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Welcome to “The Future of Running” podcast on Head Start presented by Brooksee and hosted by Phil Dumontet. In this episode, Phil sits down with Clark Gardner, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, for a conversation about leadership, resilience, and the ambition to bring the Abbott World Marathon Majors to Africa for the very first time. With Eliud Kipchoge preparing to race his first marathon on African soil and the eyes of the running world fixed on Cape Town, the stakes for this moment could not be higher. What does it take to build a World Marathon Major from the ground up? How do you lead when 24,000 runners are ready to race and extreme weather forces a cancellation just 90 minutes before the gun? Clark shares the leadership principles and crisis frameworks that helped his team navigate one of the toughest moments in the race’s history, and why he believes leaders should stay in the background during success and step forward during failure. We also explore the bigger picture: why Africa — home to the vast majority of the world’s elite marathon talent — has never had a Major until now, what Cape Town becoming the eighth major would mean for the sport globally, and how endurance events can drive tourism, economic impact, and national identity. A compelling conversation about ambition, pressure, and why the future of marathon running may run straight through Africa. Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to “The Future of Running” podcast on Head Start presented by Brooksee and hosted by Phil Dumontet. In this episode, Phil sits down with Chris Robb, CEO of Mass Participation World and one of the most influential global voices in endurance events, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of mass participation events.  What if governments treated marathons as public healthcare infrastructure? What if the most important person at your event isn’t the runner, but the spectator cheering at mile 10? And could the greatest threat to endurance sports actually be its rapid growth?  Also in this episode: the shifting economics of race events, why mass participation is becoming increasingly valuable to cities and sponsors, and how the industry can scale sustainably without losing its soul. A thought-provoking conversation for anyone building the future of endurance sport, community, and active lifestyles. Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to “The Future of Running” podcast on Head Start presented by Brooksee and hosted by Phil Dumontet. In this episode, Phil sits down with Ted Metellus, Chief Event Production Officer and race director at New York Road Runners — the team behind the TCS New York City Marathon — for one of the most practical and insight-packed conversations on the podcast. With 27 years of experience producing events of every size, Ted shares what it really takes to create races that resonate far beyond race day. When does the participant journey actually begin? Why is the finish line just the start of your biggest opportunity? And what are most events missing when it comes to data, storytelling, and long-term engagement? Ted breaks down the systems, mindset, and overlooked details that separate well-run races from truly unforgettable ones. We also explore the bigger picture. As the NYC Marathon approaches its 50th anniversary of running through all five boroughs, what does it mean to steward an event that represents a city — and a global community? And why logistics alone will never be enough. A must-listen for race directors and event professionals looking for actionable ideas they can apply immediately to grow and improve their races. Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to “The Future of Running” podcast on Head Start presented by Brooksee and hosted by Phil Dumontet. In this episode, Phil sits down with Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events — the organization behind the TCS London Marathon, the UK’s biggest street party and the largest single-day fundraising event in the world. From its origin story in 1979 to its place today as one of the most iconic races on the planet, this is a conversation about belief, responsibility, and stewarding something bigger than a start line. What is running’s true superpower? How do you deliver an individual, deeply personal experience at massive global scale? And what does it mean to lead a race that belongs not just to runners, but to a city, a country, and a global community? Hugh shares how London balances elite excellence with grassroots inclusivity — and why mental barriers, not physical ones, are often the hardest to break. We also look ahead. Where will the TCS London Marathon be in 2030? In 50 years? As technology advances, will race day become more digital — or more human? A thoughtful conversation on legacy, belief, and what it takes to steward one of the world’s most important endurance events into its next era. Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to “The Future of Running” podcast on Head Start presented by Brooksee and hosted by Phil Dumontet. In this episode, Phil sits down with Wayne Larden, race director of the TCS Sydney Marathon — the seventh and newest Abbott World Marathon Major — to explore the evolution of one of the world’s most iconic city marathons. A 2:16 marathoner in his debut and now a leader shaping the next chapter of global marathon culture, Wayne offers a rare, all-sides perspective on what it takes to build something lasting. What does it truly mean to become a World Marathon Major? How do you grow to 40,000+ runners while protecting the runner experience? Why is Sydney focused on being the most fun marathon in the world — not the biggest? Wayne shares the bold vision behind the Sydney Marathon’s rise, and why the event has never strayed from its athlete-first roots. Also in this episode: how run clubs are transforming Australian running culture, what it means to support community leaders beyond race day, and how Sydney’s early focus on family runs shaped its inclusive identity. A wide-ranging conversation on performance, purpose, and what marathons need to become if they want to matter 50 years from now. Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to “The Future of Running” podcast on Head Start presented by Brooksee and hosted by Phil Dumontet. In this episode, Phil sits down with Scott DeRue, CEO of the Ironman Group — a brand so deeply rooted in endurance sports that thousands of athletes have tattooed its logo on their skin — to discuss how community, identity, and experience are driving Ironman’s next chapter.  What does it take to turn a race brand into a global lifestyle movement? Why is Ironman focused not just on being the biggest, but also the most loved brand in endurance sports? And, as technology, access, and expectations shift, what will it feel like to stand on an Ironman start line in 2035? Also in this episode: how Ironman is doubling down on emotional connection, and storytelling to fuel long-term growth, and what lessons endurance events can learn from Taylor Swift fandom, Formula 1 drama, and NBA player-driven narratives. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation! Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to “The Future of Running” podcast on Head Start presented by Brooksee and hosted by Phil Dumontet. In this episode, Phil sits down with Bill Quinn, Futurist at TCS — the global tech force behind the New York, London, and Sydney marathons — for a bold exploration of what’s next in race technology. From drones and AI to digital twins and smart hydration systems, this is a deep dive into the future of major race experiences, including what that might look like for Boston. What if AI could assign your start corral? What if digital twins could simulate entire races before a single step is taken? Could drones and robotics revolutionize everything from aid stations to medical response? Bill shares how these technologies are being prototyped today — and how soon we might see them in a race near you. We also unpack the big-picture questions: How can new tools make marathons more inclusive and accessible? What role will spectators play in an era of real-time, hyper-connected cheering? And what can wars and rapid global crises teach us about how quickly sports technology can evolve? A must-listen for anyone shaping the next era of endurance events. Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to "The Future of Running" podcast on Head Start presented by Brooksee and hosted by Phil Dumontet. In this episode, Phil sits down with Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the Boston Athletic Association and the driving force behind the Boston Marathon — the oldest and most storied marathon in the world — to discuss how this legendary race is embracing innovation, inclusion, and intention to shape the future of the sport while honoring its 127-year legacy. What happens when the world’s most historic marathon sets its sights on the future? Jack shares how Boston is breaking new ground while keeping its iconic character intact — introducing para programs that redefine inclusion, celebrating every finisher with the roar of a stadium, and putting mental health at the heart of the next running wave. He also reveals which classic distance is poised for a revival, and how charity running is transforming from a fundraising obligation into a powerful community opportunity. Packed with rare behind-the-scenes insights, this conversation offers race directors and event leaders a front-row seat to the strategies powering the Boston Marathon’s next chapter. Whether you lead a local 5K or a world major, Jack’s approach to balancing legacy with innovation will leave you inspired to lead your own event into the future. Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to "The Future of Running" podcast on Head Start presented by Brooksee and hosted by Phil Dumontet. In this episode, Phil sits down with Mike Nishi, Chief Operating Officer of Chicago Event Management and a legendary force behind the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for over 30 years. It’s a masterclass in leadership, legacy, and long-term thinking from one of the most respected figures in global marathon production. What do you do when your race is already sold out? How do you keep innovating when demand is at an all-time high? Mike reveals a strategy that’s redefining what value means for major events — and why it’s just as relevant for smaller races. He also shares his full race operations playbook, packed with practical insights every race director can take home. From turning volunteers into VIPs to building one of the world’s most sustainable marathons, Mike walks through the smart, intentional moves that have made Chicago a global leader. And he doesn’t stop there — he also unveils his bold 100-year vision for the Chicago Marathon, offering a powerful example of legacy thinking in action. