In this conversation, Kamal Datta chats with Crystal Ross about her journey from marathon running to ultra running, discussing the challenges she faced in training and the mental shifts that occurred along the way. She reflects on her experiences at the Boston Marathon, the importance of a supportive community, and her future aspirations in the running world. The discussion highlights the differences between road and trail running, the significance of mental toughness, and the strategies that have helped Crystal succeed in various races.
Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:
Episode Outline:
00:00 The Journey to Ultra Running
02:47 Overcoming Challenges in Marathon Training
06:10 The Shift from Road to Trail Running
08:54 Race Day Experiences and Mental Preparation
11:46 Training Strategies for Different Running Styles
15:07 The Importance of Support Systems in Running
17:55 Future Goals and Aspirations in Running
Show notes and references - https://www.traxamo.com/boston-26-2-crystal-ross
In this conversation, Kamal Datta chats with Harps Hansara, an avid runner who began her journey during the pandemic. Harps shares her experiences training for and running the Boston Marathon, including the challenges she faced and the lessons learned. She discusses the importance of community support, her training regimen, and her aspirations to complete all six major marathons. The conversation highlights the personal growth and fulfillment that comes from pursuing running as a passion. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:- Running started as a therapeutic outlet during lockdown.- Harps trained for the Boston Marathon after running the London Marathon.- Harps focused on visualizing his goals before races.- Training included local races to test fitness and elevation.- The Boston Marathon experience was surreal and well-organized.- Downhill running posed unexpected challenges during the race.- Harps aims to complete all six major marathons in a year.- Family support plays a crucial role in her running journey.- Harps highlights running with friends for the social aspect.- Harps is self-coached and enjoys learning about running techniques.Episode Outline:00:00 Introduction to Running Journey02:54 The Boston Marathon Experience05:46 Training for the Boston Marathon09:00 Race Day Insights11:41Reflections on the Course14:53 Support Systems in Running17:38 Rapid Fire Questions and ConclusionShownotes - https://www.traxamo.com/boston-26-2-harps-hansara
Royi Metser shares his journey into running and the creation of Avelo, a smart running shoe designed to provide real-time insights into biomechanics and performance. He emphasizes the importance of understanding running metrics such as mechanical load, capacity, and efficiency to help runners minimize injury risk and improve performance. The discussion also covers the significance of a runner's unique 'running signature' and the potential for real-time feedback to enhance training.
Shownotes and mentions - https://www.traxamo.com/tech-in-26-2-royi-metser
In this conversation, Kamal Datta speaks with Jaclyn Levi, Chief Strategy Officer and co-founder of Haku, about the unique technology platform designed specifically for endurance event organizers and nonprofits. They discuss the founding story of Haku, its evolution, the importance of CRM, the impact of AI on the industry, and the strategic partnerships that enhance the platform's offerings. Jaclyn shares insights on trends in the endurance space, the role of nonprofits, and the future direction of Haku as it continues to innovate and support its customers.Key Takeaways- Haku was founded to fill a gap in the endurance event technology space.- The platform is built natively with CRM at its core, tailored for endurance organizations.- AI is becoming increasingly important in the event management industry.- Haku supports nonprofits by providing tools for fundraising and event management.- The user experience is a priority, with a focus on delivering engaging interactions.- Partnerships are key to Haku's strategy, emphasizing collaboration over vendor relationships.- The endurance industry is seeing a demographic shift towards younger participants.- Haku's technology allows for highly segmented marketing campaigns.- The platform is designed to empower event organizers to deliver memorable experiences.- Haku is committed to continuous innovation and building technology that meets customer needs.Episode Outline:00:00 Introduction to Haku and Its Unique Offering02:52 The Founding Story of Haku05:39 Evolution of the Endurance Industry and Haku's Position08:30 The Power of CRM in Event Management11:43 Segmentation and Personalization in Marketing14:23 Comprehensive Features of Haku's Platform17:15 Haku's Commitment to Nonprofits19:58 The Impact of Endurance Sports on Haku's Development22:56 Trends in the Endurance Industry26:06 The Role of AI in Haku's Future28:55 Partnerships and Community Engagement31:39 Future Challenges and Innovations for Haku
Join us as we dive into the world of fundraising with Team Red Cross. Discover key strategies and insights shared by experienced runners and fundraisers, as they reveal what it takes to successfully raise funds for a cause. From creative event ideas to leveraging social media, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you make a meaningful impact. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or new to the fundraising scene, you'll find valuable advice to elevate your efforts. Tune in and get inspired to run for a cause! Key takeaways:- Team Red Cross was founded in 2012 to raise funds for the Red Cross during the Boston Marathon.- The journey to become a charity partner involved persistence and strategic planning.- Personal connections to the Red Cross motivate many runners to join Team Red Cross.- Fundraising strategies include creative events, social media campaigns, and personal outreach.- The team has scaled its fundraising efforts significantly over the years, raising over $7.5M last year.- Support and resources are provided to runners to help them meet their fundraising goals.- Creative fundraising ideas can significantly boost donations and engagement.- Challenges in fundraising often stem from runner injuries and the pressure to meet financial goals.- Monthly meetings foster camaraderie and provide valuable insights for runners.- Runner anxiety is common, and the team provides reassurance and support throughout the process
