THE SAPPHIRE RUNNING ZONE - GLOBAL RUNNING EVENTS

DEALING WITH DISASTER

Josh Preister, the Executive Director of the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, tells us how the organizing team rerouted the 2024 Big Sur International Marathon in less than a month, as a result of a major slip out!

COPING WITH CHALLENGES

Race directors face many challenges, but has Tom Bedford from the UK had more than his fair share? From the pandemic to unseasonal heat, and much more, Tom, from Run-Fest, tells us how he and his team have dealt with them all and why they are optimistic for the future.

THE COSTS - BREAKING IT DOWN

Ever wondered where your race entry fee goes? Andy Hully, owner and race director of the Milton Keynes Marathon Weekend in England, breaks down the cost of putting on a running event. With an expected field of over 10,000 runners in 2025 these costs are very significant!

RUNNING EVENTS OWNED BY CHARITIES

Not all running events are owned by commercial businesses. Some are owned by running clubs, some by councils and some by charities. So how do those owned by charities differ from those owned by private companies? Fundraising becomes a priority, not a 'nice to have' like it can do with some other events. Jane Appleton, from Cornwall Hospice Care, tells us how her charity manages Run Falmouth, a half marathon in Cornwall, South West England.

INSIDE THE IRISH LIFE DUBLIN MARATHON

Jim Aughney, the race director of the Irish Life Dublin Marathon, tells us what it's like to organise a major city centre marathon. From 3,000 runners back in the 90s to 22,500 in 2024 and a lottery now in place, this is one of the world's big running events.

ARE YOU PART OF SUPERHALFS HALF MARATHON RACE SERIES YET?

Combining your love of running with travel to six of Europe's coolest cities has to be the way to go, right? Imagine feeling the weight of the six race finisher medal when you go over the finish line of your sixth race! In this podcast we talk to Saso Belovski, the Managing Director of the series and find out about its history, how it all works and what's next.

THE WORLD ATHLETICS ROAD RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025

The 2025 World Athletics Road Running Championships take place in San Diego and will be a celebration of everything that's great about the sport. Imagine the work that goes on to create a weekend for 50,000 runners! We'll take you on that journey with the CEO of San Diego 25, Tracy Sundlun. There isn't anyone better suited to this huge task and he'll share it with us in this fascinating series. Tracy gives us the background to the event in this first episode.