Clayton Young

A relatively quiet weekend in track, though there’s still plenty to dig into with Chris Chavez, Kyle Merber, and Preet Majithia.
In this week’s episode:

- Preet’s pandemic-era haircut savings

- McKirdy MicrOTQ recap: Kyle paced Thomas Knobbs to a 2:09.24 — the fourth-fastest Canadian of all time — then helped the women’s qualifying group

- The race start had a fascinating start: single-file starts, chip timing

- 14 men and 11 women earn Olympic Trials qualifying standards

- Sound Running 10K

- The 2027 Beijing 10K standard: Why World Athletics still hasn’t announced it?

- Maurie Plant Meet: Lachlan Kennedy beats Gout Gout again

- Claudia Hollingsworth beats world indoor champ Georgia Hunter Bell in the women’s 1500 — Is this the year she announces herself?

- Cameron Myers runs 3:30 and wins by a lot — why wasn’t he at World Indoors?

- Embrace debate: of Hollingsworth, Gout Gout, and Myers: Who has the best shot at Olympic gold in Brisbane?

- The Pure Athletics vs. Star Athletics tension is real and it’s good for the sport

- Josh Kerr and Project 222: 3:42 mile world record attempt at the London Diamond League on July 18th

- What happens if Cole Hocker breaks the record two weeks earlier at Pre-Classic?

- Albert Korir gets a five-year doping ban, Patrick Dever moves to the podium

- Conner Mantz scratches from the Boston Marathon

- Why Kyle is most impressed by Clayton Young’s altitude long run

- Cynthia Erivo will run the London Marathon after performing two shows of a one-woman Dracula the day before

- Harry Styles marathon watch

- Marileidy Paulino runs 2:04 in the 800, Dalilah Muhammad is very much not retired

- What’s coming on the podcast feed

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Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠@preet_athletics⁠⁠ + Kyle Merber | ⁠@kylemerber⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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WAHOO: With the Wahoo KICKR RUN, you can simulate the exact Boston or London Marathon course right in your own home. You can also use the run free mode, which uses sensors to automatically match the belt speed to your stride. No buttons, no interruptions, no breaking your flow.⁠ ⁠When you use code CITIUS at checkout, you'll also get a free KICKR Headwind Smart Fan. Check it out today at wahoofitness.com.⁠

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Tropical Punch tastes like a vacation in a can. It has the perfect balance of pineapple, passionfruit, mandarin, and apple. You get that nostalgic fruit punch flavor, but way more crisp and way more refreshing. Every can contains their Olismart blend, which includes ingredients designed to support digestive health and help feed your gut microbiome. If you haven't had tried Olipop yet, grab a can and see what the hype is all about!⁠⁠ ⁠Head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.⁠⁠⁠

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This week, we dive into the fascinating trend of Gen Z ditching alcohol and break down the big sponsor news of Clayton Young's move to Brooks. On the running front, it was a massive week for American records: Emma Grace Hurley officially beat Deena Kastor's 21-year-old 8K mark. Later in the show, we get into some shoe talk with the Mount to Coast C1 and 361 Miro Nude 2.

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Only for Drop listeners, SOAR is giving away $300 in gear and apparel to TWO lucky winners. Their apparel is the best in the industry and their 1-Month Guarantee allows you to shop with total peace of mind – run for 1 month in your new apparel – test it in full – and if you’re still not satisfied you can return it, used, for a full refund. No questions asked. Ship worldwide, with all orders delivered direct-to-the-customer without any additional duties or taxes – no post-checkout surprises. Orders over $180 ship FREE. Enter the giveaway here: https://www.soarrunning.com/blogs/news/the-drop

LMNT

Did you know? LMNT Sparkling comes in a 12 oz slim can with four refreshing flavors: Pineapple Salt, Black Cherry Salt, Lemonade Salt, and Orange Salt, and they’re now available online! These tasty slim cans deliver 500 mg sodium, 100 mg potassium, and 30 mg magnesium. ​Get your free 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase: https://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

This week on The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth dive into one of the wildest weeks in running news.

We cover a major shake-up ahead of the London Marathon as Sifan Hassan withdraws due to injury — and what it means for the elite field.

Then, a controversial NCAA doping case explodes into the spotlight after athletes stage a dramatic podium walk-off in protest.

Plus:• A bizarre Strava upload that exposed the location of a French aircraft carrier• Clayton Young’s surprise move from ASICS to Brooks just weeks before Boston• A marathon in China where the winner was literally stopped meters before the finish• We also preview Boston, talk London contenders, and share details about upcoming live shows.

It's marathon week (again) and we're already in the Big Apple as we prepare for a full weekend of activities. But first, we discuss our current training, updates to Robbe's injury, a little pre-Christmas gift giving courtesy of Thomas, and a movie review of Weapons. If you're in New York this weekend, we hope to see you there, and if you're running– have an incredible time running through the greatest city on earth!

