout History:

Who Is Vincent Bouillard? Meet The Unsponsored Hoka Engineer Who Just Won UTMB:

The Training And Data Behind Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s Gold Medal 5,000m Run:

WATCH: Yomif Kejelcha Nips Half Marathon World Record In Valencia By ONE SECOND:

8 Of The Best Ultramarathon Runners In The World Today:

Our free marathon training plans:

[psykat]

I was with Michael on Jasmine being the most inspirational runner!

[garybryan]

Overlooked, IMO, for event of the year was the men’s 1500m race in the Olympics. It was hyped up to be one of the premier events and lived up to the billing.

[Emschough]

In my opinion, this is the best running podcast around

[jfk-qr]

Alex's shorts are simply hilarious. I listen to your podcasts on my long runs. There are two things I'd like seen changed: The first is the sound effects. You don't need them. My dentist says I am grinding my molars down because of them. Please cut them out. Then finally, it's a podcast, not a pod. A pod is a group of whales. Weren't you an English major Michael ?

[makethebestofwhatsaround]

MH views Chepng'etich and Paris very differently. Did Paris submit herself to USADA drug testing protocol?

[mariannanodale]

"gold medallist for the 2023 New York Marathon"... you mean "winner of the 2023 New York Marathon". Can we please just talk of medals for Olympics and World Championships and such? Makes no sense otherwise.