THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST From Underdog to NCAA Star: Margot Appleton on Winning by Feel, Racing with Heart & Breaking Records
Racing by feel and winning with heart.
Margot Appleton has emerged as one of the premier collegiate distance runners in the U.S., blending tactical brilliance, relentless drive, and a flair for dramatic finishes.
In 2019, as a high school junior, Appleton stunned the field at Boston's Mayor's Cup 5K, finishing second overall in 17:14—outpacing the reigning Foot Locker national champion. This performance marked a significant breakthrough in her running career.
Most recently, at the 2025 Penn Relays, Appleton delivered a sensational anchor leg in the Distance Medley Relay (DMR), clocking a 4:21.46 split. Overcoming a significant deficit, she surged past top competitors to secure Virginia's first women's DMR win at the event since 1982. Her 1500m time of 4:05.68 at the 2025 Raleigh Relays ranks as the fourth-fastest in collegiate history.
Appleton holds Virginia school records in the indoor mile (4:25.03), indoor 3000m (8:46.23), and outdoor 5000m (15:18.21). Appleton has earned First Team All-American honors in both the 1500m and 5000m events, including a 4th-place finish in the 5000m at the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Championships.
In today's conversation, Margot takes me through her successful, consistent career at UVU, being a leader on the team, what it would mean to her to win an NCAA title, what her training looks like, training without a GPS watch, and so much more.
Tap into the Margot Appleton Special.
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