Finish Line Moments: Les Wright - The Ring Master Behind the Finish Line

For three decades, Les Wright has been the fearless force behind the Lake Tahoe and Maui Marathon weekends, a “runner’s race director” known for heart, humor, and a tireless commitment to creating unforgettable experiences.Before he built iconic events in two of the world’s most scenic places, Les spent 30 years teaching PE, coaching young athletes, and living the values he now builds into every race: resilience, joy, and community. At 59, he ran his first marathon because, as he says, “If I’m going to direct marathons, I better run one first.”In this episode of Finish Line Moments, host Gretchen sits down with “The Ring Master” himself to talk about the road from teacher to race director, the fires and pandemics that tested his resolve, and the spirit that’s kept thousands of runners coming back year after year.From Hawaiian prayers at the start line to the iconic Lake Tahoe Triple and Trifecta, Les shares his legacy of faith, fun, and finish lines that mean more than medals. His story is proof that it’s never too late to chase your dream - and that the best races are the ones that build community mile after mile.