Today in Running History

Hillary Barrett
  • 5.0 (8)
  • RUNNING

While there is no shortage of podcasts that focus on the mechanics of running, I was surprised to find very little that looks at the history of our sport. I created the daily podcast “Today In Running History” to fill this space. In eight minutes or less, listeners will learn the backstories and lasting impact of some of the biggest names and milestones in running history, plus some they might not know about yet. Like the sport itself, Today In Running History is for all of us, from passionate and facts-obsessed sports-history geeks to the most casual of newbies.

  1. 11H AGO

    September 7, 1965 - Uta Pippig is born

    Today is Sunday, September 7th, 2025, and on this day in 1965, 3-time Berlin Marathon champion Uta Pippig was born in Leipzig, East Germany.   In this episode we will learn more about her early life at the epicenter of the Cold War, and how that first Berlin win in 1990 began an incredible career with 7 World Marathon Major wins in 7 years.   This episode and every single other was edited and produced by my good friend Rob Garcia, who many know by his own ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast "Rob on the Run"⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you are looking to get into the podcasting or Youtube space, but need some help on the technical side, I HIGHLY suggest reaching out to Rob. His email is robontherunpodcast@gmail.com   And as always, if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow me on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠runningupthathillary@gmail.com⁠⁠   Bibliography: https://www.takethemagicstep.com/about/utas-story/uta-pippig-sharing-the-joy/ https://www.uta-pippig.com/ https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/six-star-major/berlin#:~:text=It%20was%20after%20the%20Berlin,2%3A20%20barrier%20in%20Berlin. https://www.takethemagicstep.com/about/legends-and-milestones/the-berlin-reunification-marathon-1990-with-goose-bumps-through-the-brandenburg-gate-to-an-emotional-win-2/

    8 min

  2. 1D AGO

    September 6, 1907 - 61-time Boston Marathoner Johnny A Kelley is born

    Today is Saturday, September 6th, 2025, and on this day in 1907, Boston Marathon legend John A Kelley was born in Medford, Massachusetts.   In this episode, we’ll hear how as a young man, Kelley made a name for himself as a two-time Boston Marathon champion, and then dive into how his running career evolved over the decades, ending with his 58th Boston Marathon finish at the age of 84.    It is #SaltySaturday, which means that this episode is sponsored by SaltStick. The summer heat is not going anywhere any time soon, which means that we all need to be replenishing electrolytes lost in sweat.   The FastChews from SaltStick are my personal favorite way to get electrolytes in mid-run, and they come in some great flavors, plus caffeinated and uncaffeinated versions, too! Listeners of Today In Running History can save 20% off of your order using⁠⁠ this link⁠⁠.   AND, as I mention in this episode, SaltStick's sister brand Bonk Breaker is discontinuing their energy bars. Until they are gone for good, you can get a box for free with ANY Bonk Breaker purchase (I love the OMG! Chews) by using the code "ONELASTBOX" at checkout here.    This episode and every single other was edited and produced by my good friend Rob Garcia, who many know by his own ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast "Rob on the Run"⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you are looking to get into the podcasting or Youtube space, but need some help on the technical side, I HIGHLY suggest reaching out to Rob. His email is robontherunpodcast@gmail.com   And as always, if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow me on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠runningupthathillary@gmail.com⁠⁠   Bibliography: https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/john-adelbert-kelley https://irishboston.org/2025/running-legend-johnny-kelley-finished-the-boston-marathon-58-times/ https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/johnny-kelley-beloved-icon-boston-marathon/ https://www.baa.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/BostonMarathonHistoricalResults.pdf https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/john-kelley-obituary?id=26922060 https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/news/2004/10/12/what-great-run-it/50929138007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z114128e008100v114128b0046xxd004665&gca-ft=155&gca-ds=sophi

    13 min

  3. 3D AGO

    September 5, 2008 - Prison Release for Marion Jones after BALCO doping scandal

    Today is Friday, September 5, 2025, and on this day in 2008, disgraced sprinter Marion Jones completed a 6-month prison stint for her involvement in the BALCO doping scandal and a linked check-fraud scheme.    In this episode, we'll discuss Jones's athletic career pre-scandal, how the how the crimes and punishment played out, and what Jones has done to make amends in the 17 years since.    It is #FueledFriday, which mean's that today's episode is sponsored by Fuel Goods! This is the sports nutrition marketplace and monthly subscription service that I've been using for the past 3 years to make sure I'm properly fueled for all of my runs.   All new subscribers to the RunnerBox by Fuel Goods will automatically receive $10 to spend on anything at the marketplace, and listeners of Today in Running History can save $10 off your first box by using my code "HILLARY10" at checkout. Check out the Fuel Goods website here!   This episode and every single other was edited and produced by my good friend Rob Garcia, who many know by his own ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast "Rob on the Run"⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you are looking to get into the podcasting or Youtube space, but need some help on the technical side, I HIGHLY suggest reaching out to Rob. His email is robontherunpodcast@gmail.com   And as always, if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow me on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠runningupthathillary@gmail.com⁠

