Manchester Running Club: Finding Community in Connecticut Running

Manchester Running Club: Finding Community in Connecticut Running

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2303813/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we head to Manchester, Connecticut, to sit down with David Fusfeld, President of the Manchester Running Club. [https://manchesterrunningcompany.com/] David shares his own “adult onset runner” story, starting in his 30s, getting hooked on the marathon, qualifying for Boston, completing 23 marathons, and recently earning his Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star [https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/stars] medal. From there, we dive into the history and growth of Manchester Running Club, which started in 2009 and has become one of Connecticut’s most active and visible running communities.  The conversation explores how MRC balances competitive racing with a welcoming social culture, why group runs often work best when they mix workouts, breweries, long runs, and coffee, and what makes Manchester such a strong running town. David also highlights the club’s signature events, including the Spring Street Mile & 5K and the MRC Track & Field Series, a summer event that brings hundreds of kids and adults to the track each week and helps introduce young athletes to the sport.  We also talk about the broader Connecticut running scene, the growth of clubs across the state, the iconic Manchester Road Race on Thanksgiving, and why David believes Connecticut is “punching above its weight” as a running community. Whether you’re a competitive runner, a social runner, a parent looking to get your kids involved, or someone nervous about joining a club for the first time, this episode is a great reminder that running is better when you find your people. Learn more: Manchester Running Club: manchesterrunningclub.com MRC Track & Field Series: mrctf.org Instagram: @manchesterrunningclub Photography: @meteredexposure This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

The Buzzards Bay Coalition: Swimming, Cycling, and Fighting for Clean Water

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2303813/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we chat with Marlissa Briggett and Scott Lajoie of the Buzzards Bay Coalition [https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/], a nonprofit that works to protect clean water in the region.  We explore the connection between endurance sports and environmental stewardship by diving into two of the Coalition’s signature endurance events: the Buzzards Bay Swim, a 1.2-mile open water crossing of New Bedford Harbor, and the Watershed Ride, a scenic cycling event featuring distances up to 100 miles around Buzzards Bay. But this episode goes beyond race logistics. Marlissa and Scott explain how water quality, development, sewer overflows, and conservation efforts directly impact the places endurance athletes train and compete. They also share the remarkable story of having to relocate the swim (in 2025) due to unsafe water conditions, and what that moment revealed about the importance of protecting New England’s waterways. Along the way, they discuss: * The history and mission of the Buzzards Bay Coalition * What makes the Buzzards Bay Swim such a unique event * Why the Watershed Ride has become a favorite among cyclists * The role volunteers play in long-term water quality monitoring * Why endurance athletes are uniquely connected to environmental advocacy * The beauty and recreation opportunities throughout Buzzards Bay * The South Coast Almanac [https://southcoastalmanac.com/] * Their connection to the Falmouth Road Race Whether you’re a swimmer, cyclist, runner, or simply someone who loves the outdoors in New England, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the environments we often take for granted. Links to register are here: Savebuzzardsbay.org/swim [http://savebuzzardsbay.org/swim] savebuzzardsbay.org/ride [http://savebuzzardsbay.org/ride] Info on the Falmouth Road Race is here: Falmouth Road Race - Buzzards Bay Coalition [https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/events/2026-falmouth-road-race/] Learn more: SaveBuzzardsBay.org [https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/] This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Richard Sachs on Craft, CYBC, RSCX, and New England Cyclocross

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2303813/fan_mail/new] Richard Sachs [https://richardsachs.com/] is one of the most respected names in American cycling craft, but this conversation goes far beyond framebuilding. In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, Richard joins Art Trapotsis for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey from New Jersey to England to Connecticut, the founding of his company in the 70's, and the deeper meaning that has kept him building bicycles by hand for more than five decades. They talk about what truly drives his work at the bench as a bicycle frame builder, why he has stayed committed to traditional steel bicycles, and how he sees the difference between something that is manufactured and something that is genuinely made. Richard also reflects on the beauty that first drew him into cycling, the European racing culture that shaped his imagination, and the philosophy behind building a bicycle that feels right for a specific rider. The conversation also explores Richard’s enormous impact on New England cycling culture through the Connecticut Yankee Bicycle Club (CYBC), the Richard Sachs cyclocross team (RSCX), and his continued support of grassroots racing through Project Mayhem [https://projectmayhemcx.com/]. Along the way, he shares candid thoughts on rider development, community, sponsorship, the changing culture of the sport, and what he hopes people take from his life’s work. This is a thoughtful and honest conversation about craft, legacy, racing, and doing meaningful work on your own terms. This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

The Boston Athletic Association: Beyond the Marathon

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2303813/fan_mail/new] 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.) [https://www.baa.org/about/], 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 Takeaways * The B.A.A. is a year-round organization, not just the Boston Marathon * Community access and inclusivity are central to its mission * The Boston Marathon is powered by massive collaboration and volunteer support * Qualifying continues to evolve as demand for the race grows * Every runner’s story is what truly defines the event Whether 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.

Riding Cape Cod: Inside the Cape Cod Cycling Club’s Community, Rides & Coastal Routes

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2303813/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we head down to one of the most iconic riding destinations in New England — Cape Cod. Host Art Trapotsis sits down with Kim Pzegeo, President of the Cape Cod Cycling Club [https://www.capecodcycle.com/] (otherwise known as C4), and Michele Kjoller, longtime member and board member, to explore how a small group ride with just a handful of cyclists grew into a thriving and welcoming cycling community. We dive into the origins of the club — from its early days as a small, race-focused group to its evolution into a club built around inclusivity, community, and “all kinds of cycling for all kinds of people.”  Kim and Michele share what makes riding on Cape Cod so special, from scenic coastal routes and sunset views to rides that pass by 11 beaches in a single loop.  We also cover: * Weekly group rides for all levels — from beginner-friendly social rides to faster-paced training groups * Where to ride on the Cape, including local favorites like Hyannis, Osterville, Wellfleet, and Provincetown * How visitors can join rides while vacationing on the Cape * Favorite routes, hidden gems, and what makes the Cape a truly unique place to ride.  Whether you're planning a cycling trip to Cape Cod or just looking to connect with a welcoming endurance community, this episode offers a great look at what makes the Cape Cod Cycling Club so special. And here are 3 iconic must-do cycling routes on Cape Cod: * Cape Beaches Loop [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54381978] * Mashpee to Woodshole Loop [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54381977] * Orleans to Truro [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54381976] This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.