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The Aid Station

The Aid Station

By Mass Participation World

The Aid Station is a series of daily interviews with inspiring people. Many of the interviews will be with "ordinary" people from small businesses across the globe with amazing stories to tell to High Profile Industry leaders.
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Episode 53 - Marcel Altenburg, Senior Lecturer and Program Leader, Crowd Science at Manchester Metropolitan University

The Aid StationJun 24, 2020

00:00
16:04
Ep. 123 - Reto Schorno, Partner Athletics Sport Consulting and Race Director, Swiss City Marathon

Ep. 123 - Reto Schorno, Partner Athletics Sport Consulting and Race Director, Swiss City Marathon

This week on Episode 123 of The Aid Station, presented by njuko, we travel to the stunning city of Lucerne in Switzerland to meet Reto Schorno, Partner Athletics Sport Consulting and Race Director, Swiss City Marathon

Like so many in our industry his journey started as a result of his father’s involvement in organizing events – at that stage the Lucerne City Race which ultimately became the Swiss City Marathon.  A few of the highlights of the conversation include:

  • Reto’s journey from hammer thrower to Mass Participation industry leader
  • Insights into the industry in Switzerland including entry levels 20-30% less than pre-COVID
  • The important role of the Swiss Government in supporting events
  • Creation of the Swiss Runners Ticket with a focus on sustainability that allows participants to travel free on public transport across the country
  • Having the courage to try something different - with particular reference to their successful 2021 Swiss City Marathon event

#TheAidStation #SwissCityMarathon #MassParticipation

Jun 15, 202220:44
Ep. 122 - Ashish Bhushan, Founder & CEO, Chapter 3 Technologies
May 18, 202218:36
Ep. 121, Cade Netscher, Founder, Neurun

Ep. 121, Cade Netscher, Founder, Neurun

This week on Episode 121 of The Aid Station, presented by njuko, we travel to the United States for an inspiring conversation with Cade Netscher, Founder, Neurun.

A wonderful story of how Cade and his partner have taken a simple idea and created a fantastic course visualisation concept and app at the intersection of two of his passions – running and neuroscience. A few of the highlights include:

- Staying the course despite the challenges of COVID

- Taking a simple idea and stretching it at the edges to deliver amazing impact

- The power of partnerships to help create scale

#MassParticipationWorld #TheAidStation #Technology #MassParticipationEvents #Visualisation

May 04, 202218:15
Ep. 120, Janet Ng, President, ITRA

Ep. 120, Janet Ng, President, ITRA

This week on Episode 120 of The Aid Station, presented by njuko, we travel to Hong Kong for an amazing story highlighting the power of following your passion as we meet Janet Ng, President, International Trail Running Association (ITRA).

At a time when so many people are changing roles and organisations in search of alignment with their purpose and passion, Janet's story is sure to resonate with many. A few of the highlights include:

  • Swapping a successful legal career for the organisation of trail events
  • Building a business and association that has positively impacted the lives many thousands in Hong Kong and then taking it a step further with her global role as the President of ITRA
  • The challenges of life and events in Hong Kong where strong restrictions are still in place
  • The joy and benefits of getting outdoors on Hong Kong's amazing trails
  • Inspiration from the amazing story of "The Happiest Man on Earth"

#MassParticipationWorld  #TheAidStation #njuko # JanetNg #MassParticipationEvents #MassEvents #MassSports #ITRA #MPW

Apr 13, 202221:03
Ep. 119, Maxim Krivenko, Director, NewRun

Ep. 119, Maxim Krivenko, Director, NewRun

In this week's episode of The Aid Station, presented by njuko, we have have a series first - a second conversation with the same guest.  In December, we travelled to Poltava in Ukraine to meet Maxim Krivenko, Director, NewRun. Obviously a huge amount in the country has changed since then and we took the opportunity to hear first-hand from Maxim about the situation and the impact on the Mass Participation industry.  Maxim and most of his team are still in Poltava, central Ukraine, where some of them are helping receive refugees from across the country whilst others have escaped to other parts of Europe.   He shares how the industry has completely shut down but that in Poltava people are still able to occasionally get out and run albeit with the risk of an air raid. There is an amazing air of positivity and determination in the conversation with Maxim and his translator Ekaterina.  They are determined, once this is over, to get back to putting on their label races and bringing the running community back together at events. "We have become very united and everyone helps out in any way that they can".  #MassParticipationWorld #MassParticipation #MassSports #TheAidStation #GlobalUpdates #Ukraine

Mar 30, 202225:13
Ep. 118, Robin Sapong Eugenio, President, Oceania Athletics Association

Ep. 118, Robin Sapong Eugenio, President, Oceania Athletics Association

So many powerful insights of regional impact from a tiny island barely 30miles long in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Join the journey which starts with a geography lesson and ends with the inspirational story of a Japanese marathon runner crossing the finish line with his family and only becoming aware of his success days later.

In between we talk about the impact of traditional culture and values on Robin and his tiny community and organising a marathon from his garage. Hear his insights into overcoming the challenges of fulfilling his role as President of Oceania Athletics via zoom and the all-important story of the eel and sea cucumber. Make sure to stay tuned until the very end.

#MassParticipationWorld  #TheAidStation #RobinSapongEugenio #MassParticipationEvents #MassEvents #MassSports #OceaniaAthleticsAssociation #NorthernMarianasIsland #MPW #njuko


Feb 16, 202220:36
Ep. 117 - Maxim Krivenko, Director, NewRun

Ep. 117 - Maxim Krivenko, Director, NewRun

This week on Episode 117 of The Aid Station, presented by njuko, we travel to Portava, Ukraine for a fascinating conversation with Maxim Krivenko, Director, NewRun, and Katia Shevchenko, Partnership Manager, Newrun.  

