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In this episode we sit down with John Mortimer — founder and CEO of Millennium Running, former professional runner, and one of New England’s most dynamic race organizers. John takes us from his early days as a decorated athlete to the creation of Millennium Running, a company that now produces over 30 signature events annually, operates a vibrant retail store, manages a running club, and has helped raise more than $2 million for local charities.

We explore the origins of the Millennium Mile, how themed events like the Santa Shuffle and Shamrock Shuffle welcome newcomers to the sport, and why creating first-class race experiences is central to the company’s mission. John shares the story of the Cheap Marathon — a Boston Qualifier on a New Hampshire rail trail — and how its time-trial start and quirky “lousy ribbon” have earned it a cult following.

The conversation also covers the role of community engagement (check the Millennium Run Club), the challenges and rewards of race directing, the influence of trends like super shoes, and the future of running in New England’s uniquely diverse geography. Whether you’re chasing a PR, lacing up for your first 5K, or simply curious about the business of endurance events, this episode offers an inside look at how passion and purpose can transform a local race into a regional institution.

Key Takeaways:

• John Mortimer’s path from elite athlete to entrepreneur is both personal and inspiring.
• The Millennium Mile sparked a business now at the heart of New Hampshire’s running scene.
• First-class race experiences build lasting participation and community pride.
• Accessible events attract new runners and walkers into the sport.
• The Cheap Marathon blends affordability, speed, and camaraderie in a unique way.
• Millennium Running has raised over $2 million for local nonprofits.
• The Bedford, NH retail store doubles as a community hub.
• Time-trial starts enhance both safety and runner experience.
• New England’s mountains, coastlines, and towns foster a vibrant endurance culture.
• Future trends include performance gains from super shoes and rising participation rates.

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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In this episode of the New England Endurance podcast, hosts Art Trapotsis and Eric Schenker sit down with Lisa McCoy, event director of the iconic Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb (MWARBH). Known affectionately as “The Rockpile,” this race challenges cyclists with 7.6 miles of relentless climbing, an average grade of 12%, and the ever-unpredictable weather of Mount Washington.

Lisa shares her story—from her role as co-owner of the International Mountain Climbing School to managing one of the toughest uphill races in the world. The discussion dives into the race’s evolution, the mission of the Tin Mountain Conservation Center, and the enduring spirit of the New England endurance community.

Whether you're a veteran of the climb or considering your first ascent, Lisa offers behind-the-scenes insights, preparation tips, and why so many riders keep coming back year after year.

Key Takeaways:

• The course is brutally steep, with no flat sections and a punishing 22% grade at the summit.
• Lisa McCoy has been directing the event since 2017 and is deeply involved in the outdoor community.
• The Auto Road was fully unpaved until the 1970s; it’s now fully paved, but just as tough.
• Riders must be self-supported—no aid stations and no e-bikes allowed during the race.
• All proceeds benefit the Tin Mountain Conservation Center, a key player in local environmental education.
• The finish line reward? Bragging rights, breathtaking views, and a coveted MWARBH finisher’s blanket.
• The event consistently draws 500–600 riders, showcasing the grit and camaraderie of New England’s endurance athletes.

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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In this episode we sit down with Abby Long, the (outgoing) Executive Director of Kingdom Trails — one of the top mountain biking and multi-use trail networks in the country, located in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.

Abby shares her inspiring journey from global service work to leading one of New England’s most beloved trail systems. With over 100 miles of trails traversing private land, Kingdom Trails is more than just a riding destination — it's a shining example of what happens when community, conservation, and recreation come together.

The conversation dives into:

• The origins and growth of Kingdom Trails
• How strong landowner partnerships make it all possible
• The push for adaptive and inclusive trail design
• Future expansion plans and event partnerships
• KT’s year-round offerings, including winter fat biking and skiing
• The economic and social impact on the local community

Abby’s leadership highlights the power of stewardship, respect, and place-based collaboration. Whether you’re a rider, trail builder, or community advocate, this episode is packed with insights on what it takes to create sustainable, inclusive, and beloved outdoor spaces.

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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In this episode we interview Amy Rusiecki — ultrarunner, trail advocate, race director of the iconic Vermont 100 Endurance Race, and race director of the Beast Coast Trail Running Series.

We take a deep dive into  the origins of the Vermont 100 and how it began as a horse endurance ride and remains one of the only events in the world where horses and runners share the same 100-mile course. Amy discusses what it takes to direct a race of this magnitude, from coordinating dual events to cultivating a tight-knit, supportive race culture.

