Join us on episode 1 as International athletics commentator Tim Hutchings travels to some of his favourite race destinations. Commentating on marathons and race meetings means lots of travel and this episode covers the first two months of 2025 when Tim spent much of his time in the Middle East and the sub continent. What are the differences between Mumbai and Kolkata and between Dubai and Ras Al-Khaimah? Find out here.

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 other channels, one on runner stories, another on fundraising and a third on training support. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com

PODCAST NOTES

• Kolkata is a culturally rich city with a unique marathon.
• Giving money to beggars in India can perpetuate the issue.
• The Kolkata 25K is a unique race distance in India.
• India has a growing middle class that is increasingly participating in sports.
• Dubai's marathon is known for its fast course and luxurious setting.
• Event organisation in the UAE is highly professional and well-coordinated.

• "I was very, very lucky to be given this lifeline."
• "You can chat to the athletes and catch up with them."
• "You can't just turn up and go, yes, no, yes, no."
• "You want to make the viewer feel in the environment."
• "Pacemakers should have to drop out."
• "I'm very conscious of the privileged life I lead."
• "Kolkata is a gorgeous city. I love it."
• "It's one of the only 25Ks in the world."
• "There's a massive burgeoning middle class in India."
• "Dubai is a city that's constructed out of the desert."
• "They do an amazing job with these events."

Tim Hutchings has one of the most recognised voices in the running world. Whether it be at a Diamond League event in a leading stadium around the world, or at a top marathon, Tim is likely to be leading the commentary team. Following his highly successful running career, culminating in an Olympic Games 5000m final, Tim moved into the world of commentary and in this fascinating podcast he shares with us what's involved...and it's not all glamour.

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 other channels, one on runner stories, another on fundraising and a third on training support. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com

PODCAST NOTES

• Tim Hutchings transitioned from a competitive runner to a commentator.
• Freelance commentary often involves last-minute arrangements and logistics.
• Preparation for races includes gathering information on elite athletes.
• Race week typically starts three to four days before the event.
• Commentators often work in challenging conditions on race day.
• Co-commentators provide valuable support and perspective during broadcasts.
• Commentary requires a balance of preparation and spontaneity.
• Post-race reflections help improve future commentary experiences.
• Athletes often leave immediately after races, limiting post-race interactions.
• Successful commentary relies on teamwork and effective communication. Marathon coverage is significantly more complex than other sports.
• Pacemakers should not compete against runners during the race.
• Unexpected competitors can create unique commentary challenges.
• Tim feels privileged to have a career in sports commentary.

• Behind the Scenes of Sports Commentary
• The Journey from Runner to Commentator
• Race Day Realities: A Commentator's Perspective
• Freelancing in Sports: The Life of a Commentator
• Preparing for the Big Race: Insights from Tim Hutchings

• "I was very, very lucky to be given this lifeline."
• "You can chat to the athletes and catch up with them."
• "You can't just turn up and go, yes, no, yes, no."
• "You want to make the viewer feel in the environment."
• "Pacemakers should have to drop out."
• "I'm very conscious of the privileged life I lead."

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

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 other channels, one on runner stories, another on fundraising and a third on running events. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com

PODCAST NOTES

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.

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 other channels, one on runner stories, another on fundraising and a third on running events. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com

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!

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 other channels, one on runner stories, another on fundraising and a third on running events. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com

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.

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 other channels, one on runner stories, another on fundraising and a third on training support. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com

PODCAST NOTES

• The Run Falmouth half marathon has experienced significant growth in both participants and funds raised, highlighting the importance of effective fundraising for charities.
• Stewarding fundraisers is crucial to encourage them to go beyond the entry fee and raise additional funds. Personalised support, incentives, and recognition can motivate participants to raise more money.
• Logistical challenges in organising the event include working with volunteers, coordinating with local organisations, and managing road closures. Community support and the presence of volunteers and spectators greatly enhance the race experience.
• Lessons learned from each event are valuable for improving future races. Sharing knowledge and advice with other charities organizing races can be beneficial for everyone involved.
• The success of the event depends on the support and generosity of the community, volunteers, and sponsors.

• Lessons Learned and Advice for Charities Organising Races
• The Growth and Success of Run Falmouth: A Fundraising Perspective

• "The sponsorship that yourselves offered us this year was just incredible."
• "People sometimes are worried to fundraise because they think it's going to be difficult."
• "The earlier the money comes in, the better."

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.

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 other channels, one on runner stories, another on fundraising and a third on training support. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com

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.

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 other channels, one on runner stories, another on fundraising and a third on training support. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com

PODCAST NOTES

• The Super Halfs is a series of half marathons in Europe that combines running with travel.
• Runners have a maximum of five years to complete all six races in the series.
• The series offers a passport system where runners can collect stamps for each race they complete.
• The Super Halfs has gained popularity, with 444 runners completing all five initial races and 221 runners completing the sixth race in Berlin.
• The series is considering expanding to include more races and cities based on the interest and feedback from runners.

• Combining Running and Travel: The Super Halfs Series
• From Lisbon to Berlin: The Journey of the Super Halfs

• "Super Halfs is offering the combination of love to run and love to travel."
• "Super Halfs is like a Champions League of half marathons."
• "The Super Halfs medal is three times bigger and three times heavier than a normal race medal."