Despite all the world headlines, life and events continue as normal in many parts of the country.  

Maxim and Katia repeat a story that we have heard so many times on The Aid Station over the past two years - the power of our industry to impact the lives of communities and massive growth.   

From a first running event of 700 people to a calendar of events with tens of thousands of participants and a multitude of finish line proposals. 

#MassParticipationWorld #TheAidStation #MaximKrivenko #MassParticipationEvents #MassEvents #MassSports #NewRun #Ukraine #MPW #njuko

Feb 03, 202227:46
Ep. 116 - I. Renay Onur, General Manager, Spor Istanbul

Ep. 116 - I. Renay Onur, General Manager, Spor Istanbul

This week on Episode 116 of The Aid Station, presented by njuko, we travel to Istanbul for a hugely insightful conversation with I. Renay Onur, General Manager & Board Member, Spor Istanbul.

A few of the highlights include:

- The life-changing impact of volunteering 

- Personal and business lessons from his corporate transition to creating and delivering a strategy with health and wellbeing of citizens at its core

- Behind the scenes Insights into the delivery for the 2021 Istanbul Marathon

#MassParticipationWorld  #TheAidStation #RenayOnur #MassParticipationEvents #MassEvents #MassSports #SporIstanbul #njuko #MPW


Jan 20, 202221:06
Ep. 115 - Alex Tanti, CEO / Co-Founder, RaceCheck

Ep. 115 - Alex Tanti, CEO / Co-Founder, RaceCheck

This week on Episode 115 of The Aid Station, presented by njuko, we travel to Barcelona, Spain for an insightful conversation with Alexandros Tanti.  Alex wears two hats as Co-Founder of RaceCheck, an online platform that helps recreational athletes find and evaluate endurance sports events around the world as well as being Chief Product Officer at Super League Triathlon.  Lots of inspiring and valuable insights in the discussion including:  

  • The power of persistence - "working out" Chris McCormack's email address and constantly following up with him 
  • Jumping on a plane to meet Chris and pitch to him during his 2hour airport layover which ultimately led to Super League Triathlon investing in RaceCheck 
  • How having an aligned and engaged team driven by purpose enabled RaceCheck to survive some massively challenging times during COVID 
  • Trends that Alex and his team are seeing in the industry 
  • The value of the huge amount of development work that was done during the pandemic in providing a launch pad for when events returned
Dec 16, 202121:13
Ep. 114 - Getting a Sport Officially Recognised with Ian Adamson, President, World Obstacle

Ep. 114 - Getting a Sport Officially Recognised with Ian Adamson, President, World Obstacle

This week on a bumper Episode 114 of The Aid Station, presented by njuko, we travel to the USA for a far-reaching conversation with Ian Adamson, former competitive adventure racer, television professional and president of World Obstacle.

It's an episode so packed with insights and inspiration that it stretches way beyond our usual limits to 30minutes. A few of the highlights include: 

  • The vital role of sleep and its impact on memory. These insights alone are worth investing the time to listen to the conversation
  • The story behind how Obstacle Racing was one of only two sports since 2018 to achieve Global Association of International Sports Federation observer status - a key stepping stone to becoming an Olympic Sport
  • Behind the scenes insights into delivering the World Ninja Championships in 2019 in Gorky Park, Moscow with 100,000 spectators
  • Delivering the highest ever OCR World Championships in the crater of Mount Kilimanjaro and directly impacting the lives of over 10,000 local 
  • People and it's relevance to every mass participation event
  • Understanding that everyone's point of view is 100% correct - even if you don't agree with it

#MassParticipationWorld  #TheAidStation #IanAdamson #MassParticipationEvents #MassEvents #MassSports #WorldObstacle #OCR #Spartan #JoedeSeana #MPW #Spartan #Ninja 


Nov 24, 202131:35
Ep. 113 - From Adversity to Opportunity with Alex Tersoglio

Ep. 113 - From Adversity to Opportunity with Alex Tersoglio

This week on Episode 113 of The Aid Station presented by njuko, we travel to a tiny mountain community in Patagonia Argentina to hear the remarkable story of Alex Tersoglio.

Hear how teaching the local doctor to speak English in the stunning alpine village of Villa la Angostura opened up an amazing journey. 

In a conversation that could have gone on for hours we explore her role in starting a blind runners club and taking an athlete to New York Marathon, creating a canine rescue squad and helping start a trail running event which she credits with helping her beat cancer.

Feel the raw emotion of the terrible impact of COVID-19 on the ill-equipped community of 3,000 people counterbalanced by Alex's incredible passion and zest for life including her role plogging at the back of last weekend's K42 trail race with 3,000 participants.

Hear stories of competing in endurance events with her daughter, Kenya and exploring the region together in her Citroen 3CV.  

For all your registration needs, visit njuko here: http://njuko.com

#MassParticipationWorld  #TheAidStation #AlexTersoglio #MassParticipationEvents #MassEvents #MassSports #Patagonia #FromAdversityToOpportunity #VolunteerHeart 

Nov 11, 202122:48
Ep. 112 - Breaking Boundaries with Yusuf Alli, General Manager, Access Bank Lagos City Marathon
Oct 27, 202122:14
Ep. 111 - Be Your Best Self with Danny Bent, Co-Founder, One Run

Ep. 111 - Be Your Best Self with Danny Bent, Co-Founder, One Run

In this week's amazing episode of The Aid Station, presented by njuko, we travel to Sheffield, England to meet Danny Bent, Co-Founder of One Run, and recognised as one of the Top 100 Happiest People in the UK. Join us for an inspirational episode where we discuss how a run from the west to east coast of USA in solidarity with victims of the Boston bombing has turned into the One Run Global phenomenon, and so much more.  

