NYC Marathon 2026 Elite Women Interviews

Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth talked to four of the top women in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon field at Thursday’s media availability. Hellen Obiri is the defending champion, Jess McClain was the top American in Boston, Weini Kelati is making her debut, and Julia Paternain of Uruguay took bronze at the World Championships.

Jess McClain talks about her race plan, her training (mileage, doubles and workouts), and her reaction to the latest EPO news. Julia Paternain describes how her life has changed since the World Championships, what she learned in London, and what she thinks should be done about doping. Hellen Obiri, the “queen of New York,” gives her three tips for running NYC and explains why she races so well without pacers. Kelati talks about her move to the marathon, the eight-year American podium drought, and what Emma Grace Hurley’s debut means to her. Each athlete also does a lightning round: race shoes, carbs per hour, mantras, favourite runners, Harry Styles, toenails, trash talk, the Olympic qualifying window, finishing time predictions, and Kalshi odds.