In this episode, Tyler McGraw, founder of RunVirt, discusses the intricacies of race bib production, the impact of COVID-19 on the running industry, and the innovative approaches Runvert is taking towards sustainability and efficiency in bib manufacturing. Tyler shares his personal journey into the running industry, the evolution of race bibs, and the future vision for RunVirt as a leader in participant identification. Key takeaways:
Tyler McGraw's journey into the running industry began with a focus on manufacturing, not running.
COVID-19 significantly impacted the running industry, leading to a temporary shift away from it for Tyler.
RunVirt aims to innovate the race bib industry by focusing solely on bib production.
The landscape of the bib industry has changed, with major players exiting the market post-COVID.
Race bibs serve multiple functions beyond identification, including timing and logistical support.
RunVirt is reducing manufacturing steps to increase efficiency and sustainability.
Sustainability is a core pillar for RunVirt, with initiatives to replace Tyvek with more eco-friendly materials.
Creativity in bib design is essential for enhancing participant experience and engagement.
RunVirt is exploring new technologies to allow for on-site printing of custom bibs.
The future of RunVirt includes continuous improvement and innovation in bib production processes.
Devon Cohen shares her race day insights from the 2025 Boston Marathon, highlighting the vibrant crowd support and smooth event logistics that made her experience memorable. Originating from Massachusetts but residing in Ohio, Devon details her strategic training in snowy conditions, emphasizing hill simulations and the importance of transitioning between uphill and downhill running. She discusses her gradual path to qualifying for Boston, including participation in global marathons like Tokyo, and how running became a stress-relieving outlet during her medical residency and the pandemic.
The conversation touches on Devon’s support network, gear preferences—including her reliance on Coros watches and Saucony/Brooks shoes—and her nutrition choice of UCan gels for race day. Devon’s passion for running extends to chasing all six marathon majors, racing in all 50 states, and fostering community bonds among runners and colleagues. The episode concludes with Devon reflecting on running as an integral lifestyle and her upcoming races in Berlin and New York, aiming to complete her six-star journey in 2025
Brett Sims, a visually impaired athlete, Cheyenne Meyer, and Dara Dalmata discussed their experiences at the 2025 Boston Marathon. Brett highlighted the challenges of navigating crowded water stations and fast runners, underscoring the key role of guides in ensuring safety. Both Brett and Cheyenne explained how athletes and guides meet through networking, social media, and adaptive sports groups. Dara described how community running clubs and local charities foster Boston Marathon participation. Overall, the conversation emphasized inclusion, the importance of teamwork between guides and runners, and the vibrant, supportive culture surrounding the Boston Marathon Enjoy the episode! Here are the highlights from our conversation:Guided Running Enables Inclusion and Achievement:Running the Boston Marathon as a visually impaired athlete, with the assistance of a guide, demonstrates that physical challenges do not preclude accomplishing major goals or finding joy in the sport. Brett emphasized the fulfillment and fun in showing others what’s possible with low vision.Navigational Challenges Are Significant for Para Athletes:The crowded Boston Marathon course is especially tricky for visually impaired runners. Water stations and the influx of faster runners (wave one) present hazards, requiring guides and athletes to coordinate closely and often stay to the side of the course for safety.Guiding Requires Partnership, Planning, and Adaptability:Guides play a vital safety and logistical role, adjusting for pace, crowd dynamics, and course obstacles. Pairing happens through running groups, social media, adaptive organizations, and databases like United in Stride—matching guides and athletes by pace, needs, and personality compatibility.Community Connections Foster Opportunity:Both getting into the Boston Marathon and finding guides often depend on networking and local running communities. In cities, adaptive groups and clubs facilitate these connections, while in smaller areas, athletes and guides often have to network more independently.Boston’s Culture Inspires Participation and Perseverance:The Boston Marathon, particularly for those living near Hopkinton, inspires runners and non-runners alike. The town’s charity bib programs, running clubs, and visible local support help people of all backgrounds take up running, qualify for Boston, or participate through volunteerism and fundraising.Episode outline:0:00 - Episode Summary1:40 - Introduction4:13 - playing tetras - what it takes to run Boston Marathon as visually impaired6:28 - How do you find a guide (s)?13:03 - Getting into Boston18:15 - Planning the logistics of running Boston Marathon as out of town runner21:01 - Race day experience - 2025 Boston Marathon26:29 What’s next for Brett, Cheyenne and Dara?
