Marco Langon Went From a Kitchen Job to Running 3:33 in the 1500—Now He’s One of the Fastest Middle-Distance Runners in NCAA History

Marco Langon went from prepping meals in a back kitchen to torching NCAA record books as one of the fastest middle-distance runners in collegiate history. We’re talking 3:33.38 in the 1500m ( 2nd-fastest in NCAA history); 3:54.60 in the mile; 7:36.87 in the 3,000m; and 13:14.11 in the 5,000m. And he is still a junior at Villanova . But the stats are just the start. Marco’s a 2025 NCAA 5000m bronze medalist (13:21.17), a multiple-time All-American (indoor, outdoor, and cross country), and the anchor of Villanova’s record-breaking 4×Mile relay at the Penn Relays (15:51.91). He’s also a 3-time Big East 5000m champ , each with record times, and he brought home a World XC U20 bronze with Team USA in 2023. Currently ranked Top 3 in Villanova history across four distances (1500, mile, 3,000m, and 5,000m), he’s running times that prove he may be a serious player for many years to come. Oh, and he just made history off the track too: Marco became the first NCAA track athlete to sign with Diadora , using his NIL deal to help set himself up for the future. And now, the USATF Outdoor Championships (July 31–Aug 3, Hayward Field) could be his next launching point, and maybe even to Worlds in Tokyo. From the kitchen to the track, Marco’s story is pure fire. In today's conversation, Marco walks me through his remarkable journey and coming out of great adversity growing up as a kid, going to Villanova on a full scholarship, and what that meant to him, what motivates him, why everyone has doubts, why he's so honest, and so much more. This is a must-listen to episode. Tap into the Marco Langon Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz