Jack Fleming, the CEO of the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.)/Boston Marathon, is experiencing a whirlwind of activity this fall as he navigates multiple events and competitive races. Recently, he oversaw the Boston Half Marathon, which attracted up to 9,000 runners.
Fleming, who is 56 years old, recently participated in the Abbott Dash To The Finish Line 5K in New York, where he clocked an impressive 18:55. He followed this by completing the full marathon distance of 26.2 miles the next day, finishing in 3:14:42. Just three weeks earlier, he had competed in the Chicago Marathon, finishing in 3:15:32.
His victory in the Abbott 5K secured him a win in the Abbott World Marathon Majors Race Directors 5K Challenge. Although it’s a different caliber of race compared to the Olympic 5,000m, there’s no denying that first is first regardless of the level of competition.
Photo courtesy Ted Metellus
Reflecting on his recent races, Fleming noted, “Chicago and New York were actually my third and fourth marathons of the year. We at Boston share a sponsorship with Chicago, so that played heavily into my running there. Completing the New York Marathon was also important to show [New York City Marathon CEO] Rob Simmelkjaer and [NYC race director] Ted Metellus that their event holds an equally special place for me.” He added, “Running all of the Majors has crossed my mind. We’ll see. Every marathon is difficult. There’s no fooling the distance.”
During his run in Chicago, Fleming acknowledged making the classic rookie mistake of starting too quickly. He adjusted his approach in New York, maintaining a conservative pace to ensure he could show off for his daughter spectating in the final miles on Fifth Avenue and for his son waiting at the finish line.
Fleming is not alone in his passion for running; all seven CEOs of the World Marathon Majors have also participated in marathons. This shared experience likely grants them invaluable insights when making crucial decisions about logistics and operations for their respective events.
Who’s the Fastest Among Race Directors?
The title of the fastest WMM director goes to Wayne Larden, the 54-year-old chief of the newly added Sydney Marathon. Larden’s elite background is notable; he ran an astonishing 2:16:04 during the Gold Coast Marathon three decades ago.
Rob Simmelkjaer, the 54-year-old CEO of the New York City Marathon, aims for the coveted Six-Star Medal; he has successfully completed four Majors, achieving times around 3:30 in notable cities such as Chicago, Berlin, and Tokyo. Simmelkjaer, however, has the unique advantage of having finished the NYC Marathon twice before taking on his executive role.
Similarly, Chicago’s Carey Pinkowski and Tokyo’s Yasuhiro Oshima also participated in their hometown marathons prior to stepping into their respective leadership roles.
Interestingly, none of the WMM directors has run their home marathon in the same year they became chief executive. This is understandable given the workload associated with managing major race events.
No WMM director proved faster during their youth than Pinkowski. In 1975, as a high school student, he set records with his team that included three sub-9:00 two-milers, clocking 8:56.2 himself. Although he faced numerous injuries throughout his early career, he managed to finish the Chicago Marathon in 2:20:48 in 1983.
Connections to Legendary Moments
Another prominent race director, Hugh Brasher, director of the London Marathon, has significant ties to a pivotal moment in running history. While he has never run a sub-four mile, his father participated in the legendary moment when Roger Bannister broke the four-minute barrier. Chris Brasher co-led the first two laps on that historic day in May 1954.
Hugh, who oversees the London Marathon, boasts a robust personal record of 3:01:47 and believes the emotional connections to historical running events can enrich the experience for today’s runners.
Mark Milde, the director of the Berlin Marathon, has also inherited a legacy from his father, Horst, who organized the first Berlin Marathon in 1974. Although Mark hasn’t participated in a marathon for nearly 30 years, he has a noteworthy personal best of 3:14:20.
Yasuhiro Oshima, the new director of the Tokyo Marathon, has six marathons under his belt, with a personal best of 3:03:38, which he achieved in 2019. His past roles with the Japanese Athletic Federation equip him to lead one of the most vibrant marathons in the world.
Why Marathon Running Matters in Race Direction
As the World Marathon Majors series seeks to expand into new global cities, such as Cape Town and Shanghai, the importance of having race directors who understand marathon running is paramount. While organizational skills are vital, directors who have run marathons can bring additional commitment and empathy, enhancing the overall racing experience.
Ultimately, these qualities are essential for creating world-class marathon events that resonate with runners and spectators alike.
Further Reading and Resources
For a comprehensive look at marathon performance and the achievements of various race directors, visit MarathonView.net. Their extensively curated database spans over a century, offering insights into countless marathon results.