In this episode of the Communities in 26.2 podcast on Traxamo, I sit down with Jay Holder, Executive Director of The Running USA. Jay shared how Running USA supports the industry through research, education, and its annual conference, and highlighted new trends like increased engagement from younger runners and the growing importance of race-day experiences. The conversation also covered rising event costs and the industry’s resilience amid economic uncertainty, plus Running USA’s efforts to foster collaboration and best practices among race organizers and vendors. Enjoy the episode! Here are the highlights from our conversation:
1. Running USA’s Mission and Community Impact : Jay Holder describes Running USA as a nonprofit dedicated to engaging, educating, and elevating the running event industry. The organization acts as a facilitator, connecting event organizers, vendors, and industry professionals, and providing resources such as insurance, music licensing, and an annual industry conference to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing
2. Industry Research and Data Trends : Running USA conducts extensive research, including the annual Global Runner Survey and finisher data analysis. Their latest findings highlight a significant post-pandemic running boom, with race participation—especially in marathons—exceeding pre-pandemic numbers. The marathon distance saw a 17% year-over-year increase in finishers, and there’s notable growth in the 18–24 age demographic, which bodes well for the future of the sport.
3. Focus on Economics and Event Costs : A major current focus for Running USA is analyzing the economics of race production. They are surveying race directors to break down costs by event size, from medals and swag to staffing and logistics, aiming to provide actionable insights about how costs scale and how sponsorship values are evolving in the industry.
4. Value of Experience in Modern Races : Jay emphasizes that today’s runners expect more than just a start and finish line. The overall race experience—including swag, entertainment, and social aspects—has become a critical factor in attracting and retaining participants. This shift is driving event organizers to innovate and enhance every aspect of the runner’s journey.
5. Navigating Economic Uncertainty and Industry Resilience : Despite rising costs and economic uncertainty, Jay remains optimistic about the running industry’s resilience. He points to historical trends showing that running remains a cost-effective and accessible form of exercise, even during economic downturns. However, tariffs and increased production costs for race materials and shoes are “wild cards” that the industry continues to monitor closely.
Podcast Outline:
00:00 - Episode Summary
1:35 - Episode Intro
2:45 What is running USA
4:05 Following passion in the intersection of media and running - Jay’s journey
7:15 4 core areas RunningUSA is supporting B2B running community
9:17 Industry research
11:31 Global runner survey
16:00 the industry conference sponsored by Haku
9:05 How does Running USA supports the b2B community
24:05 Trends Jay’s has seen
28:05 How does Tariff’s going to impact running industry?
31:30 Educating best practices in the running industry
37:05 What’s ahead for Running USA
References-
Episode info:
Transcript and Show notes:- https://www.traxamo.com/communities-in-26-2-jay-holder
Enjoy the episode!
