Episode Details

In this episode of pplpod, we hit the road to explore the enduring career of Elena Plastinina (also known as Olena Plastynina), a celebrated Ukrainian athlete and elite long-distance runner. We trace her journey from becoming the 1989 Ukrainian 10K Champion in Kyiv to representing her country as the sole competitor in the 1995 World Marathon Cup.

Tune in to hear how Plastinina dominated the international circuit with major victories at the Kosice Marathon, Istanbul Marathon, and the Hartford Marathon. We also break down her prestigious win at the 1998 Grandma’s Marathon in Minnesota and her triumph at the 2003 Philadelphia Marathon. Whether you are a fan of running history or the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, this episode offers a deep dive into the races that defined her legacy, including a historic duel at the Reading Half Marathon that resulted in one of the closest women's finishes on record.