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New England Endurance PodcastAuthor: Art Trapotsis & Eric Schenker
Celebrating New England's thriving endurance sports culture.Our mission is to passionately showcase and celebrate the vibrant endurance sports culture thriving in New England. Through engaging conversations, local endurance athletes (Art Trapotsis and Eric Schenker) embark on a journey to uncover the essence of the region's clubs, group rides, cherished routes, legendary races, and the devoted community of athletes who proudly call New England home. From the exhilarating realms of road cycling to the rugged trails of mountain biking, from triathlons to ultramarathons, from open-water swimming to collegiate rowing, this podcast is a tribute to the challenges, victories, and compelling narratives that shape the endurance sports landscape in this distinctive part of the United States. With a commitment to fostering connections, providing valuable insights, and igniting inspiration, we strive to unite, inform, and empower the New England endurance community. Language: en-us Genres: Fitness, Health & Fitness Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Boston Athletic Association: Beyond the Marathon
Episode 6
Wednesday, 8 April, 2026
Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, host Art Trapotsis sits down with Chris Lotsbom, Director of Race Communications & Media at the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most iconic organizations in running.While the B.A.A. is best known for organizing the Boston Marathon, this conversation reveals a much bigger story...one rooted in history, community, and a year-round commitment to the sport.Chris shares how the Boston Marathon was born out of inspiration from the 1896 Olympic Games, when B.A.A. athletes witnessed the power of the marathon and brought the idea back to Boston. What started in 1897 with just 10 runners has evolved into a global event with 30,000 participants—while still maintaining its deep connection to tradition. One of the biggest takeaways was that the B.A.A. is far more than a single race. The organization hosts events ranging from free community runs to a full “distance medley” series (5K, 10K, half marathon), along with youth programs designed to introduce the next generation to running. Their mission is clear: meet runners wherever they are, from first-timers to elite competitors. Over the past decade, the B.A.A. has intentionally worked to broaden its reach beyond elite runners. Through free events, youth initiatives, and expanded club programs, the organization is focused on making running more accessible, welcoming, and community-driven. As Chris puts it, the goal is to support athletes at every stage of their journey, not just those chasing qualifying times.Organizing the Boston Marathon is a massive collaborative effort. With a core staff of around 40 people and more than 10,000 volunteers, the event is described as a “puzzle” where every piece must come together perfectly on race day. From choreographing the finish line experience to managing media, athletes, and logistics, every detail is carefully planned—while still leaving room for the unpredictability of a live event.The conversation also dives into one of the sport’s hottest topics: Boston qualifying times. With running experiencing a major boom, demand for the race is higher than ever—leading to difficult decisions around cutoffs and entry. Chris shares that the B.A.A. is constantly analyzing data and feedback, working to balance fairness, prestige, and opportunity in an increasingly competitive environment. Key TakeawaysThe B.A.A. is a year-round organization, not just the Boston MarathonCommunity access and inclusivity are central to its missionThe Boston Marathon is powered by massive collaboration and volunteer supportQualifying continues to evolve as demand for the race growsEvery runner’s story is what truly defines the eventWhether you're chasing a Boston Qualifier, running your first 5K, or just showing up to cheer on race day, this episode is a powerful reminder of how deeply running is woven into the fabric of New England and how the B.A.A. continues to shape and be a part of that story.This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.
