Ben Rosario has worn just about every hat in the running world. Coach. Running store owner. Founder of NAZ Elite. Race director. And in this episode, he gets really honest about why he brought back The Marathon Project and what he feels is missing in American marathoning.
This conversation goes way beyond “fast courses” and race strategy. It’s about building spaces where people can actually chase their full potential, the evolution of pro running in the U.S., why community still matters, and what happens when you care deeply about something niche enough that most people will never fully understand it.
Episode 33 of Out and Back with Ben Rosario is out now!
BIG NEWS: YOU CAN RACE WITH THE PROS AT THE MARATHON PROJECT 2026!!
We are thrilled to announce a major schedule change for this year’s event. The Amateurs and Professionals will now compete TOGETHER in a 400-person race on Saturday, December 12. The move is designed to amplify the atmosphere and increase the intensity with more athletes, fans, and energy on our flat, fast, loop course in Chandler, AZ. The overwhelming feedback we received from last year was that the participants loved being treated like pros. Now they’ll get to race with the pros as well.
And yes...we’ll still be offering personal bottles to ALL competitors, an indoor warmup area, pacers, awesome swag, and more!! Other schedule changes include an outdoor expo at our host hotel—the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, the 5k being held (on a different course) in conjunction with the marathon for more people and more energy on race morning, and a post-race pool party!!
For more info and to sign up today, check out our website (link in profile).
#TheMarathonProject #AsFastAsPossible
Three months ago today, @jflavinp won The Marathon Project in dramatic fashion—coming from behind to track down South Africa’s Nadeel Wildschutt and Olympic silver medalist Paul Chelimo. JP’s 2:09:18 was a massive PB and showed he’s taken his running to a new level. Next month he’ll take on @bostonmarathon !!
Good luck JP. We hope training is going well!!
#TheMarathonProject #AsFastAsPossible
CONGRATS @kellyn_taylor !! Kellyn just finished second in the @asics@lamarathon . Kellyn is a two-time TMP alum and owns the fourth-fastest time in Marathon Project history. She is also one of the most decorated U.S. marathoners of the last decade-plus and now adds a runner-up finish in LA to a long list of accomplishments that includes four top-10 finishes at the NYC Marathon, two top-10 finishes at the Olympic Trials Marathon, and a win at the Grandma’s Marathon.
WAY TO GO KELLYN!! And best of luck in your journey as a firefighter!!
#TheMarathonProject #AsFastAsPossible
CONGRATS to TMP 2020 alum Nathan Martin (@nim_i_am )!! Nathan just WON the @asics@lamarathon in the closest men’s finish in the history of the race!!
WAY TO GO NATHAN!!
#TheMarathonProject #AsFastAsPossible
CONGRATS Priscah Cherono!! Our 2025 TMP Champion just WON the @asics@lamarathon in 2:25:20. 45 years old. A mother of three. What a story.
WAY TO GO PRISCAH!!
PC: @kevmofoto
#TheMarathonProject #AsFastAsPossible
Still deciding what marathon to run this fall? Didn’t get a lottery spot? We’d love to help you run As Fast As Possible at The Marathon Project!!
In 2025, 81% of our Gold Wave finishers hit a BQ and 56% broke 3:00:00. Our winners in the Gold Wave ran 2:19:44 (M) and 2:42:43 (W).
In just two editions of our Professional Race, The Marathon Project has seen 11 sub 2:10’s (M) and 14 sub 2:30s (W) with course records from @sarahall3 (2:20:32) and @marty10khehir (2:08:59).
Sign up today!!
Photo: @shelliesiadatan enjoying her medal post race!! By @kevmofoto
#TheMarathonProject #AsFastAsPossible
THE MARATHON PROJECT spring recruitment begins today!!
Sign up for the GOLD WAVE where 81% of finishers got their Boston qualifier or our PRO RACE where our course records are 2:08:59 and 2:20:32.
Gold Wave standards: Anyone who has run under 3:30:00 since January 1, 2022.
Pro Race standards: Anyone who has run under 2:20:00 (men) and 2:45:00 (women) since January 1, 2022. Equivalent times at shorter distances will also be accepted.
BACK IN 2026: All participants get a premier experience with personal bottles on the course, pacers, an indoor warmup area, a flat/fast criterium course, the beautiful December weather, and the best swag bag in the business. Our mission remains to help you run AS FAST AS POSSIBLE!!
#TheMarathonProject #AsFastAsPossible
SIGN UP NOW!!
Prices for The Marathon Project go up on February 1. Sign up today!!
Early Bird Prices:
Gold Wave - $350
Pro Race - $175
And we are already 1/4 full in the Gold Wave!!
#TheMarathonProject #AsFastAsPossible
ALERT: Registration has begun for The Marathon Project 2026!
Early Bird Prices:
Gold Wave - $350
Pro Race - $175
Sign up today!! Prices will increase on February 1, 2026.
#TheMarathonProject #AsFastAsPossible
Marathon Master?
We’re not sure @tdubxc would let anyone call him that, but having heard his ascension in the distance over the years it’s difficult to think of many others who have progressed so methodically the last decade.
Tune in to hear about his new 2:09 at the margin project. His 140 miles weeks. Young baby son at home. And how he sometimes runs an ultra on Sundays to round out the week. 🤯
We’re all just little people in a big world trying to accomplish bigger things 🥹
On the most recent and final episode of “Inside The Marathon Project Presented by Wahoo Fitness,” Steve Sievert and Ben Rosario reflect on a successful second edition of ‘The Marathon Project,’ which took place back in December.
Among the many topics discussed, the Gold Wave race, which took place the day prior to the professional race, had it’s fair share of feel-good stories.
#InsideTMP #TheMarathonProject
