NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer On The Post-Pandemic Running Boom's Effect On Demands For Races, Transforming Communities

"I think anyone who has run, who has made running a part of their life, knows that it really does transform us as people. No matter what it is that we want to accomplish in life, we think that it makes everybody better by creating that habit of being physically active, moving your body, whether it's physical health or mental health. So we're hoping that this new way of talking about our mission and what we do will draw more people into the sport, into our community, and get people moving."

My guest for this episode is NYRR Rob Simmelkjaer, who also has a podcast of his own – Set The Pace. We’re at a point where we’ve got his boom happening. More than ever before, people are getting into running, joining clubs/crews/teams/training groups. NYRR puts on countless events in the city. I’m biased and think it’s got the best running community in the world.

So let’s take a look at the state of running and how someone like Rob and NYRR are striking that balance to accommodate so many people. Plus, we touch on his experience as an executive at ESPN and on-air talent at NBC has helped with the storytelling side to bridge the gap between the everyday runner and the elites.

Time Stamps:

3:51 - Sharing about his recent half marathon performance. 

4:53 - His first two years leading NYRR as the CEO. 

6:54 - What Global Running Day means to NYRR + upcoming NYRR events. 

9:38 - How NYRR decided on their mission statement.

12:20 - What he hopes to accomplish as CEO of NYRR + core pillars of NYRR’s mission.

16:17 - The direction he hopes to steer NYRR towards.

18:47 - How working at ESPN and NBC Sports helped prepare him for his role at NYRR.

22:27 - His thoughts on how to bridge the gap between elite runners and everyday runners in the running community. 

25:46 - How he got into the sport of running. 

28:34 - How working for NYRR rekindled his love for running. 

31:05 - Thoughts on how to continue growing the running community. 

33:22 - The role of running groups in helping grow the sport. 

38:56 - More thoughts on the role of running groups in growing the running community.

41:27 - Rapid fire NYC-related questions

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