The Runners Reunion Podcast
The first running boom in the 1970’s produced some of today’s most iconic road racing events such as Falmouth and Litchfield that attract capacity fields year in and out. The era also produced mega marathons such as NYC and Chicago that are now destination events attracting runners from all over the world with elite international fields. Athletic shoe companies such as Nike and New Balance went from little known brands to global enterprises fueling the sport with the sponsorship of road races, track events and the elite athletes that competed in them.
The running boom also produced a unique cast of characters that made running events, and their post race parties, extremely entertaining. The era was pre internet and the randomness of who would show up at the races made it even more special. This podcast is about their stories and walks you through how they got involved in the sport and what they are doing now.
- Update frequency
- every 28 days
- Average duration
- 56 minutes
- Episodes
- 34
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
Running to stay alive with Vietnam Combat Veteran Tom Egan
With more than 110,000 miles logged that included 130+ marathons and 10+ ultra-marathons it is safe to say that running has been a big part of Tom Egan’s life. As time has passed Tom has reflected o…
Catching up with 1982 NCAA & TAC XC Champion Lesley Lehane
Growing up in Peabody, MA the inseparable twins Lesley and Lisa Welch decided to join the cross country ski team in middle school. Unbeknownst to them the meeting they attended was for the cross cou…
Join us this episode as we follow Richard Mulligan's incredible journey from one of the top runners in Ireland to the top of the Country Music charts decades later
Born at the notorious Sean Ross Abbey, Richard Flaherty was forcibly taken from his mother hours after birth. Good fortune smiled when he was fostered by the Mulligan family. Despite the stigma, supp…
Our guest this episode is 1996 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier Kim Carlson Benner
Like many of us who started running in the 70’s and 80’s it was pure happenstance. After a stint on the west coast for college Kim Carlson Benner moved to the Boston area. After a brief stay in Sale…
Our guest this episode is recent author of “Two Clicks Above Mediocre: An Athlete’s Story” Jon Berit
Our guest this episode is long time GBTC team member and recent author of “Two Clicks Above Mediocre: An Athlete’s Story” Jon Berit. Mediocre is an understatement in reference to Jon’s running resu…
Catching up with Brad Schlapak the master of mileage and antique clocks
On December 3, 1995, the US Cross Country Championships were held at fabled Franklin Park. Reuben Reina was the heavy favorite to repeat his title from the year before. His plan was simple - stay w…
Welcome to season four of the Runners Reunion Podcast and a look back over the past three seasons
As we prepare for season four of the Runners Reunion Podcast, we thought it would be a good time to reflect on the first three seasons and the many interesting and inspiring guests that have been gra…
Catching up with Mimi Fallon as she discusses her life in running and the many friendships along the way
Mimi Fallon’s first road race was the NYC marathon in 1989. She entered the lottery for a number on a whim thinking it would be a long shot to be selected. As fate would have it, she was selected a…
Catching up with Paul Gorman and his persistent approach to running and beyond
Swamscott, MA native Paul Gorman had a stellar career as a professional runner during the 80’s. His journey to the elite level during the height of the running boom, however, was far from convention…
Janice Cataldo discusses Title Nine and the early days of Women's X-Country and Track at Providence College
When Title 9 was signed into law in 1972 little did Janice Cataldo know how it would impact her life and the contributions she would make to one of the storied women’s track and cross country teams i…
Our guest this episode is Olympic Trials qualifier, coach and community organizer Mark Robinson
Our guest this episode is 10 time All American Mark Robinson. A graduate of Catholic University, and longtime coach of his alma mater, Robinson did not begin running until his senior year at McKinle…
The Legacy of Johnson & Wales AC and Colonel John McNulty
In the 1970s and 1980s Johnson & Wales AC (JWAC) was the dominant road running club in Rhode Island. Prior to becoming a four year college (now a university) JWAC had one of the top Jr. College team…
The Runners Reunion Podcast catches up with one of the event’s founders Charlie Breagy
Our guest this episode is the third pillar and one of the founders of the Runners Reunion event Charlie Breagy. Charlie was a member of the second wave of Irish and British runners to attend Provide…
Two time Olympian Pete Pfitzinger kicks off season three with the Runners Reunion Podcast!
Our guest spent his formative years in the snow belt of Upstate NY. Glimpses of raw talent showed through championship success running on skis. After a successful collegiate career, the Clarion Call …
The 2023 Hoka and Marathon Sports Ocean State XC Invitational with Steve Mazzone and Siobhan Breagy
While the Runners Reunion Podcast Team is planning for season #3, we are pleased to host Ocean State Running’s master of the media Steve Mazzone as he catches up with Siobhan Breagy to discuss the up…
Our last guest of the season is Gerry Beagan, one of the founders of the Runners Reunion event
Our last guest of the season is Gerry Beagan, one of the founders of the Runners Reunion event. Gerry’s story is perhaps one of the best examples of how the running boom of the 70’s impacted the liv…
Our guest this week is Olympian and Team New Balance Boston Coach Mark Coogan
Our guest this week is Olympian and Team New Balance Boston Coach Mark Coogan. Mark’s running resume is impressive with range from the mile through the marathon and every distance event between. Ma…
This week’s episode New England Runner Co-Publisher and Editor Bob Fitzgerald
As a Newton, MA native Bob Fitzgerald was no stranger to the Boston Marathon. Each year his parents would take him to watch the race on the famed HeartBreak Hill. It wasn’t until he graduated from …
This week’s episode features five time Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier Julie Peterson-Menosky
When Julie Peterson-Menosky was in grade school at St. Mary’s Catholic, girls did not have gym class, were limited to only a ¼ of the playground and allowed only to skip during recess (no running)! …
This week’s episode features Boston Marathon legend and three times Olympic Trials qualifier Jack Fultz
Fewer than 115 men can call themselves Boston Marathon champion. Even fewer boast a 50 year connection to the race: athlete; elite athlete talent manager; coach; and catalyzing force linking the mar…