For all your registration needs, visit njuko here: http://njuko.com 

#MassParticipationWorld #DannyBent #TheAidStation #MassParticipationEvents #MassEvents #MassSports #OneRunGlobal #BestSelf

Oct 13, 202121:57
Ep. 110 - Focus on the Small Steps with Julie Royer-Coutts, CEO, Haute Route
Sep 29, 202121:04
Ep. 109 - China Insights with Julia Cui, Partner, CGX Management

Ep. 109 - China Insights with Julia Cui, Partner, CGX Management

This week on The Aid Station, presented by njuko, we travel to Beijing for a hugely informative conversation with Julia Cui, Founder and Partner of CGX Management. Join us as Julia shares valuable insights regarding the industry in China.

#MassParticipationWorld #TheAidStation #MassParticipation #MassParticipationEvents #MassParticipationSports

Sep 15, 202124:20
Ep. 108 - From Motor Racing to Mountain Racing with Frédéric Lenart, Managing Director, UTMB Group

Ep. 108 - From Motor Racing to Mountain Racing with Frédéric Lenart, Managing Director, UTMB Group

This week on the Aid Station, we travel to Chamonix, France to talk to Frédéric Lenart, Managing Director, UTMB. Some wonderful insights shared just days before this year’s edition of UTMB with 10,000 participants. We discuss their permit requirements, leadership, parallels between his roles at Le Mans and UTMB as well as the partnership between UTMB and IRONMAN.

#MassParticipationWorld #TheAidStation #ChrisRobb #MassParticipation #MassParticipationEvents #FrédéricLenart #UTMB #MassParticipationSports

Aug 25, 202119:14
Ep. 107 - Soledad Zongaro, Communications Manager of NB Urban Mile

Ep. 107 - Soledad Zongaro, Communications Manager of NB Urban Mile

This week on the The Aid Station,  we visit Buenos Aires, Argentina for an inspiring conversation with Soledad Zongaro. 

Soledad is the Communications Manager of NB Urban Mile and two time Argentine steeplechase silver medallist. 

Hear the story of how her team was able to bring together over 48,000 participants from 150 countries in an amazing entry level virtual event.

Watch our conversation here: https://youtu.be/LiY_dN1b_04

P.S.  Don't miss the opportunity to explore the role of Mass Participation sport in rebooting our future in Thursday's MPW Web Series where we will be joined by globally recognised thought leaders, Matt Rogan and Dr Martin Yelling as we explore "All to Play For: Thinking Differently About Our Lives and the Industry"

Register here 👉👉 https://bit.ly/36m6ty4

#MassParticipationWorld #TheAidStation #SoledadZongaro #BuenosAires #Argentina #NBUrbanMile #ArgentineSteeplechase #Steeplechase #MassParticipationEvents #MassEvents

Jul 14, 202120:17
Ep. 106 - Back to the Road Again: Ivan Rozhnov, Malta Athletics Federation

Ep. 106 - Back to the Road Again: Ivan Rozhnov, Malta Athletics Federation

This week, we travel to Malta where we interview veteran coach and currently the Head of Endurance for Malta Athletics Federation, Ivan Rozhnov. 

Hear insights from his travels over the past few weeks to events in multiple European countries. “What I saw in my travels was very different from what I see in the media. Life is very normal in many places”

#MassParticipationWorld #TheAidStation #ChrisRobb #MassParticipation #MassParticipationEvents #MaltaAthleticsFoundation #IvanRozhnov #EnduranceSports

Jun 29, 202123:03
Ep. 105 - Discovering Your Passion with Jaymie Pizarro

Ep. 105 - Discovering Your Passion with Jaymie Pizarro

This week, we meet Jaymie Pizarro, the first Filipino to finish the all of the World Marathon Majors. 

Watch her inspiring story from discovering her passion for running at the age of 30 to becoming an icon known as the Bull Runner and launching her own marathon that has inspired thousands of Filipinos.

#MassParticipationWorld #TheAidStation #ChrisRobb #DiscoverYourPassion #JaymiePizarro #MPath

Jun 15, 202121:46
Ep 104 - Thriving from Challenges with Daisy Zereceda

Ep 104 - Thriving from Challenges with Daisy Zereceda

We are very excited to venture into our first subtitled interview as we speak in Spanish with Daisy Zereceda, an icon of Peruvian athletics.


An amazing success story that highlights Daisy’s story from a curious 11-year old to overcoming discrimination on multiple levels and working “twice as hard” on her journey to representing Peru, becoming a successful lawyer and a state official.


Today, Daisy co-manages ZM Sports with her husband Andy. Her journey from adversity has helped equip her to thrive in today's Pandemic challenges including using the power of the internet to maintain communication with the running community in Peru whilst stuck in Germany.


Watch our conversation here: https://youtu.be/yHikBzsH08s


#MassParticipationWorld #TheAidStation

Jun 02, 202119:53
Ep. 103 - People First Leadership with Roberta Hernandez, Project Manager of Agência Califórnia,

Ep. 103 - People First Leadership with Roberta Hernandez, Project Manager of Agência Califórnia,

This week on the Aid Station, we go to Brazil and have a conversation with Roberta Hernandez, Project Manager of Agência Califórnia, a 360 Creative Digital Agency focusing on live marketing, content, technology and digital.


Hear Roberta’s inspiring story as she embarks on a new chapter of her career which is barely a week old after six years fully immersed in the Mass Participation industry delivering events close to her heart.


