Head Start

Race Directors HQ
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Head Start is a podcast for race directors and anyone involved in the business of putting on races. It doesn't matter where you're based or how many years experience you have or whether you're putting on a running race, a triathlon, an obstacle race or whatever. If you’ve got an interest in planning, organizing and growing endurance events, this is the podcast for you. The focus of the podcast is twofold: 1) we bring you the latest and coolest innovations hitting the mass-participation endurance events industry, and 2) we bring you tips and actionable advice from industry experts to help you improve your race - one episode at a time. Head Start is produced by RaceDirectorsHQ.com, an online resource platform and community network for race directors and race management professionals.

  1. Stewarding the World’s Largest One-Day Fundraiser

    قبل ٩ ساعات · إضافة

    Stewarding the World’s Largest One-Day Fundraiser

    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 a text

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  2. How Sydney Became a World Marathon Major

    ١٣ يناير · إضافة

    How Sydney Became a World Marathon Major

    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 a text

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  3. Building Community, Brand and Fandom

    ١٤‏/١٠‏/٢٠٢٥ · إضافة

    Building Community, Brand and Fandom

    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 a text

    ١ من الساعات
  4. What Might a Marathon in 2100 Look Like?

    ١٧‏/٠٩‏/٢٠٢٥ · إضافة

    What Might a Marathon in 2100 Look Like?

    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 a text

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  5. Leading the Future of the Boston Marathon

    ٠٥‏/٠٨‏/٢٠٢٥ · إضافة

    Leading the Future of the Boston Marathon

    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 a text

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  6. Purpose Is the New Pace

    ٢٩‏/٠٧‏/٢٠٢٥ · إضافة

    Purpose Is the New Pace

    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 a text

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  7. Seizing the Third Running Boom

    ١٢‏/٠٦‏/٢٠٢٥ · إضافة

    Seizing the Third Running Boom

    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 a text

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  8. Inside the Future of the World Marathon Majors

    ٢٩‏/٠٥‏/٢٠٢٥ · إضافة

    Inside the Future of the World Marathon Majors

    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 a text

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Head Start is a podcast for race directors and anyone involved in the business of putting on races. It doesn't matter where you're based or how many years experience you have or whether you're putting on a running race, a triathlon, an obstacle race or whatever. If you’ve got an interest in planning, organizing and growing endurance events, this is the podcast for you. The focus of the podcast is twofold: 1) we bring you the latest and coolest innovations hitting the mass-participation endurance events industry, and 2) we bring you tips and actionable advice from industry experts to help you improve your race - one episode at a time. Head Start is produced by RaceDirectorsHQ.com, an online resource platform and community network for race directors and race management professionals.

المعلومات

  • صناع العمل
    Race Directors HQ
  • سنوات النشاط
    ٢٠٢١ - ٢٠٢٦
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    © 2026 Race Directors HQ
  • موقع البرنامج على الويب
    Head Start