Episodes

  • "We'll Keep You in Mind"

    "We'll Keep You in Mind"
    Apr 6 2026
    This week, we take a step back and ask a bigger question—who is running really for? After a recent experience got us thinking, we dive into the growing tension between the business of big races and the heart of the running community. We explore how expos and events have evolved, what drives decision-making behind the scenes, and where everyday runners fit into it all. Along the way, we remind ourselves that while sponsors may shape the experience, it’s the runners who give it meaning. From first-timers to back-of-the-pack finishers, we talk about why every mile matters and why every story deserves a place. This isn’t about calling anyone out—it’s about pulling everyone in. Because at the end of the day, we aren’t just part of the race… we are the race.
    Show more Show less
    35 mins
  • Running for Awareness: The Outpacing Melanoma 5K

    Running for Awareness: The Outpacing Melanoma 5K
    Apr 3 2026
    This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we sit down with the people behind the Outpacing Melanoma 5K to talk about a race that means far more than pace, place, or finish time. Kelly Klover shares the deeply personal story that led her to found the Outpacing Melanoma Foundation after losing her husband Richard to melanoma just seven weeks after his stage 4 diagnosis, turning heartbreak into fifteen years of action and advocacy. Dr. Gary Doolittle helps break down the realities of melanoma, explaining why early detection matters, how this cancer can spread quickly, and why runners, in particular, need to pay closer attention to sun safety. We also talk honestly about how easy it is for runners to ignore sunscreen, shrug off sunburns, and assume skin cancer is somebody else’s problem, until it suddenly is not. On the race side, first-year race director Anthony Olson previews what runners can expect on May 3rd in Corporate Woods, including a family-friendly atmosphere, a strong community feel, survivor stories, and a race-day environment built around both remembrance and hope. This year’s event also adds a finisher medal for the first time, along with free skin cancer screenings, making it a race that gives back in more ways than one. We highlight the warrior wall, the kids trot, the post-race celebration, and the many ways this event brings families and teams together for a cause that hits close to home. More than anything, this episode is a reminder that protecting your skin is part of protecting your running future. If you’ve ever brushed off sunscreen, skipped a skin check, or needed a reason to show up for a meaningful local race, this conversation is for you. On May 3rd, we are not just running a 5K, we are helping outpace melanoma together.
    Show more Show less
    32 mins
  • Why the Hill Not? Breaking Down the Run Liberty Half

    Why the Hill Not? Breaking Down the Run Liberty Half
    Mar 30 2026
    This week, we head to Liberty, Missouri for a full recap of the 10th anniversary Run Liberty Half Marathon, a race that continues to carve out a special place in our running calendar. We talk about the community feel that makes this event more than just another stop on the race schedule, from the expo to race morning to the people behind it all. We break down the course mile by mile, including the sneaky climbs, the glorious downhills, and the hills that seem personally offended by our existence. We also get into the weather drama, after a freeze advisory tried to scare everyone silly before giving way to a much more runnable morning. Along the way, we share what it is about Run Liberty that keeps bringing us back, even when the course is out there throwing haymakers. We spend time talking about the little things that matter too, like indoor staging at William Jewell, familiar faces at the expo, and the heart that race leadership pours into the event. This episode is part race review, part love letter to a hometown event that keeps showing up for runners year after year. We also revisit the late-race battle to stay ahead of the 2:45 pacer and how that turned into one of the more satisfying finishes we have had on this course. And because sometimes the running gods have a sense of humor, we celebrate the wild coincidence of completing half marathon number 88 while wearing bib number 88. If you love race recaps, course talk, Midwest running culture, and the strange magic that keeps us lacing up, this one is for you.
    Show more Show less
    45 mins
  • The Wrong Turn in Atlanta

    The Wrong Turn in Atlanta
    Mar 27 2026
    In this episode of The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we take a deep dive into one of the most frustrating controversies in recent running memory: the 2026 US Women’s Half Marathon Championship in Atlanta. What should have been a showcase of elite competition turned into chaos when the lead women were directed off course in a national championship that also carried major world-team implications. We walk through exactly what happened, how the mistake unfolded, and why the fallout hit so hard across the running community. From the role of race officials and emergency response to the failures of the rulebook itself, this story became about much more than one wrong turn. We also break down the aftermath, including prize money decisions, USATF’s later recognition of the wronged athletes, and the bigger questions that still linger. Along the way, we explore what this incident says about fairness, trust, and accountability in the sport. At its heart, this episode is about what happens when athletes do everything right and the system still lets them down. If you care about competition, integrity, and how races are supposed to work, this is one you do not want to miss.
    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • Beautiful Chaos in Jackson: A Rainbow Marathon Story

