Today, I’m joined by Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the Boston Athletic Association, an organization at the heart of one of the most prestigious and historic races in the world—the Boston Marathon. Jack has been with the B.A.A. for over three decades, giving him a front-row seat to the evolution of the marathon, the running community, and the sport as a whole.

In this conversation, we dive into Jack’s personal running journey, his deep connection to the B.A.A., and the impact of major marathons on communities. We explore the growth of running culture, the importance of volunteers, and the B.A.A.’s work beyond the marathon, including local events that foster fitness and inclusion.

Jack also shares insights into the behind-the-scenes logistics of organizing the Boston Marathon, how the race has evolved over its 129-year history, and what the future holds for both the event and the broader running community. If you love running, history, or want an inside look at what makes the Boston Marathon so special, this episode is for you.

Chapters

0:00: Intro
5:39: Personal Running Journey & Goals
17:41: The Evolution Of The B.A.A. and Its Community Impact
26:51: Beyond The Marathon: B.A.A.’S  Other Events
33:00: Empowering Through Community & Fitness
39:35: The Heart of the B.A.A.: Stories and connection
43:46: The Running Community Experience
49:13: The Boston Marathon’s Unique Challenges
54:28: Logistics Behind The Boston Marathon
1:00: Celebrating Milestones & New Faces in 2025
1:02:49 The Impact of Charity In The Boston Marathon
107:33 The Role of Partnerships At B.A.A & The Boston Marathon
1:10:55 The Rich History Of The Boston Marathon
1:16:06 Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in Running

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