In this episode, Marcel Altenburg, senior lecturer in crowd science at Manchester Metropolitan University, explains how crowd science helps both race organizers and runners by improving race logistics and participant experiences. He shares insights into how marathons are planned, how start waves and corrals are determined, and how crowd management can increase race capacity. Marcel also discusses how race organizers use predictive algorithms to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the course and how these principles extend beyond running events.Key Topics Discussed: How Crowd Science Improves Runner Experience
The Role of the Start Right Algorithm for Race Organizers
Increasing Race Capacity While Maintaining Safety
Real-Time Adjustments and Crisis Planning for Races
Lessons for Runners and Race Organizers Beyond Running Events
In this episode of "Tech in 26.2," I sit down with Ted Metellus, Chief Event Production Officer and Race Director for the New York City Marathon, to explore the intersection of technology and running.
The conversation delves into the high demand for the NYC Marathon, with over 200,000 applicants vying for limited spots. This demand is attributed to the global growth of running as a community activity, which has seen significant increases over the past five years. Ted explains the various entry paths to the marathon, including qualifying times, charity programs, and the "9+1" program for local runners.
Ted discusses how the NYC Marathon is considered one of the most technologically advanced running events. He highlights partnerships with companies like TCS, which have led to innovations such as a new running app that allows participants to track themselves and their loved ones year-round. The app also provides real-time updates and streaming features, enhancing both the runner and spectator experiences.
The episode also touches on how technology enhances the participant experience through partnerships with platforms like Runna, Strava and CrowdRx. These collaborations help manage medical operations and provide insights into athlete movement, ensuring a safe and efficient event.
Finally, Ted shares his vision for future technological advancements, including expanding app features to provide more personalized experiences for runners and spectators alike. This episode offers a comprehensive look at how technology is revolutionizing the running industry, particularly at iconic events like the New York City Marathon.
Podcast Outline
0:05 Episode Summary
1:08 Introduction
3:14 Its harder to get into NYC Marathon than Harvard University
5:31 what goes in deciding the race size?
9:06 What makes NYC Marathon the most technologically advanced marathon in the world?
9:38 Partnership with TCS
10:25 Race timing
11:05 communicating with friends n family
11:46 streaming the race
12:58 ability to locate the nearest subway station on the course
14:04 enhancing participant experience with technology partnership
16:45 Plan for knowns and prepare for the unknowns
21:59 Leveraging crowd science to manage 50000+ runners
27:13 Spectator experience with augmented reality
28:45 After 25 years in the industry , Ted’s take on the trends and what’s ahead
31:54 What is dynamic bib assignment?
33:55 Breaking down sustainability efforts at NYC marathon
36:15 Leveraging technology in connecting communities, sharing information and creating unforgettable memories
References
Episode info:
Transcript and Show notes:
Enjoy the episode!
n this episode of the Fundraising in 26.2 podcast on Traxamo, I sit down with running legend Dave McGillivray - An entrepreneur (Founder & President of DMSE Sports), philanthropist (Founder of Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation), motivational speaker (~1600 appearances from Ted Talks to corporate & local events), author (written 4 books), and athlete (ran more than 160,000 miles - 167 marathons, including 51 consecutive Boston marathons, 10 Ironman Triathlon World Championships to name a few). He is also the race director of iconic Boston Marathon since 1988. Our discussion focuses on evolution of charity running and his pioneering role. Enjoy the episode! Here are the highlights from our conversation:
Pioneering Charity Running: Dave's 1978 run across the U.S. for the Jimmy Fund was one of the first recorded instances of combining endurance sports with charity fundraising. This event helped establish him as a pioneer in this area.
Evolution of Charity Running: The landscape of charity running changed significantly as races became more popular and started selling out. This led to charities partnering with races to secure bibs for runners who would commit to fundraising.
Impact of Prestigious Events: The prestige and difficulty of events like marathons and Ironman races contribute to higher fundraising amounts. For example, the Boston Marathon collectively raised over $70 million for charities in a recent year.
Growth of Charity Partnerships: Major races now have numerous charity partners. For instance, the New York City Marathon has over 300 charity partners, and the London Marathon sees more than 75% of its runners raising funds.
Personal and Collective Impact: Dave's efforts, both personally and through his business, have helped raise approximately $3.4 billion for various causes. His journey highlights the transformative power of combining endurance sports with philanthropy
Podcast Outline
0:05 Episode Summary
1:06 Introduction
1:56 Dave’s 10th Ironman
4:18 Fascinating story behind running from ~3800 miles across the country and raising $150000 for for Jimmy Fund
10:55 Pioneering Charity Running - running + fundraising for charity
20:36 Why Boston Marathon can not have more charity runners?