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation. Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to "The Future of Running" podcast on Head Start presented by Brooksee and hosted by Phil Dumontet. In this episode, Phil sits down with Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners for a supercharged deep dive into the future of running.  What will the next decade of running look like? Why is NYRR producing a film for Tribeca? Can races go fully carbon neutral — and how soon? From media savvy to mental health, fan engagement to climate action, Rob shares visionary insights and hard-earned lessons from his Olympic broadcasting days to his current leadership of the world’s largest running organization. Also in this episode, how one smart registration question can unlock a content goldmine, what race directors can learn from ESPN, and two bold ideas that could reshape the entire sport. Don’t miss this inside look at where the sport of running is headed — and how you can be part of shaping it. Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to "The Future of Running" podcast on Head Start presented by Brooksee and hosted by Phil Dumontet. In this episode, Phil sits down with Dawna Stone, CEO of Abbott World Marathon Majors. Together, they unpack the latest milestones in global marathon events, including Sydney’s entry as the seventh major and the tantalizing possibility of Cape Town joining next. What does it take to become a World Marathon Major? And what’s the bold vision behind a possible Nine Star Medal? Dawna and Phil also dive into some of the biggest trends shaping the future of running — from the rise of Gen Z runners and their mental health-driven motivations, to tech innovations like real-time glucose tracking and performance-boosting nutrition strategies. What does the future hold for race formats, participation, and the marathon experience itself? This episode is a must-listen for race directors who want to stay ahead of the curve. With insider insights from one of the most influential leaders in the sport, plus practical takeaways on race excellence and community impact, it’s packed with ideas to inspire your next big move. Send us Fan Mail

In 1897, the Boston Athletic Association, then only ten years old, decided to organize the first ever Boston Marathon, thus giving birth to the longest continuously running marathon in the world. Of the 15 people who took part in the race, ten finished. And to commemorate the achievement of its members in that inaugural Boston Marathon, all ten finishers came away with a medal, thus giving birth to one of the most enduring traditions in mass participation sports: the finisher medal. So, what makes a great medal? How should you choose a medal that works best for your race’s theme and budget? What kinds of things should you look out for in designing your medal and managing those all-important order quantities and delivery timelines? And how can you use your most important race bling to attract new participants to your event? That’s what we’re discussing today with my guests, mother and daughter, Kim and Morgan Ashworth of veteran medal suppliers’ Ashworth Awards. Now in its third generation, Ashworth Awards has been the go-to medal supplier for some of the greatest races in the United States for over 60 years. And with Kim and Morgan’s help we’ll explore every aspect of race medals, from production and design to order management and - seeing as the world’s heading that way - the effect tariffs may already be having on the price and availability of that all important finisher bling.  In this episode: Pros, cons and costs of different types of medals: die-cast, stamped, acrylic, wooden medals.Medal platings and coloursHow race medals are producedThe popularity and versatility of utility medalsMade in the USA dimensional steel medalsThe effect of tariffs on medal imports and costsWorking with a vendor to design your race medalObtaining samples before a production runManaging order quantities and lead timesTips for reusing and recycling leftover medalsPros and cons of ordering through a vendor vs ordering directly from an overseas manufacturerUsing your medal in your race marketingOffering personalized medalsMany thanks to our podcast sponsors, RunSignup and Brooksee, for supporting our efforts to provide great, free content to the race director community: RunSignup are the leading all-in-one technology solution for endurance and fundraising events. More than 28,000 events use RunSignup's free and integrated solution to save time, grow their events, and raise more. Find out more at https://runsignup.com/. Brooksee