Mary Wittenberg - Leadership, Legacy, and Leveling the Running Playing Field

Mary Wittenberg - Leadership, Legacy, and Leveling the Running Playing Field

From Set the Pace by New York Road Runners

March 26, 2026 · 51 min · Episode 160

About this episode

Mary Wittenberg discusses her journey in sports leadership and the ongoing need for equity in running.

Mary Wittenberg, former New York Road Runners President and CEO, joins Set the Pace this week as part of our celebration of Women’s History Month. After becoming a partner at a law firm in New York City, she pivoted to pursue her passion for sports, joining New York Road Runners in 1998. A dedicated runner, she won the 1987 Marine Corps Marathon and competed in the 1988 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. During her tenure, Mary guided NYRR and the New York City Marathon through a decade of significant growth and in 2002 was part of a pivotal decision to introduce a women-only professional start ahead of the men, giving them more visibility with the spectators and news media. In recognition of Women’s History Month, Mary reflects on the continued need for greater equity in sports, noting that while progress has been made, there is still more work to do to ensure equal opportunities for women on the playing field.   FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTube SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify . DISCLAIMER See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…

People in this episode

Guest: Mary Wittenberg

Topics covered

  • leadership
  • women in sports
  • running equity
  • marathon history
  • sports legacy

Keywords

  • Mary Wittenberg
  • New York Road Runners
  • women's history
  • running
  • sports equity
  • marathon

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New York Road Runners

Places: New York City

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