261 | Carey Pinkowski | Chicago Marathon Race Director
Oct 8
We are thrilled to officially welcome Carey Pinkowski to the PodFam!
Carey Pinkowski, race director of the Chicago Marathon joins Eric and Erika to trace the evolution of the Chicago Marathon from a 6,000-runner race to a World Major with more than 50,000 participants. He breaks down how the course, the city, and the community shaped the event, and why the race’s success came from building the experience first and letting everything else follow. We discuss the early days of Chicago running, how the marathon course was designed around neighborhoods and transit, and the stories that define race-day culture. Carey also shares what it takes to keep improving an event for 36 years, plus a few unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments from marathon week.
During the Tros, hosts Erika and Eric discuss personal milestones, including Erika's new role as an aunt and her upcoming job, while also preparing for the Chicago Marathon. The conversation flows into the excitement surrounding the marathon and the logistics of their upcoming live streaming event at the New England half marathon.
Chapters
- 00:00 Intro and AUNTY SIX STAR
- 12:20 Guest Segment: Carey Pinkowski and the Chicago Marathon
- 14:39 The Evolution of the Chicago Marathon
- 17:33 Personal Journey and Early Experiences
- 20:22 Building the Chicago Marathon Brand
- 23:29 Community Engagement and Race Day Experience
- 26:25 The Role of Neighborhoods in the Marathon
- 28:55 The Community Connection in Running
- 31:21 Stories from the Marathon: Challenges and Triumphs
- 37:05 Planning for the Future: The 50th Marathon
- 40:38 Chicago: The Best Event City
- 43:31 The Chicago Spirit in Music
- 45:29 The Outro
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