As a former professional waterpolo player being part of the Effect Sports team that was able to deliver one of the biggest mass participation swimming events in the world last year – the 2,000 participant King and Queen of the Sea brings a huge smile to her face.


On leadership – "it’s all about people" hear her lessons from her first boss and working with the United States Olympic Committee as a client.

May 26, 202118:20
Ep. 102 - Defying the Odds Amidst the III-Fated Health with Tony Reed, CEO of Caribbean Endurance Sports Corp.

Ep. 102 - Defying the Odds Amidst the III-Fated Health with Tony Reed, CEO of Caribbean Endurance Sports Corp.

In this The Aid Station, we go to Texas and meet Anthony "Tony" Reed, CEO of Caribbean Endurance Sports Corp.  As a pre-teen, he was diagnosed as being pre-diabetic and was told he would go on insulin as a teenager. By the end of last year, he had run over 46,000 miles, averaged three miles a day, and, at 66 years old, he’s still not on insulin. However, he didn't let that stop him from having completed the marathon “hat trick” which consists of completing seven continents, 50 states, and at least 100 marathons.  He was also the first Black man in the world to complete marathons on all seven continents.

May 19, 202116:45
Ep. 101 - Creating Health and Well-Being Impact in Remote Countries with John Addison, Race Director of Kilimanjaro Marathon and Victoria Falls Marathon

Ep. 101 - Creating Health and Well-Being Impact in Remote Countries with John Addison, Race Director of Kilimanjaro Marathon and Victoria Falls Marathon

On this week's episode of The Aid Station, we travel to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania as we meet John Addison who was the originator of the Kili Marathon back in 2002 and later the iconic Vic Falls Marathon on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. He said it was a spark of an idea over a cold “Kili” beer after meeting guests who were climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Hear how that idea has grown into an experience for 12,000 runners from close to 60 countries and created a massive health and wellbeing impact in addition to an enormous economic impact on the town of Moshi. This year’s COVID-adjusted event in February attracted 9,000 runners.

“When we started with around 250 participants there were perhaps 2-3 runners in Moshi and the surrounding area – there are now thousands. On race weekend every hotel in the town is full, people sleep in their cars and some travel over 125km on race morning to get to the start” says John.

Watch our conversation here: https://youtu.be/6nPziN9n1TE

May 12, 202118:17
Ep. 100 - The Power of Making Mistakes with Hugh Brasher, Event Director, London Marathon Events

Ep. 100 - The Power of Making Mistakes with Hugh Brasher, Event Director, London Marathon Events

We are thrilled and proud to have reached the amazing milestone of 100 episodes of The Aid Station in just over a year.


To celebrate the milestone with a massively inspiring conversation with industry icon, Hugh Brasher, Event Director, London Marathon Events, makes the occasion even more special.


So many wonderful insights including emotional examples of the immense power of mass participation events to change lives and communities, the heightened role of communication in these times and the importance of self-belief.


Some wonderful insights into Hugh's life, the role that his parents played and his journey from running a small running store which grew into a huge network of stores across the UK to ultimately being handed the reins to one of the most iconic events in the sporting world is certain to inspire.


Listen out for the gold nugget that is so relevant in these challenging times where some of us are frozen by the fear of making a mistake - the vital importance of letting go of the fear of failure and instead seeing it as a huge opportunity to learn. 


Watch our conversation here: https://youtu.be/xY2MSTkQcdo


#MassParticipationWorld #MassParticipationEvents #TheAidStation #100thEpisode #londonmarathon #AWMMM #mistakes #inspiration 

May 12, 202123:20
Ep. 99 - The Power of Destination Events with Diane Ellis, Sponsorship & Marketing Director of the annual world renowned Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K event, now in its 20th year.

Ep. 99 - The Power of Destination Events with Diane Ellis, Sponsorship & Marketing Director of the annual world renowned Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K event, now in its 20th year.

On our 99th episode of The Aid Station, we travel to Kingston, Jamaica to meet Diane Ellis, Sponsorship & Marketing Director of the annual world renowned Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K event, now in its 20th year.


Listen to Diane's inspiring story as she shares "The Power of Destination Events" not only to showcase the beauty of Jamaica but also how participants from over 40 countries help create a huge impact on local charities. 


Hear how Diane and her husband and Race Director, Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis, have created such a formidable team and their leadership principles of leading by example with integrity and love.


COVID-19 has created significant challenges but they have embraced them and delivered a hugely successful global virtual event and are planning for a live in-person event in December.


It sounds to me that the Reggae Marathon and Half Marathon is definitely one for the bucket list.


Watch our conversation here to learn more of Diane's wonderful story and some of the unique elements of the event like crossing the finish line and walking straight into the sea to cool down.


#TheAidStation #MassParticipationWorld

Apr 29, 202119:40
Ep. 98 - Staffan Movin, President of the Swedish Mass Participation & Sport Event Association

Ep. 98 - Staffan Movin, President of the Swedish Mass Participation & Sport Event Association

On this week's episode of The Aid Station, we travel to Sweden to meet Staff Movin, President of the Swedish Mass Participation & Sport Event Association and hear some valuable insights as to how the Association has successfully engaged with Government.


Some of the successes include the setting up of a Government-backed insurance fund and changing the narrative to focus on the health and wellbeing benefits to communities.


Also, an interesting insight into some of the huge events that take place in Sweden across cross-country running and skiing, open water swims and cycling and the successful collaboration between events.


A far reaching and inspiring discussion with a man who wears many hats and has had a huge impact on the Mass Participation industry.


