The Marathon Project is back and bigger than ever.

Ben Rosario spent two years as a member of the Hansons Brooks Distance Project, was the special events director for the GO! Saint Louis Marathon, founded the Northern Arizona Elite professional team, and co-founded a specialty running store--Big River Running Company.

Now, Ben’s the CEO of The Marathon Project, an annual event in Chandler, Arizona that features an amateur and a professional marathon in one weekend.

Listen to hear about:

What does success mean, anyway?
Origins of and goals for The Marathon Project
The 2025 event, including an all-ages, all abilities 5k, a gold wave marathon for amateurs, and a pro marathon.
The impact of super shoes on the current running boom
Ben’s coaching philosophy and structuring a year for peak marathon performance

Stay connected:

The Marathon Project: themarathonproject.com
Ben on Instagram: instagram.com/coachbenrosario1
The Marathon Project on Instagram: instagram.com/marathonproj
X: @themarathonproj
BlueSky: @themarathonproject
For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod
Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt
Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by:

Shokz: They stay in place and you'll be safe and sound because they don't go in your ears. ⁠Use code FTLR10 for 10% off your purchase.
Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.
Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.

This Marathon’s Not Just a Race, But a Premier Experience: The Marathon Project with Ben Rosario