Honest nerves. Big dreams. Quiet belief mixed with confidence.
That was the energy inside the elite pre-race press room in New York today as I spoke with some of the greatest marathoners in the world —legends, defending champions, and fearless challengers.
In one corner, Eliud Kipchoge spoke about chasing his final Abbott World Marathon Major star, and hinted that retirement may follow once that medal is earned. Meanwhile, Sifan Hassan stood just feet away, smiling, humble, and already carving her own path toward becoming the greatest marathoner of all time.
Sharon Lokedi broke down her tactical approach for Sunday, Emily Sisson delivered perhaps the wisest marathon advice I’ve ever heard, and Benson Kipruto quietly revealed massive ambitions, including a quest to become the first runner ever to accomplish a highly coveted historic feat.
Here are five insights from the world’s best as they prepare to take on New York City this Sunday.
#1: Eliud Kipchoge Is Passing The Torch, And Lighting A New Trail In The Process
There is a lightness and curiosity to Eliud Kipchoge right now, the marathon GOAT who has accomplished everything yet still finds joy in discovering new things. This week he’s been running loops through Central Park, admiring the New York running culture, and yes, trying his first New York bagel.
He spoke about pushing his limits on the famously challenging course, and says he’s “happy my muscles are still carrying me through — it’s a gift.” Even the GOAT feels the grind— tough courses humble everyone.
He sees his role now not just as a competitor, but a guide to the future world-record holders: “Let the young people come in — that’s the beauty, to show the next people the way.”
And perhaps the most intriguing moment was when I asked whether we might see him running ultras on the trails one day. He smiled and said, “That’s the future.” The GOAT may be chasing his sixth star in NYC, but it feels like another chapter is waiting for him beyond the roads.
Kipchoge’s takeaway: Stay curious, welcome new challenges, and remember, the magic happens when you keep going with joy and intention.
#2: Sifan Hassan Brings Honesty, Humor… and Fearlessness
Sifan Hassan’s blend of humility, nerves, and quiet confidence is one of a kind. Her charisma is contagious, and she has that rare star power where she can laugh at herself one moment and talk about chasing history the next, all while making you believe anything is possible.
She admitted she was “scared of NYC” after hearing over the years how challenging the course is, and joked about the stacked women’s field: “Ladies, I’m scared of you. Be nice to me.”
Hassan spoke with huge respect for her rivals, calling Hellen Obiri “a beast,” and said she plans to follow the experienced athletes early, but make no mistake, she’s here to fight.
She also chuckled about her wild race calendar—running Sydney and NYC back-to-back—and insisted she’ll never do that again. (We’ll see.)
She talked about loving the trails and dreaming of eating pizza at a sidewalk table after the race — pure Hassan charm.
And in the most relatable elite-runner moment: before every marathon, she asks herself, “Why am I doing this?” Only Hassan could make world-class marathoning feel this human. If she asks herself why she signed up every marathon morning… we’re in great company.
Hassan’s takeaway: It’s okay to be nervous. Nerves mean you care — embrace them.
#3: Sharon Lokedi Believes History Is In The Making This Sunday
Sharon Lokedi, the 2025 Boston and 2022 NYC Marathon champ, radiates calm confidence. She is unfazed by the stacked field, calling the presence of athletes like Hassan and Obiri “exciting” because it means she’ll “have to go out and fight for it.”
She believes the women’s course record can fall this year and will take a patient approach early, feeling out the race and responding to moves.
Strength in stillness, Lokedi looks ready, and her mindset is a reminder to all of us: no matter how good you are, big goals still demand grit, patience, and showing up ready to earn it.
Lokedi’s takeaway: Patience early; fight late.
#4: Emily Sisson Reminds Us What Smart Marathoning Looks Like
Emily Sisson, the current women’s North American marathon record holder, offered some of the best marathon advice of the week, and it boils down to discipline: “focus on your race, get to halfway feeling controlled, then run your heart out the last 10K.”
Whether you’re aiming for a 2:20 or 4:20 marathon, the halfway-controlled strategy still wins.
She emphasized the importance of celebrating afterward, too — because this sport can be punishing, and joy needs to be part of the process.
If there’s a blueprint for mature, repeatable marathon success, she might have given it to us right here.
Sisson’s takeaway: Protect the first half of your race so you can own the finish.
#5: Benson Kipruto Seeks Something No Runner Has Ever Done Before
There was something quietly special about speaking with Benson Kipruto, winner of multiple major marathons, including Boston in 2021, Tokyo in 2024, and Chicago in 2022. His demeanor is calm, endearing, and unshakably grounded. The kind of presence that makes you lean in and listen.
Even with massive ambitions (winning all seven World Marathon Majors!), he lights up most when talking about life at home and his favorite hobbies, farming and spending time with his family.
It’s a reminder that greatness doesn’t always roar; it shows up humble, steady, and ready to roll.
And when I asked about his favorite marathon? He answered “Boston” without hesitation, which, as a Bostonian, immediately bumped him right to the top of my list. There’s a quiet power in Kipruto, and it feels like he’s just getting started.
Kipruto’s takeaway: Big dreams and simple joys can co-exist. Stay grounded.
If there’s one thing that struck me this week, it’s that even the legends deal with nerves, doubt, and logistics, just like the rest of us.
They train smart, lean on the community, eat carbs, laugh at themselves, and sometimes wonder what they got themselves into. The only difference is the clock, not the mindset.
To all the elites who shared their stories, wisdom, humor, and honesty, thank you. You inspire us every day. Best of luck to every athlete toeing the line in New York on Sunday. We’ll be out there cheering you on.