Watch our conversation here: https://youtu.be/18LMutMMdu8


#TheAidStation #MassParticipationWorld

Apr 21, 202120:17
Ep. 97 - Hajith Mohamed, Race Director, Arugam Bay Half Marathon & President, Arugam Bay Development Forum

Ep. 97 - Hajith Mohamed, Race Director, Arugam Bay Half Marathon & President, Arugam Bay Development Forum

On this week's edition we visit Sri Lanka to meet Hajith Mohamed, Race Director, Arugam Bay Half Marathon & President, Arugam Bay Development Forum in a hugely inspiring conversation which highlights the immense power of being purpose driven.


Sri Lanka is one of my favourite countries, I have amazing memories from my trip in 2001 exploring one of the most beautiful and diverse countries I have been lucky enough to visit.


Listen to Hajith's inspirational story and dreams to build the Arugam Half Marathon into a globally-recognised event, which attracts runners from all over the world to his piece of paradise; and in the process, makes a huge charity contribution to local communities.


Hear the initial disappointment of only a handful of entries for the first event in 2016, the impact of the Easter Sunday 2019 Colombo bombing and the determination and perseverance which now has the event on track to return this year.


Listen to our conversation here: https://youtu.be/XnNTqXTM3ik


#TheAidStation 

Apr 21, 202121:54
Ep. 96 - Driving Brazil's Biggest Registration Platform, Daniel Krutman, CEO of Ticket Agora

Ep. 96 - Driving Brazil's Biggest Registration Platform, Daniel Krutman, CEO of Ticket Agora

On this week’s Aid Station, we meet Daniel Krutman, CEO of Ticket Agora, the biggest registration platform in Brazil. Hear his insights into "the worst country in the world right now for COVID" with massive infection and mortality rates. 

Be inspired by his hugely positive attitude and lifelong commitment to learning which he passionately believes is "the elixir of life". Be sure to watch to the end to hear his heart-wrenching but uplifting inspiring story of a struggling member of the industry.


Apr 12, 202118:32
Ep. 95 - Inspiring Leadership with Alison Desir, Co-Chair, Running Industry Diversity Coalition and Director of Sport Advocacy

Ep. 95 - Inspiring Leadership with Alison Desir, Co-Chair, Running Industry Diversity Coalition and Director of Sport Advocacy

A wonderful and inspiring conversation with Alison Desir, Co-Chair, Running Industry Diversity Coalition and Director of Sport Advocacy, Oiselle. 


Alison shares insights from growing up in New York and visits to Latin America to learn about her Haitian and Columbian heritage to some gold nuggets on leadership and inspiration. Hear how she was able to overcome depression and was mentored and inspired by former New York Marathon Race Director, Mary Wittenberg – "Mary has this incredible ability to see that someone has a light shining in them before they see it themselves and has a way of bringing it out". 


Listen for the insights of seeing life through the eyes of her young son, Kouri, and her the excitement of the recent re-location to Seattle with him and her husband Amir to take up the new role with Oiselle.


This is one not to miss.


Watch our conversation here: https://youtu.be/y_9VGKMhKwc


#MassParticipationWorld #TheAidStation 

Apr 12, 202117:17
Ep. 94 - Managing a last minute event cancellation with Inese Kikule

Ep. 94 - Managing a last minute event cancellation with Inese Kikule

On this week’s Episode, we travel to Riga in Latvia a small nation of only 2 million people on the Baltic Sea to hear the inspiring story of Inese Kikule, Project Director & Partner NEcom, Nords Porter Novelli. 

Listen to the insights of how Inese and her team have managed the Riga Marathon with 15,000 people and was cancelled 15 minutes before they started road closures. 

It’s a Gold Label event that usually attracts 38,000 runners. 

#MassParticipationWorld #TheAidStation

Mar 24, 202119:45
Ep. 93 - An Inspirational Story: Betty Jenkins, volunteer at 93

Ep. 93 - An Inspirational Story: Betty Jenkins, volunteer at 93

This week on The Aid Station is very special.

In a week where International Women's Day recognises women all over the world we are absolutely delighted to share the inspiring story of the oldest volunteer at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon - Betty Jenkins.

It's wonderful to have an incredible 93 year old woman for Episode 93 and our first cameo of the series with the support of one of Betty's 11 children, her daughter Sandra. 

Listen to Betty's inspirational story as she shares what keeps her going, her passion for cooking and young people, her strong independence of still living alone and much more. Her family statistics alone are mind-blowing 

11 children, 34 grandchildren, 68 great grand, 18 great-great grand children. This is a special one not to be missed.

#MassParticipationWorld #TheAidStation #BankofAmericaChicagoMarathon #inspiration #InternationalWomensDay

Mar 24, 202117:55
Ep. 92 - Ted Metellus, Vice President, New York Road Runners
Mar 03, 202118:35
Ep. 91 - Lehlohonolo Makaja, Founder & Chief Experience Officer of DiverseU

Ep. 91 - Lehlohonolo Makaja, Founder & Chief Experience Officer of DiverseU

This week on The Aid Station, Trailblazer edition, we travel to Botswana as we talk for the second time to Lehlohonolo Makaja, MPW Trailblazer for Africa, Founder & Chief Experience Officer of DiverseU he is a sports tourism social entrepreneur based in Gaborone. 


Listen to the inspirational story of how Lehlohonolo embraced technology and reinvented himself and his business when his then growing enterprise literally disappeared overnight with the onset of COVID. His bank account was down to virtually zero and he couldn’t afford to pay a supplier to create his new platform so he taught himself to code.


DiverseU was born and connects casual runners to global races. They integrate international mass participation sports with cultural experiences before and after races for casual runners to experience their dream destinations sustainably.


Stay tuned as Lehlohonolo shares the journey of how he embraced technology to create new opportunities during the pandemic.


Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/vY3AVgr88XQ


#TheAidStation #MassParticipationWorld


Feb 24, 202119:04
Ep. 90 - Nicole Lockwood, Manager Volunteer Program at Chicago Event Management, USA

Ep. 90 - Nicole Lockwood, Manager Volunteer Program at Chicago Event Management, USA

This week on The Aid Station, Trailblazer edition, we talk to Nicole Lockwood, Manager Volunteer Program at Chicago Event Management and the MPW Trailblazer for North America.

Nicole has taken advantage of COVID to immerse herself in other functional areas to gain a wholistic view of the company and events such as the Chicago Marathon and Shamrock Shuffle. 

Apart from her obvious desire to serve and help others her initiative has created the opportunity to progress her career and also have a clear understanding of the needs of each department when allocating volunteers.

One of the wonderful opportunities of COVID is the chance to learn discover new skills in both our business and personal lives.

Learn more about Nicole's journey and hear some inspirational volunteer stories in this video: https://youtu.be/rPrqhTQeNko

#TheAidStation #MassParticipationWorld

Feb 17, 202119:21
Ep. 89 - Organizing a Successful Road Bicycle Race during the Pandemic with Shaun Gad, Co-Founder & CEO of Paradise Sports Management

Ep. 89 - Organizing a Successful Road Bicycle Race during the Pandemic with Shaun Gad, Co-Founder & CEO of Paradise Sports Management

This week on The Aid Station, Trailblazer edition, we talk to Shaun Gad, Co-Founder & CEO of Paradise Sports Management our MPW Trailblazer for Latin America.


Shaun has started GFNY races all over Mexico including Cozumel, Monterrey, Mazatlan, Mexico City, as well as in Jerusalem and soon he will be taking over Colombia as well. The first race had over 1,000 participants and quickly grew to over 3500 participants in just four years.


Listen to the challenges that he was able to overcome and the key role that marketing and branding played to promote one of the busiest cruise ship destinations in the world in successfully delivering GFNY on the beautiful island of Cozumel in November despite COVID. 


#TheAidStation #MassParticipationWorld

Feb 10, 202120:60
Episode 88 - Digital Fundraising for Charities in 2021 with Robyn Andrews of GivenGain

Episode 88 - Digital Fundraising for Charities in 2021 with Robyn Andrews of GivenGain

Today on a special MPW Trailblazer episode of The Aid Station, we talk to Robyn Andrews, Regional Manager of GivenGain who was recognised at the MPW2020 Online Summit in December as MPW Trailblazer for Europe.

Robyn is responsible for the overall country management and strategic planning of GivenGain and its activities in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Oceania. 

Listen to our interview as Robyn shares how she manages digital fundraising events and executes campaigns for running and cycling race events to raise much-needed funds for causes across the globe.

#TheAidStation #MassParticipationWorld

Feb 03, 202120:40
Episode 87 - Victoria Cunningham, Spartan, Director of Marketing & PR, APAC

Episode 87 - Victoria Cunningham, Spartan, Director of Marketing & PR, APAC

This week we travel to Launceston, Tasmania, which is an island south of Australia to meet Victoria Bhojwani Cunningham, Director of Marketing & PR, APAC, Spartan.


She shares her fascinating story on how she studied film but ended up being in the mass participation events industry.


Hear how her big break came after being interviewed by Spartan Founder & CEO Joe de Sena at the birthday party of one of his children.


Listen to our interview as she shares her challenges during the pandemic and how she overcome them, leadership principles that kept her going and some people who inspire her to continue along the way.


#TheAidStation #MassParticipationWorld #ChrisRobb #MassParticipation

Jan 12, 202116:36
Episode 86 - Dave McGillivray, Boston Marathon, Race Director & DMSE Sports, President, USA

Episode 86 - Dave McGillivray, Boston Marathon, Race Director & DMSE Sports, President, USA

"The comeback is always stronger than the setback"

This week on The Aid Station, we interview Dave McGillivray, Race Director of Boston Marathon and President of DMSE Sports.

He was diagnosed with coronary artery disease, a condition he had always assumed wouldn’t be an issue for him. When he received the news, he did everything he could to reverse the condition. But it wasn’t enough. 

He was faced with the choice to keep his condition a secret from the running community, or choose to share his experience with the world. He chose the latter, urging others—especially the fittest of athletes—"if you feel something, do something."

His transformation from fit athlete to fit and healthy person has inspired others to seek counsel from their physicians, which may have saved countless lives.

Listen to our interview as he shares his inspiring story and his purpose to raise the self-esteem and self-confidence of tens and thousands of people.

#TheAidStation #MassParticipationWorld

Dec 02, 202020:46
Episode 85 - Eleanor Western, Logical Safety Solutions, Owner & Director, England

Episode 85 - Eleanor Western, Logical Safety Solutions, Owner & Director, England

This week on The Aid Station, we are joined by Eleanor Western, Director, Logic Safety Solutions Ltd, in Birmingham, England who shares her bold story of starting a new business in the midst of COVID.

Eleanor didn't plan to be in the events industry but life had better plans for her. Hear how a job in the events safety team at Capita immediately got her hooked by the dynamic nature of the industry. The job gave her the opportunity to work on some huge events including the London Youth Games.

In the process she has worked with some amazing people & formed numerous trusted partnerships. So, despite the Pandemic it was not a huge leap of faith to team up with Alan Tungate & Chris Woodford to service an important need for the industry.

Whilst, like any startup, it hasn't been without it's challenges including working from home with her two young sons, Leo & Mylo, initial signs are positive. It's been a team effort in many ways with husband Wayne providing support with the boys to enable Eleanor to build the business.

The opportunity to be back at a few live events, the huge appreciation from clients & seeing the joy of participants has been a huge positive.

Listen to find out more of what inspired Eleanor to take such a leap of faith.

➡️ https://lnkd.in/gAaJMvR

#TheAidStation #MassParticipationWorld

Nov 25, 202020:39
Episode 84 - William Ko, Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, Senior Vice-President, Hong Kong

Episode 84 - William Ko, Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, Senior Vice-President, Hong Kong

On this week's The Aid Station, we head to Hong Kong where we are joined by a veteran in the Mass Participation Industry - William Ko.

William is the Senior Vice-President of the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association where he has served for over 50 years. He has also been Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon for 24 years.

One of his key observations in organising marathons is that each one has its own character and challenges. For him one of the biggest challenges was during the 1997 Hong Kong marathon when it ran across the border into China. "To start with I really didn't know how we were going to do it" he said.

Subsequently, in Hong Kong one of his biggest achievements has been to persuade the government to agree to a more urban route on major roads to attract more participation and help grow the event to over 73,000 runners.

The past year has been incredibly tough with the double blow of political unrest and the Pandemic. Listen to his take on how he has overcome those challenges and the focus on ensuring that he is able to keep his team employed.

Listen to our interview below.

#TheAidStation #MassParticipationWorld #WilliamKo #ChrisRobb

Nov 18, 202017:23
Episode 83 - Jonathan Broutin, Seagull Institute, President, USA/France

Episode 83 - Jonathan Broutin, Seagull Institute, President, USA/France

This week on The Aid Station, we head to Chicago where we are joined by Jonathan Broutin, President of the Seagull Institute.

Jonathan leads, manages and develops educational & professional programs for over 2,000 students.

Hear how some of his childhood experiences of travel laid the foundation for him to move from his native France to live in Chicago. It ultimately gave him his big break from Michael Nishi which presented the opportunity to partner with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Of his 10 years in the industry, 2020 was supposed to be the best year ever for his business. Best in terms of finances and impact. But COVID-19 hit hard and everything changed. Programs and flights bringing students from France were cancelled and they had to pivot and make everything a virtual experience.

Listen until the end when Jonathan shares the people, mentors and leaders who have inspired him to become a better person. One important person is Betty who at 94 years old is the oldest volunteer at the Chicago Marathon. She is an inspiration to not only him but to everyone in the team. She truly displays the "can do" attitude Jonathan wanted to impart to his students.

Listen to my talk with Jonathan now.

#theaidstation #MassParticipationWorld #JonathanBroutin #SeagullInstitute #ChicagoMarathon #CanDoAttitude


Nov 11, 202020:45
Episode 82 - Osamu Uemura, ASICS Corporation, Commercial R&D Lead, Japan

Episode 82 - Osamu Uemura, ASICS Corporation, Commercial R&D Lead, Japan

On this week's The Aid Station, we head to Tokyo, Japan, where we are joined by Osamu Uemura, ASICS Corporation, Commercial R&D Lead.  

Osamu manages the business development team, sources the new technology and business ideas for creating minimum viable products to commercialise.

In this episode he shares how he started in the industry - working for an insurance company, a professional soccer team, a non-profit organization, getting an MBA in the United Stated, then he joined ASICS digital team in Boston.  He also talks about how life has been like in Japan during COVID and the possibility of in-person events in a few months and how they adapted by creating virtual events. Between November 11 to 22, they are doing the first World Ekiden Race. The Ekiden is a Japanese relay that’s all about teamwork, rivarly and competition.

Learn more about the event here: https://www.asics.com/gb/en-gb/mk/asics-world-ekiden

Listen to the end for his tips on leadership, mentorship and meditation  that helped him develop his management skills and to keep himself calm.  

Watch my talk with Osamu now.

#TheAidStation #MassParticipationWorld #ASICS #WorldEkidenRace

Nov 04, 202018:49
Episode 81 - Lornah Kiplagat, Triple Olympian, Four Time World Road Champion World Cross Country Champion

Episode 81 - Lornah Kiplagat, Triple Olympian, Four Time World Road Champion World Cross Country Champion

Today on The Aid Station I have the privilege to meet Lornah kiplagat at the world famous High Altitude Training Centre in Iten, Kenya.

With a career that includes participating in three Olympics, winning four World Road Running Championship titles a World Cross Country title and breaking 16 world records you may expect the conversation to be mostly about training and racing but it goes way beyond.

Listen to the entrepreneurial insights of how an idea 20 years ago has become a magnet for both elite and recreational runners from around the world to train and be part of a community at 2,400m above sea level. Hear what motivated her to launch her African inspired sports brand 'Lornah'.

"My Dad told me 'if you make your own decision you don't have to be pushed, do your own way and make sure you prefect it' ". It seems that Lornah has succeeded in perfecting many things.

Another theme that comes through is a passion for helping others. Hear of the challenges of helping runners stranded in Iten as a result of COVID-19 to get home and of getting back to Iten herself from her home in Holland. Lornah had only landed back in Nairobi a few days before we spoke earlier this week.

Watch my talk with Lornah here https://youtu.be/gomYZY0PS_E

Thanks Jan Schuttert for the introduction

Sep 25, 202020:46
Episode 80 - Tomás Antonio Gallo Padilla General Director, Guadalajara Council of Sports
Sep 16, 202017:29
Episode 79 - John Kynaston, Host, Run to the Hills podcast
Sep 11, 202018:52
Episode 78 - Zach Fan, MC, XTERRA Taiwan

Episode 78 - Zach Fan, MC, XTERRA Taiwan

Today's episode of The Aid Station takes us to Taipei where we meet Zach Fan, race announcer for XTERRA Taiwan and China.

