More than America’s oldest ultramarathon, the JFK 50 endures because of the kindness, community, and love that Mike Spinnler has nurtured across generations.
Most races don’t last six decades. Every November, the JFK 50 unfolds across the Appalachian Trail, a canal towpath, and country roads as a 50-mile test that has become the oldest continuously running ultramarathon in the United States. But what makes it endure isn’t just the course or its history. It’s the people who return year after year, the community that shows up in droves to ensure this race will not quit, and the race director who has quietly shaped it for more than three decades as only the second in its history.
Mike Spinnler has been at the heart of the JFK 50 as runner, champion, and steward, carrying forward a tradition that continues to inspire generations. He is, in many ways, the archetype of a role model. In this conversation, we reflect on how the course has shaped the athletes who run it, the volunteers who support it, and the man who has devoted his life to directing it.
Episode Description:
In this episode of Legwork, Matt and Molly sit down with Mike Spinnler, race director of the JFK 50, the oldest continuously run ultramarathon in the United States. They explore how the race has endured for more than 60 years — and why it continues to inspire across generations.
Together, they cover:
Mike’s journey from 12-year-old participant to champion, and eventually to race director
The stewardship lessons he learned from Buzz Sawyer and Greg Shank, and how he carries their legacy forward
How kindness, community, and love have shaped the race as much as rules, permits, and logistics
The role of volunteers, families, and local communities in sustaining the JFK 50
The balance between tradition and change — from aid stations and cutoffs to super shoes and evolving strategies
The challenges of race directing: from financial risk to government shutdowns, blizzards, and even the Beltway sniper
What inspires Mike personally, and how he knows, without any doubt, the JFK 50 will thrive long after he steps aside
Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner, a first-time marathoner, or someone who simply cares about what makes communities strong, this episode offers an inside look at why the JFK 50 is more than just a race — it’s a living legacy.
Chapter List
00:00 Introduction to JFK 50 and Mike Spinnler Journey
08:51 Mike's Early Running Experiences and Influences
13:52 Transitioning to Competitive Running, And Winning the JFK50
23:47 Becoming the Race Director of JFK 50, And How Having the Best Partner Helps
30:39 How the JFK Keeps Going
35:58 The Importance of a Team Behind You And Delegation
39:13 Resilience and Persistence in the Face of Persistent and Resilient Challenges
42:56 Navigating Change and Tradition
45:33 The Role of Aid Stations in Leveling The Playing Field
53:58 The Famous 3 x 10m Marathon Paced (In a Day) Workout
01:00:57 Approaching Mike's Directing of the JFK50 More As A Coach Than An Administrator
01:05:10 Impact of Shoe Technology
01:06:52 Weaverton Cliffs And Watching Your Step
01:08:10 Navigating the Appalachian Trail
01:10:09 The Magic Of JFK50 Aid Stations And Volunteer Community
01:18:02 Advice for New Runners of the JFK50
01:24:37 For Mike, the JFK50 is like Christmas Morning And He's Excited To See What Will Happen
01:27:09 Supporting Runners Through ALL Paces, Not Just The Leaders
01:30:00 The Personal Impact of Race Directing And The Obligation Mike Feels To Those That Have Not Experienced The Race
01:35:08 Spontaneous Selflessness and Humanity Is All Around
01:39:38 Reflecting On How JFK50 Has Changed Him, The Power of Sports, And Giving Back
01:48:38 Advice Time: The Inside Tips On A Successful JFK50
02:02:23 Final Reflections