Who Will Shape Running in 2026? Our 26 Most Influential People Ranked

Show Notes

Who will shape the future of running in 2026? In this episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle, Katelyn Tocci, and Alex Cyr rank the 26 most influential people in running for the year ahead — from global superstars like Sifan Hassan and Eliud Kipchoge to behind-the-scenes power players at Nike, Strava, World Athletics, and the World Marathon Majors. We debate celebrity runners like Harry Styles (48:50), analyze the future of super shoes and Nike’s leadership (48:50–54:30), break down the rise of Conner Mantz (54:30), and explain why Sifan Hassan earns the top spot (01:11:00). Plus, plenty of honorable mentions, strong opinions, and classic Marathon Handbook banter along the way.

This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo’s KICKR RUN – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order

📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at [e-mail].

🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast

📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook

📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter

#RunningPodcast #MarathonHandbook #RunningNews #MarathonRunning

#SifanHassan #EliudKipchoge #FaithKipyegon #RunningCulture

#TrackAndField #MarathonTraining

What is Marathon Handbook Podcast?

Marathon Handbook's weekly podcast covers everything you need to know about running, from running your first 5K to qualifying for the Boston Marathon! Each week, our editors chat about what's going on in the running scene, as well as timely training tips, the best new gear, and what's happening at the world's biggest races. We'll cover everything from the Boston Marathon to the Barkley Marathons, often podding live from the most important moments in running! Watch our video podcast each week on YouTube, and listen to it wherever you get your podcasts! Inquiries: [e-mail]