The Duluth Rundown

TDR Podcast #93 – Tom O’Rourke Interview

Listen in to a jovial conversation with local Duluth runner Tom O’Rourke as he reminisces on his running career, from starting running after college as a way to kick cigarettes, to running several marathons and chipping down his time, to decades later dipping his toes into trail ultramarathons. Tom was mentored early on by the legendary Dan Conway – listen in to hear stories from the Duluth running scene in the 90’s and 00’s. Tony and Mike talk with Tom about training, balancing work and life obligations with training and racing, and Tom’s favorite parts about being a Duluth running. Tom’s story is taking a full circle moment has he looks forward to more trail-oriented races and getting out into the woods. The three share lots of laughs in this hilarious interview – enjoy the conversation!

TDR Podcast #93 – May 2026 Rundown

In the May 2026 edition of the Duluth Rundown, numerous race results are listed, and plenty of upcoming races are available in all types of distances and formats. Trail conditions are generally good, but be aware of changing weather conditions such as heavy rain, and wildfire risks. Tony discusses Grandma’s Marathon coming up in this week’s Coach’s Corner segment. Mike and Tony talk about two sub-2:00 marathons recently run in London, what they are into, and a handful of shout-outs. Do you have a shout-out? Any races that you’re excited for coming up? What is a pertinent topic of discussion for our next episode? We’d love to hear from you – email us at theduluthrundown@gmail.com!

TDR Podcast #92 – Benjamin Welch Interview

Benjamin is a lifetime North Shore Minnesota resident and has been running on area trails for most of that time. From biking to Alaska, trail ultramarathons, triathlon racing, and now going for his first true road marathon finish at Grandma’s 2026, Ben has a varied and exciting history with running training and racing. Listen in to hear Ben’s running story, and how he balances training and racing with raising two young daughters and a career as a full-time, professional dancer and dance coach!

TDR Podcast #92 – April 2026 Rundown

Race results are in from the Fitgers 5k and NCT Races. Upcoming races include a road race in Hibbing – Victory 5k, and the NMTC Spring Trail Race Series. Check out NMTC Spring Series web page [https://nmtc.run/spring-series] for the new race schedule, which has changed from 2025. Trails in Duluth are officially closed – check websites like the City of Duluth [https://duluthmn.gov/parks/trail-pages-list/hiking-trails/], Superior Hiking Trail Association [https://superiorhiking.org/trail-conditions/], and COGGS (Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores) [https://www.coggs.com/trail-conditions] for updates on official trail closures and conditions. Make sure to catch our Coach’s Corner segment as Tony discusses the accumulation of mileage and how to manage fatigue. This is a timely subject as many local Twin Ports runners are loading up for Grandma’s Marathon in a few months. Mike has a gear review for a speedy “super shoe”, talks about his Route of The Week, and has a couple shout-outs.

TDR Podcast #91 – James Kyes Interview

Local Duluth runner and coach James has been running, cycling, paddling and more for most of his life. His love for Duluth running and outdoor adventure began as a student at UMD, and trail running and racing became a more serious passion as he moved back to Duluth a couple years after college and a stint working in the Twin Cities area. Listen in to hear James’s story on how he got into running, stories from the hundreds of bike races that he’s been in, and his love for coaching and mentoring young runners (mainly at the high school level).