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!

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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.

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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.

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