The Mayor Of Running Takes His Last Lap
Runner's World|February 2018

Bart Yasso has punched in at Runner’s World US for 30 years. He started in the post room, rose up to rep RW at expos – some 1 280 of them – and went on to help edit memorable features, judge our annual cover contest, and naturally, test hundreds of shoes. He’s also held the most enviable job on our masthead: Chief Running Officer. In that role, he’s championed thousands of runners at events around the world (he ran Comrades in 2010). As one editor put it, “From Olympic medallist to beginner, anyone who dares to try is an important member of Bart’s running tribe.” On his retirement this month, our mayor, chief, and runner-hero leaves running shoes impossible to fill. Luckily, we’ll always have his good advice. Read it here, in this excerpt from Bart’s newest book, Race Everything.

Erin Strout
The Mayor Of Running Takes His Last Lap

Sorry your file was not uploaded. It may be the wrong filetype. We only allow JPG filetypes. It was the autumn of 1977, and I was a 21-year-old who had wasted my teen years on cigarettes, beer, and weed. I headed out for my first run in cut-off jeans held up by a belt, a Budweiser T-shirt, and a pair of old shoes. I ran straight to a bar about two kilometres away. When I arrived, I celebrated by downing two beers – then I walked home. It was an inauspicious start to a life forever changed by running, but it was a start nonetheless.

I had been inspired by my daily walks with my girlfriend’s dog, Brandy, who showed unadulterated joy when she was liberated from her leash, free to romp and play. Those walks eventually morphed into runs by myself, gradually enjoying my own sense of freedom from the dark days I had fallen into. My older brother George – one of six siblings – took notice of a kind of metamorphosis happening, and as a father figure to me, he encouraged this turning point in my life.

By 1980, George had goaded me into running a 10-K with him close to where we grew up. I had a giant, shaggy beard that covered most of my face, along with flowing, unkempt hair. I looked like a running caveman. I was reluctant and had no idea what I was doing, but as is the most important point for anything in life, I showed up.

When the gun went off that morning, I shot out in a 3:30 first kilometre, naively going with a group of seasoned competitors in the lead pack. By 3km, I was predictably suffering a slow death and a waning pace. By 5km, I wanted to vomit. George pulled away and never looked back.

But I crossed the finish line in about 40 minutes, and placed 40th out of 240 people. Not bad, I thought. Something inside was stirred.

Denne historien er fra February 2018-utgaven av Runner's World.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra February 2018-utgaven av Runner's World.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA RUNNER'S WORLDSe alt
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
Runner's World SA

LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET

In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.

time-read
9 mins  |
May/June 2024
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Runner's World SA

RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES

Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.

time-read
9 mins  |
May/June 2024
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Runner's World SA

CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.

time-read
6 mins  |
May/June 2024
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Runner's World SA

THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD

Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?

time-read
9 mins  |
May/June 2024
THE MIND OF MASSYN
Runner's World SA

THE MIND OF MASSYN

IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.

time-read
10 mins  |
May/June 2024
TAKING CHARGE
Runner's World SA

TAKING CHARGE

OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.

time-read
5 mins  |
May/June 2024
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
Runner's World SA

A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES

THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.

time-read
6 mins  |
May/June 2024
MY RUNNING LIFE
Runner's World SA

MY RUNNING LIFE

ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

time-read
3 mins  |
May/June 2024
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
Runner's World SA

Ageing In The Age Of Strava

RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”

time-read
4 mins  |
May/June 2024
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
Runner's World SA

How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It

I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.

time-read
3 mins  |
May/June 2024