Head Start
Head Start is a podcast for race directors and anyone involved in the business of putting on races.
It doesn't matter where you're based or how many years experience you have or whether you're putting on a running race, a triathlon, an obstacle race or whatever. If you’ve got an interest in planning, organizing and growing endurance events, this is the podcast for you.
The focus of the podcast is twofold:
1) we bring you the latest and coolest innovations hitting the mass-participation endurance events industry, and
2) we bring you tips and actionable advice from industry experts to help you improve your race - one episode at a time.
Head Start is produced by RaceDirectorsHQ.com, an online resource platform and community network for race directors and race management professionals.
Head Start
How Sydney Became a World Marathon Major
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 Wayne Larden, race director of the TCS Sydney Marathon — the seventh and newest Abbott World Marathon Major — to explore the evolution of one of the world’s most iconic city marathons. A 2:16 marathoner in his debut and now a leader shaping the next chapter of global marathon culture, Wayne offers a rare, all-sides perspective on what it takes to build something lasting.
What does it truly mean to become a World Marathon Major? How do you grow to 40,000+ runners while protecting the runner experience? Why is Sydney focused on being the most fun marathon in the world — not the biggest? Wayne shares the bold vision behind the Sydney Marathon’s rise, and why the event has never strayed from its athlete-first roots.
Also in this episode: how run clubs are transforming Australian running culture, what it means to support community leaders beyond race day, and how Sydney’s early focus on family runs shaped its inclusive identity. A wide-ranging conversation on performance, purpose, and what marathons need to become if they want to matter 50 years from now.