are the timing technology industry-leader, bringing affordable real-time tracking and timing checkpoints to races with their patented iPhone-sized micro checkpoints. Find out more and get 50% off your timing for your next event at https://www.brooksee.com/headstart. You can find more resources on anything and everything related to race directing on our website RaceDirectorsHQ.com. You can also share your questions about liability waivers or anything else in our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/racedirectorshq/  Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to "The Future of Running" podcast on Head Start presented by Brooksee and hosted by Phil Dumontet. In this episode, Phil sits down with Stacey Embretson, Senior Director of Operations for the LA Marathon, to go behind the scenes of one of the most iconic races in the country, exploring how the LA Marathon has evolved since 2008 and where it's headed next. What does the future of major city marathons look like? How do you innovate in an event with decades of history, while keeping pace with the new technology and runner expectations? And, how do you navigate complex, multi jurisdictional logistics while adapting to climate change and wildfires?  Whether you're a race director and event organizer or just passionate about where endurance sports are headed, this episode is packed with insights into what it really takes to put on the races of the future. Send us Fan Mail

Today we have something a little bit different for you: we are announcing the upcoming release of “The Future of Running” mini podcast series, a limited, five-episode podcast series hosted by Brooksee CEO, Phil Dumontet, here, on your Head Start podcast feed. Many of you may know Phil personally or may have heard of his work (or may even have listened to him on this podcast discussing the growth of his Boulderthon race). If you have, you would know Phil as a very energetic, forward-looking leader in our industry. So putting him in the driving seat of his own mini interview series and benefitting from his perspective and that of the great guests he’ll be hosting I’m sure will add a lot of value to the podcast and to your listening time. Send us Fan Mail

RunSignup’s annual RaceTrends report is the closest thing we get in the endurance events industry to a market-wide survey of what is happening in events and event participation. And the latest RaceTrends report for 2024 is out, shedding a unique light into the long-term trends taking shape in the race management industry. So, how are we doing? Is the COVID-era hangover well and truly behind us? What do the numbers say for current and future participation growth in endurance events? And are the bullish pricing trends we saw in 2023 still holding up in 2024? With me today to discuss all this and more is RunSignup’s Director of Marketing, and person responsible for this very important piece of research, Johanna Goode. And with Johanna’s help we’ll be making sense of the numbers, diving deep into some of the most important factors driving industry trends, and thinking through some of the implications of these findings for the future of endurance events. In this episode: On the right track: strong growth in participation carries through to 2024Repeat participation across different event distancesWhat is holding back growth in larger events? Understanding regional differences in event participation growthPromoting locally: reaching out to local running clubs, other events and timersUsing referral rewards to grow your raceAre events getting better at attracting younger runners?Registration patterns: are runners really procrastinating in signing up?The importance of keeping registrations open as long as possible.Year-on-year entry fee changes across different event distancesKeeping race costs down through optional swagCould introducing more price increases lead to more registrations?Mobile registrations: using Apple Pay vs storing credit card detailsPrice transparency laws: what they are, and how they will affect the presentation of registration prices for your raceThe decline of social media traffic to race websitesYou can download the full 2024 RaceTrends report for free: https://runsignup.com/trends Many thanks to our podcast sponsors, RunSignup and Brooksee, for supporting our efforts to provide great, free content to the race director community: RunSignup are the leading all-in-one technology solution for endurance and fundraising events. More than 28,000 events use RunSignup's free and integrated solution to save time, grow their events, and raise more. Find out more at https://runsignup.com/. Brooksee are the timing technology industry-leader, bringing affordable real-time tracking and timing checkpoints to races with their patented iPhone-sized micro checkpoints. Find out more and get 50% off your timing for your next event at https://www.brooksee.com/headstart. You can find more resources on anything and everything related to race directing on our website RaceDirectorsHQ.com. You can also share your questions about liability waivers or anything else in our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/racedirectorshq/  Send us Fan Mail