Taiwan has been a global leader in the way that it has managed the pandemic and was one of the first countries to return to professional sport with it's baseball league. "Life has been almost normal for months now and we only have to wear a mask when we go outside and we are able to see our friends and participate in activities".

Although XTERRA has chosen to cancel events until 2021 there are now running events happening each weekend with significant numbers of participants and the Taipei Marathon is set to go ahead on 20 December. A few days before I spoke to him Zach had been the announcer at a 3 on 3 basketball tournament at a shopping mall.

One of Zach's biggest challenges has been missing out on the opportunity to inspire participants and spectators at the finish line of events but he has used his spare time to study. It has included learning Japanese so that he can welcome the many participants from Japan over the line in their native language.

Listen for his two key tips on leadership which he learned from his boss Charlie. "She is an amazing leader and has taught me so much".

Watch my interview with Zach here https://youtu.be/mmyIqowuvWw

#theaidstation

Sep 09, 202017:07
Episode 77 - Janet Clark, President, Team Unlimited

Episode 77 - Janet Clark, President, Team Unlimited

On today's episode of The Aid Station we head to Honolulu to meet Janet Clark, President, TEAM Unlimited LLC, affectionately known to many as the "XTERRA Mamma".

Hear the wonderful story of how an exchange student trip from Australia sewed the seed for what has now been 40 years in Hawaii and a journey immersed in her passion for advertising, tourism and events.

Janet's resume includes the Waikiki Ocean Fest which had 200 events in 10 days and more recently heading up XTERRA globally which has obviously had its challenges in these times including missing the camaraderie and banter of being in the office.

"We are currently in lock down which means no social gathering so that's me and my dog at home and I'm going to have to learn how to speak dog soon".

When it comes to inspiration "There's a couple of things that float my boat one is get outside if you can and enjoy mother nature and the other is challenged athletes. If these guys are out there running with one leg or mountain biking with one arm - what's your excuse"

"And of course there's the wonderful community that is XTERRA and we have made sure in these times that we help keep them connected through XTERRA Connect".

Watch my fun and inspiring chat with Janet here https://lnkd.in/dgkcjCV

#theaidstation

Sep 02, 202019:11
Episode 76 - Bengy Barsanti, Director, Barefoot Sports and Managing Director, ONETIME

Episode 76 - Bengy Barsanti, Director, Barefoot Sports and Managing Director, ONETIME

Today on The Aid Station we head to Wellington in New Zealand to meet Bengy Barsanti, Owner, Barefoot Sport NZ and Managing Director, ONETIME.

Bengy has had a wonderful journey which has seen him play professional ruby in Italy and drive community and schools sport in Scotland before returning to his roots on the stunning Kapati Coast outside Wellington.

He is driven by the power of Mass Participation sports to engage and unite communities and especially inspired by the opportunity for his three young daughters to participate.

As most people may know, New Zealand has been able to manage COVID-19 better than most and although events are now back on the calendar in Wellington it came at an in-opportune time for Bengy and his team as they were rolling out an exciting new timing solution.

"Back in February we had an amazing X-Terra Event with nine simultaneous races and 107 timing points which generated amazing feedback but then we had to hit the pause button"

"But it gave us a great opportunity to do more planning, review our strategy and we are so lucky to be back racing"

Watch Episode 76 here https://youtu.be/bFiUaVz62AU

Aug 27, 202016:36
Episode 75 - Mike Nishi, Partner, Chicago Event Management

Episode 75 - Mike Nishi, Partner, Chicago Event Management

On today's episode of The Aid Station we meet Michael Nishi, Partner, Chicago Event Management, organisers of the Chicago Marathon.

Another inspiring story of the power of our industry to impact and change lives. Hear how Mike as a 13 year old was watching the race, which in those days attracted a few thousand people, to cheer his mum on. He decided to run a few miles and ended up going all the way to the finish line sucked in by the atmosphere.

A fascination with the race was born which saw him first work as a go-fer doing odd jobs and ultimately teaming up with Executive Director, Carey Pinkowski. Together they transformed the event into one of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors which now attracts around 45,000 participants.

Hear Mike's insights into the roller-coaster ride leading up to the recent cancellation of this year's event and some of the many considerations against the backdrop of not only COVID-19 but also the violence and crime that took place in the city.

Despite all that, the passion is still there to get back to staging events and creating an impact on the community, providing a vehicle to unite people and raise much needed funds for charities.

Listen to Mike's inspirational story here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnAO29-m5FM&feature=youtu.b

Aug 25, 202021:09
Episode 74 - Sarah Kenny, Founder and Director, Gladiator Events

Episode 74 - Sarah Kenny, Founder and Director, Gladiator Events

On today's edition of The Aid Station we head to Ashdown Forest in England to meet Sarah Kenny, Founder and Director at Gladiator Events.

A wonderful story of yet another person in the industry who is working their passion and also an insight into one of the many thousands of small teams that create such an impact on the lives of so many people.

Listen to Sarah's story of following her dream of getting into events by sending out over 200 letters which led to three interviews and a job in corporate events. Despite amazing opportunities of traveling in style to amazing locations something was missing.

Her calling was answered when she got a role working on army style boot camps and ultimately broke away to set up Gladiator Events with a focus on delivering bespoke obstacle races for charities which includes the Muddy Dog Challenge for owners and their dogs.

Her team of two full time staff and a number of interns deliver 20 events in a normal year. This year is obviously not normal and Sarah expects the pause between her last event and the next one will likely stretch to 20 months. The inspiration from participants and volunteers are helping to make the wait bearable.

Watch my chat with Sarah here https://youtu.be/4bFlFHyKHyM

Aug 21, 202016:45