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

For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

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.