23:25 Why a charity want to associate themselves with a race
30:05 How does a charity decides on minimum fundraising goal?
33:17 How does charity choose a charity runner?
37:56 evolution of charities helping charity runners to fundraise
41:25 Raising $300M+ and counting
References
Episode info:
Transcript and Show notes:
Enjoy the episode!
In this next episode on Tech in 26.2 podcast, discover the future of personalized running training with Sean Bradford, founder and CEO of TrainAsOne. In this eye-opening interview, Sean shares how his unique background in medicine and technology led to the creation of an AI-powered training app that's changing the game for runners worldwide. Learn about: ⛳ The science behind TrainAsOne's innovative approach to injury prevention ⛳ Why traditional training plans may be outdated and potentially harmful ⛳ The surprising truth about speed work and long runs in marathon training ⛳ How AI analyzes your running data to create truly personalized plans ⛳ The future of multi-sport training and informed decision-making for athletes Whether you're a beginner or an experienced runner, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and provide valuable insights into smarter, safer, and more effective training methods.
Podcast Outline
0:05 Episode Summary
1:32 Introduction
2:25 Sean’s journey from medicine to technology entrepreneurship
8:15 Using AI technology to solve for training for running with scientific evidence, that works and with less injury
12:49 Why do we get running related injuries?
17:34 What is TrainAsOne?
22:49 Data TrainAsOne’s data model trained on
38:01 Achieving race day timing goals with TrainAsOne
48:06 You don’t need to run 20+ miles as the longest run to train for marathon
References
Episode info:
Transcript and Show notes:
Enjoy the episode!
In the next episode of the Tech in 26.2 Podcast on Traxamo, I sit down with Brad Kroll, President of MarathonFOTO and Conor Gay, VP of Internal Operations at MarathonFOTO. For 45 years, over 10 million runners have trusted MarathonFoto to capture and deliver the best in race and endurance event photography. MarathonFoto partners with the biggest and best names in running including Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, NYC Marathon, Stockholm Marathon to name a few. In our discussion, we cover a lot of grounds from state of race photography in early 2000s to how technology has enabled MarathonFoto to share race day moments with the runners almost instantaneously at the finish line. Enjoy listening! Here are the highlights from our conversation: ⛳ Evaluation of race photography
⛳ Overview of MarathonFoto's race day photography workflow and operations
⛳ Technological innovations enabling near-instant photo delivery at race finish lines
⛳ Examining the feasibility of fully automated race day photography
⛳ Exploring potential applications of race photography in identifying unauthorized participants
References
Episode info:
Transcript and Show notes:
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In the next episode of the Tech in 26.2 Podcast on Traxamo, I have a conversation with Gerry Perez, the Founder and CEO of RUNGP, the leading CRM platform for the running industry. Gerry, who has a background in digital marketing, recounts how attending an industry event inspired him to transition his digital marketing agency into a software company. We delve into various case studies and the data supporting them, emphasizing the most effective channels that event organizers should prioritize to maximize their marketing ROI. This discussion promises to be extremely beneficial for event marketers and organizers alike. Enjoy listening! Here are the highlights from our conversation:
⛳ Pivoting from digital marketing agency to building a SaaS business
⛳ Deep dive into event marketing landscape in endurance industry
⛳ Why SMS marketing is the best marketing investment for event organizers?
⛳ Intersection of AI and event marketing -
⛳ Navigating compliance and what is SWAS (software with agency service)?
Podcast Outline
0:05 Episode Summary
1:05 Introduction
1:51 Founding story of RunGP
3:03 What’s RunGP
3:55 Transitioning from Digital agency to software company
11:45 Background in endurance industry marketing and channels
13:19 RunGP’s core offerings
17:14 Why SMS marketing is the best investment for event organizers
21:29 Key metrics to measure ROI on event marketing investment
26:12 Approaching event marketing for different generation
28:31 Using AI for event marketing for FAQs, content or reputation management
33:54 Marketing trends in the endurance industry
36:45 Handling compliance in SMS marketing
40:21 Supporting the endurance sports ecosystem through Software as agency service (SWAS)
44:40 Scaling with SWAS business model?
