A Tour de France postcard is all Peter clutches as he steps back through the hospital doors, determined to earn a permanent cure. He’s about to take on the most demanding stage yet, flanked by bossy nurses, amazed pulmonologists, his devoted cavapoo, and his wife, Torun—all rooting for him along this personal, indoor Tour.

(It will feel like the toughest climb—until he laces up for the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon…but that’s the next episode.)

This Tour de France doesn’t just aim to save Peter’s life—it promises to change it forever.

 

Let's unlock money for medical research! 

Learn More, and Sign Up here-  https://www.beyourpossible.com/runforresearch

New York Road Runners does not benefit from Be Your Possible donations or unlocked funds. 
NYRR is elevating Peter's story as part of our joint vision to create positive change through running.
 
Signing up for Be Your Possible's Run For Research  is free to all  - there is no financial obligation for any runner who chooses to participate.

DISCLAIMER 

A Tour de France postcard is all Peter clutches as he steps back through the hospital doors, determined to earn a permanent cure. He&rsquo;s about to take on the most demanding stage yet, flanked by bossy nurses, amazed pulmonologists, his devoted cavapoo, and his wife, Torun&mdash;all rooting for him along this personal, indoor Tour.
(It will feel like the toughest climb&mdash;until he laces up for the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon&hellip;but that&rsquo;s the next episode.)
This Tour de France doesn&rsquo;t just aim to save Peter&rsquo;s life&mdash;it promises to change it forever.
&nbsp;
Let's unlock money for medical research!&nbsp;
Learn More, and Sign Up here- &nbsp;<a href="https://www.beyourpossible.com/runforresearch">https://www.beyourpossible.com/runforresearch</a>
<hr>
New York Road Runners does not benefit from Be Your Possible donations or unlocked funds.&nbsp; NYRR is elevating Peter's story as part of our joint vision to create positive change through running. &nbsp; Signing up for Be Your Possible's Run For Research &nbsp;is free to all &nbsp;- there is no financial obligation for any runner who chooses to participate.
<a href="https://www.nyrr.org/setthepace">DISCLAIMER&nbsp;</a>

We're so excited to announce our brand new audio docuseries, NYRR Set the Pace Presents: 850 Million Reasons to Run! 

This powerful five-part audio documentary shares the extraordinary story of Peter Kirk: entrepreneur, proud New Yorker, father of three, cancer survivor, stem cell transplant recipient, and marathoner.

 

This special spin-off offers an intimate and deeply moving portrait of Peter’s journey—one that began with a sudden, life-threatening diagnosis and led to the finish line of the TCS New York City Marathon less than a year later. 

 

Told in Peter’s own voice, and with heartfelt insight from his wife Torun and his stem cell transplant donor Sam, the series charts a course through illness, hope, and the healing power of movement.

We're so excited to announce our brand new audio docuseries, NYRR Set the Pace Presents: 850 Million Reasons to Run!&nbsp;
This powerful five-part audio documentary shares the extraordinary story of Peter Kirk: entrepreneur, proud New Yorker, father of three, cancer survivor, stem cell transplant recipient, and marathoner.
&nbsp;
This special spin-off offers an intimate and deeply moving portrait of Peter&rsquo;s journey&mdash;one that began with a sudden, life-threatening diagnosis and led to the finish line of the TCS New York City Marathon less than a year later.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Told in Peter&rsquo;s own voice, and with heartfelt insight from his wife Torun and his stem cell transplant donor Sam, the series charts a course through illness, hope, and the healing power of movement.

The  true story of Peter Kirk's  journey—not just to the start line of the TCS New York City Marathon, but back to life itself. It’s about what happens when everything changes in an instant… and how running became the thread that helped put it all back together.

850 Million Reasons To Run

NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton is the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton Instuctor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication. Each episode also includes an NYRR Member Moment spotlight and pro tip from 2009 New York City Marathon champ and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi.

Set the Pace

NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton is the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton Instructor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication. Each episode also includes an NYRR Member Moment spotlight and pro tip from 2009 New York City Marathon champ and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi.

NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton is the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton Instructor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication. Each episode also includes an NYRR Member Moment spotlight and pro tip from 2009 New York City Marathon champ and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi.

850 Million Reasons to Run is the true story of Peter's journey—not just to the start line of the TCS New York City Marathon, but back to life itself. It’s about what happens when everything changes in an instant… and how running became the thread that helped put it all back together.

Tour De France  | Episode 2

Red Sox manager Alex Cora joins Rob and Becs for this week’s Set the Pace. One of the most recognizable figures in sports, Alex is a World Series–winning manager, a regular presence in Boston headlines, and someone whose every decision is analyzed by millions of Red Sox fans. Recently, Alex has also become a runner—starting with short races then progressing to a half marathon and ultimately to the start line of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon this past November 2. He opens up about the thrill of getting his bib only four weeks before race day and how meaningful it was to run the entire marathon course alongside his partner. They crossed the finish line to cheers from his sons holding a sign that read, “Will you marry, Dad?” Plus, Meb speaks with Simone Swink, Senior Executive Producer of the “Good Morning America” (GMA) franchise. On November 2, Simone and 27 fellow ABC News colleagues participated in a special “Good Morning America” TCS New York City Marathon relay, raising funds for NYRR Team for Kids. 

FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTube
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

Red Sox manager Alex Cora joins Rob and Becs for this week&rsquo;s Set the Pace. One of the most recognizable figures in sports, Alex is a World Series&ndash;winning manager, a regular presence in Boston headlines, and someone whose every decision is analyzed by millions of Red Sox fans. Recently, Alex has also become a runner&mdash;starting with short races then progressing to a half marathon and ultimately to the start line of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon this past November 2. He opens up about the thrill of getting his bib only four weeks before race day and how meaningful it was to run the entire marathon course alongside his partner. They crossed the finish line to cheers from his sons holding a sign that read, &ldquo;Will you marry, Dad?&rdquo; Plus, Meb speaks with Simone Swink, Senior Executive Producer of the &ldquo;Good Morning America&rdquo; (GMA) franchise. On November 2, Simone and 27 fellow ABC News colleagues participated in a special &ldquo;Good Morning America&rdquo; TCS New York City Marathon relay, raising funds for NYRR Team for Kids. FOLLOW NYRR: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nyrr/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRoadRunners/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nyrr">X</a> | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkroadrunners">TikTok</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nyrrvideo/podcasts">YouTube</a> SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/set-the-pace/id1703616687">Apple Podcasts </a>or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2k1UziVCr4wYtMM5Awr2MA?si=871db22f44c049b1">Spotify</a>. <a href="https://www.nyrr.org/setthepace">DISCLAIMER</a>

The Red Sox Take New York: Alex Cora Runs the TCS NYC Marathon

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/dc1b3f8c-8a2d-4298-8405-b17000ea5872/clips/6d513509-fe4a-4e2e-96e7-b3b6016b56c0/transcript

This week’s guest is Caitlin Phillips, a 43-year-old runner who ran a 2:36 at Sunday’s California International Marathon (CIM), qualifying for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Trials. Caitlin shares with Rob and Becs what it took to achieve this amazing feat while working full-time and returning to competition postpartum after giving birth in 2023. She breaks down what makes the CIM course ideal for sub-elite athletes and reflects on the strong sense of community she felt racing alongside runners she’s connected with over the years. Also joining the podcast for the Member Moment is Dr. Melissa Melkonian, founder of The American Dream School in the Bronx, a dual-language charter school created to help students and families pursue their own version of the American Dream. She’s inspired dozens of teachers, parents, and staff to take on their first marathon, using running as a tool for empowerment and community building.

FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTube
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

This week&rsquo;s guest is Caitlin Phillips, a 43-year-old runner who ran a 2:36 at Sunday&rsquo;s California International Marathon (CIM), qualifying for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Trials. Caitlin shares with Rob and Becs what it took to achieve this amazing feat while working full-time and returning to competition postpartum after giving birth in 2023. She breaks down what makes the CIM course ideal for sub-elite athletes and reflects on the strong sense of community she felt racing alongside runners she&rsquo;s connected with over the years. Also joining the podcast for the Member Moment is Dr. Melissa Melkonian, founder of The American Dream School in the Bronx, a dual-language charter school created to help students and families pursue their own version of the American Dream. She&rsquo;s inspired dozens of teachers, parents, and staff to take on their first marathon, using running as a tool for empowerment and community building. FOLLOW NYRR: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nyrr/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRoadRunners/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nyrr">X</a> | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkroadrunners">TikTok</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nyrrvideo/podcasts">YouTube</a> SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/set-the-pace/id1703616687">Apple Podcasts </a>or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2k1UziVCr4wYtMM5Awr2MA?si=871db22f44c049b1">Spotify</a>. <a href="https://www.nyrr.org/setthepace">DISCLAIMER</a>

Marathoner and Mother: Caitlin Phillips on Qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Trials at 43 Years Old

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/dc1b3f8c-8a2d-4298-8405-b17000ea5872/clips/24360348-3c00-4508-8192-b3af01592ebb/transcript

Joining Rob and Becs this week is Phil Keoghan, host of “The Amazing Race.” He recently completed the TCS New York City Marathon while raising money for Back on My Feet, an organization that empowers people to achieve economic independence. The New Zealand-born adventurer isn’t just a marathoner, he’s also cycled across America, set a world record in bungee jumping, and retraced a 1928 Tour de France route on an 85-year-old bicycle. Phil dedicated his race to his father, who passed away last week after a lengthy illness, and he opens up about drawing strength from his dad’s grit and determination during the final miles of the marathon. And for this week’s Member Moment, Meb speaks with Michael Ring, who completed the TCS New York City Marathon 26 times, the last seven after recovering from a devastating case of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Michael is one of the stars of East 89th St Productions and Tribeca Studios’ documentary film “Final Finishers.”

Phil ran the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon in support of Back On My Feet - Donate Here 

FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTube
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

Joining Rob and Becs this week is Phil Keoghan, host of &ldquo;The Amazing Race.&rdquo; He recently completed the TCS New York City Marathon while raising money for Back on My Feet, an organization that empowers people to achieve economic independence. The New Zealand-born adventurer isn&rsquo;t just a marathoner, he&rsquo;s also cycled across America, set a world record in bungee jumping, and retraced a 1928 Tour de France route on an 85-year-old bicycle. Phil dedicated his race to his father, who passed away last week after a lengthy illness, and he opens up about drawing strength from his dad&rsquo;s grit and determination during the final miles of the marathon. And for this week&rsquo;s Member Moment, Meb speaks with Michael Ring, who completed the TCS New York City Marathon 26 times, the last seven after recovering from a devastating case of Guillain-Barr&eacute; syndrome. Michael is one of the stars of East 89th St Productions and Tribeca Studios&rsquo; documentary film &ldquo;Final Finishers.&rdquo; Phil ran the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon in support of Back On My Feet - <a href="https://support.backonmyfeet.org/nyc/phil-keoghan?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGndB-tKT_qEKgdoRunwVKaYhgE8P4OFtnuuMHS-dG7CSvO2at2Gprl4O_TnCk_aem_8JUJfJVH5-OFKkrAWV1NSQ">Donate Here </a> FOLLOW NYRR: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nyrr/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRoadRunners/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nyrr">X</a> | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkroadrunners">TikTok</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nyrrvideo/podcasts">YouTube</a> SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/set-the-pace/id1703616687">Apple Podcasts </a>or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2k1UziVCr4wYtMM5Awr2MA?si=871db22f44c049b1">Spotify</a>. <a href="https://www.nyrr.org/setthepace">DISCLAIMER</a>

Phil Keoghan and His Amazing TCS New York Marathon Race

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/dc1b3f8c-8a2d-4298-8405-b17000ea5872/clips/79d0433b-3291-4653-8d8e-b3a801610dc0/transcript

Tour De France | Episode 2

850 Million Reasons To Run

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