    Beautiful Chaos in Jackson: A Rainbow Marathon Story
    Mar 23 2026
    We head south to Jackson, Mississippi for the Run the Rainbow Marathon, a race with a powerful mission supporting the state’s only children’s hospital. From the moment we arrive, it’s clear this event is fueled by heart, kindness, and a community that truly cares about its runners. The weekend kicks off with an eventful expo experience, complete with great swag and memorable conversations with runners from all over. Race prep takes an unexpected turn with a late-night food delivery adventure that adds a little extra character to the trip. On race morning, we toe the line with a unique and intimate marathon field, setting the stage for a different kind of race experience. The early miles bring a steady rhythm and a relaxed mindset, especially coming off the mental grind of Tokyo just weeks prior. As the course unfolds, we’re treated to stunning neighborhoods, historic homes, and some of the most beautiful scenery you could ask for in a marathon. The race also delivers a challenge with rolling hills and rising temperatures, reminding us to stay present and keep moving forward. Even through the toughest miles, the spirit of the event and the people behind it continue to shine. In the end, Run the Rainbow proves to be a meaningful and memorable race experience, blending purpose, community, and the joy of running into one unforgettable journey.
    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • Survey Says: A Better Race!

    Survey Says: A Better Race!
    Mar 20 2026
    This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we welcome back the team from The Good Life Halfsy in Lincoln, Nebraska for a conversation we have somehow never had before in nearly 300 episodes: post-race surveys. Instead of just sending out feedback forms and letting them disappear into the void, the Good Life Halfsy team breaks down how they actually use runner input to improve the race year after year. We dig into what runners loved about the 2025 expo, from the layout and flow to the family-friendly atmosphere and easy packet pickup process. We also talk about some of the areas runners wanted improved, including parking challenges and finish line congestion. The team explains why they are bringing back wave starts for 2026 and how that decision is meant to create more space on the course and a better overall experience for everyone. They also share plans to expand indoor warm-up space at the start line in case Nebraska weather decides to get dramatic again. On the finish line side, the Good Life Halfsy is rolling out new ideas like post-race recovery bags, more photo booths, expanded celebration areas, and an even smoother flow for runners meeting family and friends. We also get a preview of the new pre-race “Big Halfsy Energy Pack,” which will include fueling items runners can actually use before and during race weekend. Along the way, the Pink Gorilla team gives a behind-the-scenes look at just how seriously they take continuous improvement and why listening to runners is one of the biggest reasons this race keeps getting better. It is a fascinating look at how one of the Midwest’s best half marathons goes from survey results to real-world action. If you have ever filled out a race survey and wondered whether anyone actually reads it, this episode is your answer. And if you are thinking about running The Good Life Halfsy in 2026, this conversation will make it pretty clear why so many runners keep coming back to Lincoln year after year.
    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • The Back of the Pack Fights Back

    The Back of the Pack Fights Back
    Mar 16 2026
    This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we settle back into a more normal Monday after finally putting Tokyo in the rearview mirror. We open with a few updates from around the Kansas City running community, including a heartfelt recap of Scott’s Extra Mile and the incredible turnout for a run honoring the memory of Scott Green. From there, we also look ahead to the Run the Rainbow Marathon in Jackson, Mississippi, where rising temperatures could make for a tough spring race day. But the heart of this episode centers on a controversy that lit up the running world after the New York City Marathon lottery results were released. We break down the now-deleted viral post that suggested slower runners, charity runners, and lottery runners were somehow less deserving of a place in a World Marathon Major. From a true back-of-the-pack perspective, we dig into why that mindset misses the entire point of what makes running special. We talk about the value of charity runners, the dedication it takes for runners of every pace to reach a marathon start line, and why speed alone does not determine worth in this sport. We also explore how major marathons like New York are built on more than talent alone, with fundraising, community, personal transformation, and inclusivity all playing a massive role. This episode is a defense of the everyday runner, the charity bib runner, the lottery hopeful, and anyone who has ever wondered if they truly belong in this space. We make it clear that the running world is at its best when there is room for everyone, from the front of the pack to the very back. Along the way, we also reflect on why harmful elitism still stings so deeply when it shows up in a sport that is supposed to bring people together. If you have ever felt looked down on, underestimated, or dismissed in running, this episode is for you.
    Show more Show less
    40 mins
  • Still on the Course: Celebrating Four Years of The Back of the Pack Podcast

    Still on the Course: Celebrating Four Years of The Back of the Pack Podcast
    Mar 13 2026
    Four years ago, on March 13, 2022, The Back of the Pack Podcast released its very first episode. What started as a simple idea to talk about running, races, and the everyday runner has grown into something much bigger over time. Today we celebrate four years of the podcast and roughly 260 episodes along the way. In this special anniversary episode, we take a moment to look back at how the show began and where the journey has taken us. Along the way, we explore some fascinating statistics about the podcasting world and just how rare it is for a show to last this long. Many podcasts fade out after only a handful of episodes, making longevity in this space a real accomplishment. We break down the numbers behind the show and what it takes to keep a weekly podcast going year after year. We also look at how the podcasting industry itself has grown and evolved since 2022. Most importantly, we reflect on the incredible running community that has supported the show from the very beginning. From race recaps and interviews to group runs and listener stories, this podcast has always been about the people who make running special. This episode is part celebration, part reflection, and a sincere thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey. The Back of the Pack may not always be the fastest runners on the course, but four years later, this podcast is still out there running strong.
    Show more Show less
    36 mins