46:19 What’s next for RunGP?
References
Special mentions
Episode info:
Transcript and Show notes:
Enjoy the episode!
In the next episode of the Tech in 26.2 Podcast on Traxamo, I sit down with running legend Dave McGillivray - An entrepreneur (Founder & President of DMSE Sports), philanthropist (Founder of Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation), motivational speaker (~1600 appearances from Ted Talks to corporate & local events), author (written 4 books), and athlete (ran more than 160,000 miles - 167 marathons, including 51 consecutive Boston marathons, 80-day trek across the United States, running the 3,452 miles from Medford, Ore., to Medford, Mass. in the summer of 1978 to benefit the Jimmy Fund, 9 Ironman Triathlon World Championships to name a few). He is also the race director of iconic Boston Marathon since 1988. Our discussion focuses on Dave’s approach to adopting technology in races and some of the challenges he believes technology can help solving. Wish Dave all the best for his 10th Ironman Triathlon World Championship in couple of weeks. Enjoy the episode! Here are the highlights from our conversation:
⛳ After running 160000 miles in his legendary career what still drives him?
⛳ Dave’s take on scaling races
⛳ How a trip to NYC Marathon expo in 1995 changed the course of timing races forever
⛳ Covid’s impact on running industry
⛳ Can technology solve for uncertainty posed by climate changes
Podcast Outline
0:05 Episode Summary
0:53 Introduction
3:05 What drives Dave?
5:23 being the race director for Boston Marathon for 37 years
7:28 Dave’s take on scaling a race - Visualizing the event before it happens
8:34 Adopting chip based timing in Boston Marathon in 1996 - there gotta be a way to time and chip a race
11:47 Incremental improvement in race timing industry
14:35 How Dave approach technology to elevate race day experience - managing space and time
19:49 Under deliver or over deliver of promises from technology
24:16 Covid’s impact on running industry
27:39 Challenges on top of Dave’s mind that technology can potentially solve
34:03 Table top exercises for planning for weather forecasts
38:35 Maintaining integrity of sport in running events
References
Episode info:
Transcript and Show notes:
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In this episode of the Tech in 26.2 Podcast on Traxamo, I sit down with **Johan Tigér,** CEO and Principal Consultant of Tigertech based in Sweden. Tigertech provides digitization services for endurance sports events to create bespoke experiences for participants. I was curious to learn about Tigertech’s RunRedeem solution that Johan did for New Balance where the goal was to reward runners for their effort when training. We cover quite a few grounds on different custom solutions Tigertech built since its founding during pandemic to trends and role of AI. Enjoy the episode! ⛳ Founding Story of Tigertech ⛳ Creating fun experience through digitization ⛳ Deep dive into RunRedeem and what’s next for it? ⛳ Scaling Tigertech as a services company ⛳ Trends and role of AI in endurance tech Podcast Outline 0:05 Introduction 4:25 Starting Tigertech - Digitization for endurance sports industry 9:43 Using technology to create fun experience for participants 11:59 What is RunRedeem 20:50 Finding first customer 22:27 Scaling Tigertech 24:23 What’s next for Tigertech 26:06 Trends in technology usage in endurance sports References - Tigertech - https://tigertech.se/ - RunRedeem project with New Balance - https://tigertech.se/projects/breakfaster/ - RunRedeem article on RunningUSA - http://www.run4amc.org/index-466.html - Gothenburg, Sweden Half Marathon - https://www.goteborgsvarvet.se/en Episode info: - Youtube - - Apple Podcast link - - Spotify podcast link - Transcript and Show notes: - Enjoy the episode!