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MAURTEN

Molly Seidel will be fueling with Maurten as she takes on the the New York City Marathon on Sunday, and we will be too (though much farther behind her). Stock up for your own fall marathon training and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://bit.ly/BITR-MAURTEN

SWIFTWICK

You already know that Swiftwick makes our favorite socks for running, from training to race day. We'll be wearing them for all our marathons this fall, knowing that they'll keep us comfortable and blister free. Get your pair today: https://swiftwick.com/products/chicago

LMNT

Racing season is upon us which means you need all the salt you can get to keep you from bonking. You'll be getting 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes that will restore balance to your life after any hard effort. You'll also get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

INDEX

0:00 - Intro (ft. Clayton Young)

4:27 - Marine Corps Marathon / Final NYC Schedule

10:00 - Updates on Robbe’s Running

28:43 - A Gift from Thomas to Robbe

32:36 - Mount To Coast X BITR Run / 6 7 Meme / Odds for Lottery

45:38 - Diplo Run Club / Sports Betting Craze

55:26 - Javelina Jundred / Movie Talk / Roller Coasters

1:13:24 - GPS Watches / Nipple Tape and Race Day Masochism

1:18:31 - New Balance Goodie Bag / Closing Remarks

“Whether it's true or not, that's what I’ve got to believe. That’s the faith I’ve got to have moving forward. Regardless of what other people say, or what other people think, there is power in truth and being honest with myself. There's got to be faith and there's got to be belief that I not only can close that gap, but that I am in that tier and I can compete with the best.”

My guest for today's episode is Clayton Young. While Conner Mantz's 2:05 may have stolen the headlines, Clayton Young once again proved why he belongs in any conversation about the best marathoners in America. On a competitive day in Boston, he ran 2:0:7:04 – nearly a full minute personal best to finish seventh overall, tying his highest ever finish at a World Marathon Major. He did it despite a calf cramp at mile 20 and on an up and down lead up that included some frustrating half marathon results.

But that's the kind of thing about Clayton's success, quiet consistency, big stage composure, and a resilience that keeps him right alongside the best, including his training partner and Olympic teammate, Conner Mantz. This Boston result marks their fourth straight marathon finishing as the top two Americans in every field, and every time Clayton Young shows up.

In this conversation, we get into the Boston Marathon as it unfolded, what was actually going through his head when that mile 20 move got made, when that cramp hit, and why he's so good at staying in the mix.

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Clayton Young | @_clayton_young_ on Instagram 

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OLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.

SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.

VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!

LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. Sign up now. It’s that easy.

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 coach and two-time Olympian Ed Eyestone joins us to talk about coaching elite American marathoners (including Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Keira D’Amato) and how consistency shaped his coaching philosophy. Plus, performance dietitian Lauren Thomas shares practical fueling strategies from the team at Maurten. Whether you’re lining up in Hopkinton or cheering for your favorite runners, this episode brings you right into the heart of Boston Marathon weekend.

Sam Ryan's Member Moment: (01:04)
Coach Ed Eyestone's Marathon Insights: (10:11)
Maurten's Lauren Thomas: (46:00)

FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok
SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

DISCLAIMER

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Boston Marathon promises an exciting blend of redemption stories, debut intrigue, and head-to-head rivalries across both elite fields. On the men’s side, defending champion Sisay Lemma returns after last year’s audacious front-running victory, facing off against 2024 Chicago champ John Korir, two-time Boston winner Evans Chebet, rising Kenyan Daniel Mateiko, and U.S. hopeful Conner Mantz. Other contenders include Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana and Americans Clayton Young and CJ Albertson, each hoping to outlast the pack or capitalize on race-day chaos.

In the women’s race, Hellen Obiri is chasing a rare three-peat in Boston, entering as the clear favorite despite a strong field. She’ll be challenged by past podium finishers Amane Beriso and Sharon Lokedi, 2:16 marathoner Yalemzerf Yehualaw, and rising marathon star Irene Cheptai. The American field is led by Keira D’Amato in her Boston debut, Emma Bates returning to form, and Dakota Popehn riding Olympic momentum. Young talents like Gabi Rooker, Jessica McClain, and Jackie Gaughan round out a promising domestic squad, with veterans Des Linden and Sara Vaughn adding experience to the mix.

Cooler temperatures, slight winds, and the Newton Hills promise another unpredictable Patriot’s Day. Tactics, toughness, and timing will determine who claims the tape on Boylston.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. ⁠Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.⁠

SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. ⁠For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.⁠

VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. ⁠Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!⁠

LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. ⁠Sign up now. It’s that easy!

“That’s one of the beauties of Boston: that anyone can win on the day... There’s just too many variables. So do I have a shot? Yes. While that shot might be slim, it might be small, it’s definitely there and I definitely think about it. That’s what motivates me and makes me want to toe the line on race day and see what happens.”

