What Runs a Run

In this episode we are exploring how the New York Road Runners are leading sustainability efforts in large-scale events, focusing on decarbonization, offsetting, insetting, and innovative eco-friendly practices. We sit down with Ali Criscolo, Head of Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility at New York Road Runners (NYRR) and dig into insights on strategies, challenges, and impactful i...

In this episode of What Runs a Run podcast, Dr. Amy Bender shares the critical role of sleep in athletic performance, covering sleep cycles, tracking technologies, sleep disorders, and practical tips for optimizing sleep for athletes and travelers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the 22 Hour Athlete 03:48 Understanding the Sleep Cycle 07:36 Measuring Sleep: Devices and Accuracy 18:25 Identifying Sl...

In this episode, Mike Laflin, Founder & CEO of Global Sustainable Sport (GSS) shares insights on measuring sustainability in sports, introducing his seven pillars framework and discussing impact data versus commercial data. We explore how sports organizations can leverage data for greater societal impact and sustainability. Key topics: Seven pillars of sustainable sport Impact data versus comm...

In this episode, Dr. Krista Austin shares insights on preparing for high performance in endurance sports, focusing on mental readiness, energy fueling, and adaptability. Learn how elite athletes train their bodies and minds to handle unpredictable conditions and push past limits. Krista Gail Austin shares insights on optimizing marathon performance through individualized training, mental resilienc...

In this episode of What Runs a Run, we go behind the scenes with Mike Nishi, COO of Chicago Event Management, to explore the future of marathon event planning, safety, inclusivity, and industry collaboration. Discover how long-term vision, operational excellence, and open-source sharing are shaping the industry. 💡 Key Takeaways The "Peak Bib" Reality: We have reached a point where races are perma...

Your shoes might outlive your great-great-great-grandchildren. 👟⏳ Did you know it takes up to 1,000 years for a single pair of running shoes to decompose? Most of us swap our trainers every 400 miles, but we rarely talk about where those "dead" shoes actually go. In our latest episode of What Runs a Run , we sit down with Tony Piedade , the visionary behind @JogOnAgain. We’re diving deep into:...

Sustainable Practices at the Chicago Marathon: A Deep Dive into Environmental Impact & Innovation In this episode of # Sustainability in 26.2 series of What Runs a Run podcast, we explore how the Chicago Marathon is innovating sustainable solutions to reduce its environmental footprint, from waste diversion to carbon offset programs. Cat Morris, the Sustainability Manager at Chicago Marathon E...

Is "Sustainable Running" an Oxymoron? 🌍👟 Damian Hall (author of We Can’t Run Away From This ) breaks it down in the this episode of Sustainability in 26.2 series. If you think sustainability is just about recycled medals, this episode will challenge you. Here are 3 "Inconvenient Truths" Damian shared for runners and race organizers: 1️⃣ The 90% Rule: Participant travel (flights/driving) accounts...

🌍 Did you know that a staggering 90% of footwear ends up in landfills? Join us on this episode of What Runs a Run as we dive into the world of sustainable sneakers and how we can change the story of our old shoes with Founder & CEO of Sneaker Impact, Moe Hachem. Explore how Sneaker Impact is transforming sneaker disposal and recycling into a social and environmental movement. This episode del...

In this episode of What Runs a Run, host Kamal Datta chats with renowned distance coach Greg Macmillan. They discuss Greg's journey from a young runner in rural Tennessee to becoming a leading coach and creator of the Macmillan running calculator. The conversation covers essential coaching philosophies, including the importance of understanding individual runner needs, the concept of 'experiment o...

In this episode of the What Runs Around podcast, host Kamal Datta chats with Kate Chapman, the head of sustainability at London Marathon Events. With over 20 years of experience in environmental initiatives, Kate discusses her journey from the marine environmental sector to leading sustainability efforts for major sporting events, including the London Olympics. She emphasizes the pressing waste pr...

In this episode, host Kamal Datta sits down with Dr. Brian McCullough, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Sport & Sustainability at the University of Michigan and explores explores the environmental impact of events, particularly focusing on the different scopes of emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) and the challenges associated with data collection and reporting. The speakers discu...

