Run the Nation: Grit, Glory & the East Coast

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our Run the Nation series heads to the birthplace of American road racing — the East Coast. From the roaring bridges of New York City to the heartbreak hills of Boston, we’re diving into what makes East Coast running so iconic, gritty, and fiercely proud. Kyle breaks down ten must-run races, from massive urban marathons with tens of thousands of runners to legendary hill climbs and historic routes through America’s oldest cities. We’ll look at what it takes to train through brutal winters and humid summers, and why East Coast runners wear their weather like a badge of honor. You’ll hear about the tight-knit club scene, the roaring crowds, the charity runners, and the traditions that turn every finish line into a celebration of American spirit. We’ll shout out a few East Coast legends like Des Linden and Shalane Flanagan — proof that tough conditions make tough champions. So lace up and come run the crowded streets, cobblestones, and centuries-old trails that keep the heart of American running beating strong.