More than just a race, the VT100 is a beacon of inclusivity — proudly being the first trail ultra to welcome adaptive athletes and raising money for the Vermont Adaptive.   Amy speaks passionately about her mission to foster a trail running culture that is accessible, welcoming, and community-driven.

The conversation also spotlights the Beast Coast Trail Running series, a collection of events (like the Seven Sisters trail race) that embody the rugged charm and spirited camaraderie of New England’s trail scene. Amy shares her insights on what makes the East Coast ultrarunning community so unique, why volunteerism is at the heart of these events, and how the region’s technical terrain delivers a one-of-a-kind endurance challenge.

Key Takeaways:

• The Vermont 100 is one of the only ultra races where runners and horses compete side by side.
• The event has a strong, family-like community and emphasizes volunteer participation.
• VT100 was the first trail ultra to officially include adaptive athletes, pushing the standard for inclusion.
• The race is working to welcome neurodiverse athletes, part of a broader inclusivity initiative.
• Beast Coast Trail Running is also a club that has been newly formed for runners located in Western Massachusetts.

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, host Art Trapotsis sits down with George Munger, the director the Tufts University rowing program and men's head coach, to explore what makes Tufts one of the most successful and admired rowing teams in the country.

George shares his personal journey into the sport and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Tufts Rowing has evolved into a championship-caliber program. From multiple national titles on both the men's and women's teams (head coach, Lily Siddall) to coaching accolades to groundbreaking use of technology and community outreach, this conversation dives into the core philosophies and practices that set Tufts apart.

Listeners will learn about:

* The long-term effort behind Tufts' recent dominance on the water as DIII national champs
* Recruiting insights: How Tufts prioritizes athlete enthusiasm and love for movement in recruiting
* The integration of strength training to prevent injury and boost performance
* Innovative use of technology, like the Peach system, for real-time performance feedback
* How the team strategically peaks for major races and balances data with intuition in crew selection
* Meaningful community engagement, including environmental efforts like Malden River cleanups
* George’s goals for the future—including building a deeper team culture and increasing alumni involvement

Whether you're a rower, coach, or endurance athlete looking for insights into elite team building, this episode is full of lessons from one of the top minds in the sport.

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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In this episode we dive deep into what many rowers fondly call Rower’s Christmas — the legendary Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR). We’re joined by race director Brendan Mulvey, who unpacks what makes this two-day rowing festival one of the world’s largest and most beloved regattas.

Brendan shares behind-the-scenes stories about the regatta’s rich history, the essential role of over 2,000 volunteers, and how the event welcomes everyone from world-class Olympians to determined first-timers. The conversation highlights the event’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity — featuring adaptive rowing divisions and the inspiring participation of the Survivor Rowing Network, a community of rowers united by their battles with cancer and their passion for the sport.

Listeners get an insider’s look at the unique time trial format, the monumental logistics behind hosting 300,000 spectators and thousands of boats, and the vibrant community connections that keep this New England tradition alive year after year.

Brendan also announces a new chapter in HOCR’s story: for the first time ever, HOCR will host the Boston Beach Sprints, a three-day coastal rowing event at Carson Beach in South Boston, taking place July 25–27. It’s a bold step to expand rowing’s reach and showcase this dynamic format in a new setting.

Key Takeaways:
✅ HOCR is the world’s largest two-day regatta — truly Rower’s Christmas.
✅ Welcomes athletes of all levels, with strong inclusivity for adaptive and survivor rowers.
✅ Volunteers are the heartbeat of the event.
✅ Unique time trial racing plus massive spectator buzz.
✅ New for 2025: Beach Sprints!

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we interview Emily Kwesell and Cody Whelan, co-founders of Treeline Outfitters in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  We explore the innovative concept of their outdoor gear shop that doubles as a taproom—an inviting space that brings endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts together.

Emily and Cody share the inspiration behind Treeline, tracing its roots back to their personal experiences in endurance sports. They discuss how they’ve built an inclusive community hub that aims to break down intimidation barriers often found in outdoor gear shopping. From hosting gravel rides and run meet-ups to tasting craft beers from local breweries, Treeline fosters authentic connections and a sense of belonging.

The conversation dives into the unique challenges and opportunities of balancing retail with community engagement, as well as the importance of selecting brands that align with their mission of accessibility and positive impact. Emily and Cody also discuss their vision for expanding the Treeline model to new communities and how New England’s rugged terrain shapes resilient athletes.

