100 Runs of a Lifetime – A Conversation with Bart Yasso

Interview with Bart Yasso, Former Chief Running Officer of Runner’s World, from “Maybe Running Will Help Podcast” with Nicky Tamberrino

If you’ve been around the running world long enough, the name Bart Yasso is basically sacred ground. Former Chief Running Officer of Runner’s World, author, storyteller, and someone who’s probably inspired you without even realizing it—Bart’s influence on the culture of running is unmatched.

I had the chance to catch up with him to talk about his latest book, 100 Runs of a Lifetime, and—unsurprisingly—what unfolded was part hilarious storytelling, part heartfelt reflection, and pure Bart Yasso magic.

Reuniting with the “Sunrise Gals” and Selling 50 Books Over Coffee

Bart had just returned from the Jim Thorpe Marathon weekend, where he not only met a group of runners he’d first encountered nine years ago (yes, he remembered them and found a photo on his phone to prove it), but also held a book signing at a local coffee shop.

“I drank too much coffee and sold 50 books,” he said, laughing. “But hey, it was a great time.” And of course, in typical Bart fashion, the coffee shop wasn’t just a venue—it was a community hangout filled with runners, memories, and a vibe only he could create.

From Memoir to Milestones

Bart’s earlier books, My Life on the Run and Race Everything, brought readers into his personal and professional journey. My Life on the Run was a memoir filled with the ups and downs that shaped him—“You can’t write a good memoir that just highlights the good stuff,” he reminded me.

But 100 Runs of a Lifetime is different.

“This one was all me,” he said. “No co-author, no early feedback. I just wrote the whole thing, hit my deadline, and handed it off to my editors.”

The result is a 70,000-word global tour of iconic races, bucket list routes, and unforgettable running experiences—some of which aren’t even races at all.

Curating a Lifetime of Miles

How do you narrow a running life down to 100 experiences?

Simple. You start by sorting through over 800 race credentials and four passports, recalling every detail from decades of travel. From there, Bart whittled the list from 200 to 150, to 125, to 110. Eventually, National Geographic gave some input to balance out the regions represented, and boom: the final 100.

And no, not every one is a race. There are 61 official races in the book—marathons, ultras, trail runs—and 39 unforgettable runs that can be done any time, no bib required.

“There’s something special about being able to run a place on your own terms,” Bart said, citing places like the Na Pali Coast or Vancouver’s Stanley Park.

Shakeout Runs, Pizza Memories, and a Toothbrush Full of Rocks

Our conversation meandered like a scenic long run—touching on everything from the invention of shakeout runs to that one time Bart dove into the rocks at Pike’s Peak to avoid injuring a fellow runner on a narrow trail (and then had the wounds scrubbed with what he described as a “giant toothbrush”).

And yes, he confirmed: Beta Breakers is still as wild as ever, nudists and all. “You just get on the train naked and go home. It’s easy to get a seat,” someone once told him.

Classic Bart story.

The Heart of the Book: Comrades and the Culture of Running

When asked which race impacted him the most, Bart pointed to Comrades Marathon in South Africa. Not only is the race grueling (56 miles with alternating “up” and “down” years), but it’s a cultural touchstone.

“It brought people together in a country that was really divided. That kind of impact elevates a race beyond sport.”

From color-coded bibs showing how many times a runner has finished, to stadium finishes and post-race recognition, Comrades embodies the community and spirit Bart has always championed.

Beyond the Book

Though Bart no longer travels as frequently due to health reasons—including the lasting effects of Lyme disease—he’s still very much active in the running world. He’s focused on virtual interviews, local events, and staying connected with the community however he can.

And yes, he’s still crushing it with humor and humility.

“You know, they only used one photo of me in the book,” he joked. “Thank God it’s from 40 years ago when I still had a mullet.”

More Than Just a Book

100 Runs of a Lifetime is more than a coffee table book—it’s a time capsule, a global guide, and a love letter to the running community. Whether you’re a marathon vet or dreaming of your first 5K, there’s something here for you.

And if you’re like Bart’s friend who said, “I just want that hoodie from Wineglass,” well… run the race and earn it. Or at least flip through the pages and plan your next adventure.

Because, as Bart would say: “You don’t need to go to Mount Kilimanjaro to have a run of a lifetime. Sometimes it’s your hometown 5K that changes everything.”

Grab your copy of 100 Runs of a Lifetime and start building your own.

And when you do?

Blog about your runs.

Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s just for you.

Because the stories, the weird details, the way a small-town 5K felt like a big deal…

That’s the stuff you’ll want to remember.

That’s how your own “runs of a lifetime” take shape—one finish line and one story at a time.

Listen to the full episode here.

Charm City Run is a proud sponsor of the Maybe Running Will Help podcast.