In this conversation, Sasha, the founder of Still I Run, shares her journey of establishing a nonprofit focused on mental health awareness through running. She discusses the various programs offered by Still I Run, the impact of the pandemic on mental health, and effective fundraising strategies. Sasha emphasizes the importance of community and personal connection in fundraising efforts, as well a...

In this podcast episode, Linda shares her journey as a mother of three, a business owner, and a passionate marathon runner. She discusses the challenges of balancing her family life with her running and business commitments, her experiences with the Boston Marathon, and the mental strategies she employs during races. Linda emphasizes the importance of community support in her running journey and r...

In this conversation, David shares his inspiring journey from being a weightlifter to becoming a Boston marathoner, overcoming significant injuries along the way. He discusses his experiences at the Boston Marathon, his strategies for qualifying, and the challenges of training in different weather conditions. David also highlights the importance of community through his Facebook group for runners...

In this conversation, Mike Beeman, who ran 48 consecutive Boston Marathon since 1978, shares his experiences at the 2025 Boston Marathon, highlighting the significant role social media, particularly TikTok, played in enhancing his race experience. He discusses the overwhelming support he received from fans and the community, which made the event memorable. The interaction with fans and the viral c...

In this episode of What Runs a Run Pod, host Kamal Datta speaks with Morgan Ashworth, COO of Ashworth Awards, about the significance of medals in the running community, the evolution of the medal manufacturing industry, and the intricate processes involved in creating these awards. Morgan shares her personal journey in the family business, insights on leadership, and the importance of sustainabili...

In this conversation, Kamal Datta speaks with Chris Newcomer, a specialist in peer-to-peer fundraising at Give Sign Up. They explore the concept of peer-to-peer fundraising, its significance for nonprofits, and the tools available on the Give Sign Up platform. Chris shares insights from his unique journey from opera singer to fundraising expert, discusses the dynamics between nonprofits and race o...

In this conversation, Kamal Datta chats with Crystal Ross about her journey from marathon running to ultra running, discussing the challenges she faced in training and the mental shifts that occurred along the way. She reflects on her experiences at the Boston Marathon, the importance of a supportive community, and her future aspirations in the running world. The discussion highlights the differen...

In this conversation, Kamal Datta chats with Harps Hansara, an avid runner who began her journey during the pandemic. Harps shares her experiences training for and running the Boston Marathon, including the challenges she faced and the lessons learned. She discusses the importance of community support, her training regimen, and her aspirations to complete all six major marathons. The conversation...

Royi Metser shares his journey into running and the creation of Avelo, a smart running shoe designed to provide real-time insights into biomechanics and performance. He emphasizes the importance of understanding running metrics such as mechanical load, capacity, and efficiency to help runners minimize injury risk and improve performance. The discussion also covers the significance of a runner's un...

In this conversation, Kamal Datta speaks with Jaclyn Levi, Chief Strategy Officer and co-founder of Haku, about the unique technology platform designed specifically for endurance event organizers and nonprofits. They discuss the founding story of Haku, its evolution, the importance of CRM, the impact of AI on the industry, and the strategic partnerships that enhance the platform's offerings. Jacly...

Join us as we dive into the world of fundraising with Team Red Cross. Discover key strategies and insights shared by experienced runners and fundraisers, as they reveal what it takes to successfully raise funds for a cause. From creative event ideas to leveraging social media, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you make a meaningful impact. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or n...

In this episode, Tyler McGraw, founder of RunVirt, discusses the intricacies of race bib production, the impact of COVID-19 on the running industry, and the innovative approaches Runvert is taking towards sustainability and efficiency in bib manufacturing. Tyler shares his personal journey into the running industry, the evolution of race bibs, and the future vision for RunVirt as a leader in parti...

Devon Cohen shares her race day insights from the 2025 Boston Marathon, highlighting the vibrant crowd support and smooth event logistics that made her experience memorable. Originating from Massachusetts but residing in Ohio, Devon details her strategic training in snowy conditions, emphasizing hill simulations and the importance of transitioning between uphill and downhill running. She discusses...