    14 min

  4. 4D AGO

    September 4, 1972 - Kipchoge Keino wins Olympic gold in 3,000m steeplechase

    Today is Thursday, September 4th, 2025 and on this day in 1972, Kenyan superstar Kipchoge Keino won Olympic gold in the men’s 3,000 meter steeplechase, setting a new Olympic record in the process.   In this very special pod-ception episode, I am joined by Tommy McClellan, host of the Laugh and Run Podcast, and together we break down Keino’s background, Olympic performances, and lasting legacy. You can find the Laugh & Run pod on Youtube here.   This episode and every single other was edited and produced by my good friend Rob Garcia, who many know by his own ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast "Rob on the Run"⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you are looking to get into the podcasting or Youtube space, but need some help on the technical side, I HIGHLY suggest reaching out to Rob. His email is robontherunpodcast@gmail.com   And as always, if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow me on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠runningupthathillary@gmail.com⁠⁠

    29 min

  5. 6D AGO

    September 3, 1947 - Boston Marathon champion Ronald MacDonald dies

    Today is Wednesday, September 3, 2025, and on this day in 1947, Nova Scotia and the tightly knit and still-small running community mourned the death of Ronald J MacDonald, husband, father, country doctor, proud Canadian, Olympian, and winner of the 2nd-ever Boston Marathon.    This episode and every single other was edited and produced by my good friend Rob Garcia, who many know by his own ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast "Rob on the Run"⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you are looking to get into the podcasting or Youtube space, but need some help on the technical side, I HIGHLY suggest reaching out to Rob. His email is robontherunpodcast@gmail.com   And as always, if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow me on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠runningupthathillary@gmail.com⁠⁠

    8 min

  6. SEP 5

    September 2, 1960 - Wilma Rudolph wins first of 3 gold medals at Rome Olympics

    Today is Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 and on this day in 1960, Wilma Rudolph won the first of 3 gold medals she would earn at the Rome Olympics.   In this episode, we’ll learn more about Rudolph’s sickly childhood,and  hear how she overcame the odds to become the fastest woman in the world.    It's #Tattoosday, and listeners of Today in Running History can save 20% off your order using my code "Hillary" at checkout. ⁠⁠⁠Here is the link⁠⁠⁠ to MyRaceTatts.   This episode was edited and produced by my good friend and confidant, Rob Garcia. Check out his podcast, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rob on the Run on Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on Instagram as @robontherunpod.   If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share, then connect with me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram as well at @running_up_that_hillary⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or check out my website at runningupthathillary.com.    Bibliography: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/jun/01/50-stunning-olympic-moments-wilma-rudolph https://web.archive.org/web/20141113083713/http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ru/wilma-rudolph-1.html http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/september/11/newsid_3554000/3554568.stm https://www.espn.com/sportscentury/features/00016444.html https://usopm.org/wilma-rudolph/

    10 min

  7. SEP 4

    September 1, 1980 - Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope ends

    Today is Monday, September 1st, 2025 and on this day in 1980, Canadian athlete and activist Terry Fox ended his Marathon of Hope after running for 143 days and making it 3,339 miles and raising more than $1 million for the Cancer Society.   In this episode, we will learn more about Fox and how he turned his own battle with osteosarcoma into a movement to help others, then hear from the COO of the Terry Fox Foundation, Martha McClew, about Fox’s lasting legacy.   You can learn more about and support the Terry Fox Foundation, sign up for a Terry Fox Run near you, or purchase a "Finish It" t-shirt here.   This episode and every single other was edited and produced by my good friend Rob Garcia, who many know by his own ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast "Rob on the Run"⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you are looking to get into the podcasting or Youtube space, but need some help on the technical side, I HIGHLY suggest reaching out to Rob. His email is robontherunpodcast@gmail.com   And as always, if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow me on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠runningupthathillary@gmail.com⁠   Bibliography: https://terryfox.org/the-team/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen/127556539/ https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kBQyAAAAIBAJ&pg=1162,4206618

    39 min

  8. SEP 3

    August 31, 1904 - Tswana tribesmen Jan Mashiani and Len Taunyane return to Africa after running the Olympic marathon

    Today is Sunday, August 31st, 2025, and on this day in 1904, Tswana tribesmen Jan Mashiani and Len Taunyane departed St Louis after having competed in the Olympic Marathon the previous day.   In this episode, we’ll learn more about how Mashiani and Taunyane became the first Black athletes of any country to compete in the Games, what obstacles they overcame along the way, and why so much of their story remains shrouded in mystery.   Bibliography: https://theconversation.com/who-were-the-first-africans-at-the-olympics-the-disturbing-story-of-two-1904-marathon-runners-234429 https://www.britannica.com/topic/worlds-fair https://travelnoire.com/first-indigenous-africans-olympic-games https://isoh.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/5.pdf https://obs.org.za/who-were-the-first-africans-at-the-olympics-the-disturbing-story-of-two-1904-marathon-runners/ https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-07-26-who-were-the-first-africans-at-the-olympics-the-disturbing-story-of-two-1904-marathon-runners/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=first_thing https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/75271 https://runnersguide.blog/2021/12/02/thanks-to-the-boer-war-we-ran-in-the-olympics/

    13 min
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5
out of 5
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About

While there is no shortage of podcasts that focus on the mechanics of running, I was surprised to find very little that looks at the history of our sport. I created the daily podcast “Today In Running History” to fill this space. In eight minutes or less, listeners will learn the backstories and lasting impact of some of the biggest names and milestones in running history, plus some they might not know about yet. Like the sport itself, Today In Running History is for all of us, from passionate and facts-obsessed sports-history geeks to the most casual of newbies.

Information

  • Creator
    Hillary Barrett
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Hillary Barrett
  • Show Website
    Today in Running History

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