My guest for today's episode is Clayton Young. It should come as no surprise that this episode pairs well with last week's interview with Conner Mantz because since fall 2023, he's lined up alongside Conner in nearly every major race from Chicago to the Olympic Trials, Paris to New York, and most recently, in Houston back in January.

While the spotlight often lands on Conner Mantz, it's impossible to overlook what Clayton has done: second at the Trials, ninth at the Olympics, seventh in New York City, and a personal best of 60:52 in Houston earlier this year for the half marathon. He's always been in the mix – always one move, one moment away from turning the tables.

In today's conversation, Clayton reflects on the highs and lows of this particular training block, how he's managed to regain his confidence late in the build, and how he's approaching his Boston Marathon debut this upcoming Monday.

Since he started representing himself, he also shares a bit of how he's making a bet on himself and how he went about structuring his contract for the race. It also wouldn't be fair if I didn't ask him what he thought his chances were of winning on race day. This episode talks about competition, belief, and the challenge of chasing your best when you're already running with the best every day in training.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Clayton Young | @_clayton_young_ on Instagram 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.

SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.

VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!

LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. Sign up now. It’s that easy!

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5 star review! We appreciate the support ❤️

Special Guest:

Joey Berriatua: https://www.instagram.com/joeyberriatua/

Joey's Newsletter: https://joeyberriatua.substack.com

Follow us here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeeclub.pod/

George Beamish: https://www.instagram.com/georgebeamish/

Morgan McDonald: https://www.instagram.com/morganmcdonald__/

Olli Hoare: https://www.instagram.com/ollihoare/

Coffee Club Merch: https://coffeeclubpod.com

Morgan's discord: https://discord.gg/uaCSeHDpgs

Morgan's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MorganMcDonaldisaloser

Intro Artwork by The Orange Runner: https://www.instagram.com/theorangerunner/

Intro Music by Nick Harris: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Zab8WxvAPsDlhlBTcbuPi

0:00 Welcome Joey Bags & Ham Beans Throwback

3:18 Joey's 357 Newsletter & Tinman Elite Update

7:01 Navigating Sponsorships: Personal Brand vs. Team Umbrella

9:59 Reflecting on Tinman: A Business Decision

14:56 Diving into Sports Marketing & The Influencer Dynamic

22:19 Authenticity, Storytelling & Brand Partnerships (Red Bull, Clayton Young)

31:33 Applying Marketing Insights to Joey's Sponsor Search

38:08 Grand Slam Recap: First Impressions (Drip Check, Bibs, "Teammates")

48:56 Grand Slam Format Critique: Length, Pacing & Event Pairings

59:07 Grand Slam Deep Dive: 3k/5k Issues & Grant Fisher's Strategy

1:07:15 Grand Slam: The Money Talk & Empty Stands

1:12:38 Kit Releases: Hits & Misses

1:16:45 Grand Slam Standouts: Wanyonyi & 800/1500 Dynamics

1:25:56 Joey's Upcoming Steeplechase Season & Diamond League Chat

1:28:21 Final Thoughts & Wrapping Up

“I think I'm a guy who can win these races on the right day. I just need to prove that. I think the way to prove that, at least to myself, is to finish in the top three… I'd rather focus on getting on the podium in some of these races."

Welcome back Conner Mantz to the CITIUS MAG Podcast for his 9th career appearance on the show. He's back ahead of his return to the 2025 Boston Marathon and he's bringing some serious momentum with him. In the past year alone, Mantz has shattered the American half marathon record in Houston, backed it up with another 57:15 performance at the NYC Half, which is a non-record eligible course, yet quite the performance. He's continued his streak of finishing as the top American in every major marathon since the fall of 2023.

We talk about what's different this time around in Boston after his 11th place finish there in 2023, what he's learned from racing shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's best, and what he takes from another upcoming race with Clayton Young. We also go through some of the top contenders in the field and Conner expresses his thoughts on who's got a shot of winning and what he's taken away from each of those competitors.

We explore where his mindset is heading into Patriots Day 2025 – a day that could crown the next American to break through on Boston's legendary course. It's been more than a decade since we've had an American man win – and Conner Mantz has a shot.

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Conner Mantz | @connermantz on Instagram 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.

SWIFTWICK: The go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. Check out the Flite XT Mid-Crew — my personal favorite. Great grip, comfy fit, stylish look. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.

VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!

LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. Sign up now. It’s that easy!

Today on group chat, we have Peter Bromka, Kofuzi, and Tommie Runz.

Episode Rundown:

US Half Marathon Championships

Yared’s mile world record attempt

Josh Kerr pulling out of Milrose Games

Clayton Young’s vulnerability on YouTube

Notable documentaries in sport

Thank you to our sponsor:

Cure Hydration

⁠Curehydration.com/relay⁠ and use the code “relay” for a discount