Key Takeaways:

• Treeline Outfitters seamlessly blends outdoor gear retail with a community taproom.
• The founders prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in endurance sports.
• Community events like group rides and runs foster connections among athletes of all ability levels.
• Treeline’s brand selection focuses on values-driven companies that share their passion for the outdoors.
• The business model is centered on creating a welcoming environment and breaking down barriers in outdoor activities.
• Local partnerships and craft beer selection enhance the authentic New England experience.
• The founders see potential to replicate their model in other communities, further enriching the endurance culture in the region.

Tune in to discover how Treeline Outfitters is reshaping the endurance community, one pint (and trail) at a time!

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Anna Cronin and Bruce Lindsay, co-founders of Dirt Church Brewing, nestled in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Born out of a shared love for mountain biking, trail (dirt) culture, and connection, Dirt Church is more than just a brewery—it’s a community hub built around the values of recreation, preservation, and celebration.

Anna and Bruce share their story about how they met and how they wanted to created a destination that blends craft beer (non-alcoholic options available too!) with the rhythms of endurance sports. They dive into their personal backgrounds in coaching and racing, their support of local events like Race Day XC, and how they’re helping build a stronger outdoor culture in New England.

From trail systems like the Catamount Trail (now Velomont!) to their favorite local endurance events, this conversation highlights the unique energy of the region and how Dirt Church is helping to shape it—one pint and one ride at a time.

Key Takeaways:

• Dirt Church was born during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to the need for connection and outdoor experience.
• The brewery is rooted in community, with a strong tie to endurance athletes and mountain bikers.
• Their motto—Recreation. Preservation. Celebration. —guides their life and business philosophy.
• Vermont’s competitive yet cooperative craft beer scene inspires them to stay innovative and intentional.
• The brewery supports local races and endurance events, aiming to expand their footprint across New England.
• Anna and Bruce’s personal stories in coaching, sport, and adventure infuse Dirt Church with authenticity.
• Dirt Church is not just for cyclists or beer lovers—it’s a place where anyone who loves the outdoors can belong.

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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In this episode we enjoy a conversation with Jeff Dieffenbach, co-president of 545 Velo, and Larry Alford, one of the club's original founders. Together, they take us on a ride through the club’s origins, its evolution from a masters racing team to a diverse and inclusive cycling community, and the powerful role that camaraderie and purpose play in the club’s culture today.

Jeff and Larry tell us how 545 Velo was born out of early morning training rides—hence the name—and how its members have stayed committed to racing while also building a community that welcomes riders of all levels. 

We also chat about the club's two signature events: the Guilford Gravel Grinder and Boss Cross. These events embody the club’s ethos—competitive, well-organized, and community-focused. The conversation touches on the post-pandemic decline in cyclocross participation, the rise of gravel riding, and how New England’s cycling culture is adapting to stay inclusive, vibrant, and family-friendly.

Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned rider, this episode offers an inside look into the dynamics of running a grassroots cycling club in New England and the values that keep it rolling strong.

Episode Takeaways:

• Originally a masters team, it now includes riders across all age groups and skill levels.
• The club prioritizes chemistry and shared values over aggressive recruiting.
• Racing remains a central focus, but community events play a key role in club culture.
• The Guilford Gravel Grinder is part of the Triple Crown Series. 
• The New England cycling scene is rich with events and built on camaraderie, tradition, and support from local bike shops.
• The McGregor's are another regional team that spun off from the Crack 'O Dawn cycling club.

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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The BIVO Story with Founders Carina Hamel and Robby Ringer

In this episode we speak with Carina Hamel and Robby Ringer, co-founders of BIVO, the Vermont-based brand redefining hydration for endurance athletes. Born from a desire to ditch plastic and do better for the planet, BIVO makes sleek, stainless steel water bottles that perform under pressure—and turn heads on the trail.

Carina and Robby open up about the early days of building BIVO, the big move from Portland to Vermont, and the hard-earned lessons of launching a product-based startup—from nozzle design to navigating funding with integrity. They share their passion for creating more than just bottles—BIVO is evolving into a hub for endurance athletes through events, community engagement, and a fresh take on what it means to be a mission-driven brand in the outdoor space.

Takeaways:

• BIVO bottles were designed to deliver performance and sustainability—no squeezing required.
• Feedback from real athletes helped shape everything from materials to feel to function.
• Running a business is hard, expensive, and filled with tradeoffs—but the community support makes it worth it.
• Future expansion may include other sports and products beyond cycling.
• Entrepreneurship means accepting that sometimes you’re not in peak shape, personally—and that’s okay!
• Their mission is grounded in creating better alternatives and stronger connections.

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.