In this episode of the Tech in 26.2 Podcast on Traxamo, I have a conversation with Frankie Ruiz, the Cofounder of the LifeTime Miami Marathon. We delve into Frankie’s innovative approach to integrating technology as the race organizer for the Miami Marathon, which now boasts over 25,000 participants. Frankie also shares how, after selling the Miami Marathon to LifeTime, the event is utilizing LifeTime’s event management tools, such as Athlinks and Chronotrack, to enhance both the production quality and the runner experience. We wrap up our conversation chatting about what other interests Frankie is pursuing including to be the Mayor of City of Miami one day. Here are some key focus areas of our conversation:
⛳ Founding Story of Miami Marathon
⛳ Scaling Miami Marathon to 25000+ participants
⛳ Creating better runner experience through technology like crowd science, data drive coral verification, bandit control program
⛳ Areas race industry needs innovation
⛳ Reflection on selling Miami Marathon to LifeTime
Podcast Outline
0:05 Episode summary
1:18 Introduction
2:04 Founding Story of Miami Marathon
5:53 Scaling Miami Marathon through acquisition
10:27 Approach to leverage technology as race organizer
16:39 Data points for the bandit control program
20:58 How Crowd Scientists help to better plan race course
28:18 Corral verification program by Athlinks and Chronotrack
32:32 Frankie’s top of the ming challenges- photography, running expos , interactive race medal
34:13 Frameworks to select technology for better production and runner experience
37:14 Frankie’s reflection on selling Miami marathon to LifeTime Fitness
44:27 What’s next for Frankie
References
Episode info:
Transcript and Show notes:
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In the next episode of Tech in 26.2 Podcast on Traxamo, I sit down with Shannan Gove, Cofounder of Rosterfy - an Australia based volunteer management platform used by 3 million+ volunteers and staff globally. If you have been to any events, you know volunteers play a critical role for the success of events especially mass participation sports events. Supporting events like FIFA World Cup, ParaOlympics, ICC T20 Cricket World Up, Super Bowl etc.. Rosterfy manages end to end volunteer journey supporting recruitment, onboarding, expense management, integrations with other platforms thus reducing cost and increasing volunteer retention for organizers. Here are some key focus areas of our conversation:
⛳ How looking for volunteering opportunities to land a job after graduation lead to founding Rosterfy
⛳ How Rosterfy supports volunteer management for nonprofits & charities, mass participating events, universities & colleges, cities & local governments, sporting federations etc
⛳ Solving for having enough volunteers and retaining them for the event organizers
⛳ Why only volunteers and not larger workforce?
⛳ Trends in volunteerism and AI
Podcast Outline
0:05 Episode summary
0:55 Introduction
2:35 How looking for volunteering opportunities to land a job after graduation lead to founding Rosterfy
6:16 How does Rosterfy support managing volunteers for Fifa World Cup, ICC T20 Cricket Worldcup, Super Bowl, Charities & Non-profits, Colleges & Universities
9:03 Improving volunteer retention
10:52 Solving for not having enough volunteers
15:53 Importance for integrating with other tools and processes
18:02 Why Rosterfy is only focusing on volunteers
20:54 “oh shit” moments
23:38 What’s next for Rosterfy
26:13 How Rosterfy is thinking and leveraging AI
28:36 Trends in volunteerism
References
Episode info:
Transcript and Show notes:
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In the next episode of Tech in 26.2 Podcast on Traxamo, I sit down with Tom Fowler, Entrepreneur, Advisory board member and former President of Polar North America. Tom’s impressive track record includes revitalizing endurance sports businesses like Polar North America, Recon Instruments, Cervelo Cycles or Nike European Operations, granting him with unique insights and thought leadership into the wearables sector of the endurance sports industry. As an advisory board member for several endurance tech companies, including Summa Labs, Nix Biosensors, Hanu Health, Stryd, and Form, Tom offers invaluable perspectives for founders navigating resource constraints, particularly financial limitations. His extensive experience in the sports technology sector, coupled with his background as a former professional triathlete, provides him with a distinctive understanding of both the business and athletic aspects of the industry. Here are some key focus areas of our conversation:
⛳ Turnaround story of Polar North America by focusing on core product strengths, streamlining distribution channels and expanding foot print on DTC (e.g Amazon) channels
⛳ Tom’s take on smart watch industry on how its evolving to be a life coach from sport coach
⛳ Approach & strategies on selecting the right wearable technology products for amateur athletes
⛳ Evolution of health centers/gyms to become life performance management centers
⛳ Handling data privacy in connected world
⛳ Finding minimum viable audience (MVA) to build minimum viable product (MVP) to iterate fast
⛳ Run towards challenges - Tom's reflections on his career journey and advice to those aspiring to follow a similar path
