This is an as-told-to essay based on a conversation with Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, the nonprofit that organizes the TCS New York City Marathon. With more than 55,000 runners expected in 2024, the New York City Marathon is the largest marathon in the world. The 2025 race is set for November 2. This story has been edited for length and clarity.

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### Growing Up a Runner and Dreaming of the Marathon

I was born in Manhattan and grew up in the New York area, and I’ve always been a runner. The year I graduated from law school in 1997, I decided I really wanted to run the New York City Marathon. That year was the rainiest marathon in the event’s history at the time, but I still had an incredible day.

I’ve always felt like running the marathon makes you a true New Yorker. I ran it again in 2013. After a career in sports media, including roles at ESPN and NBC Sports, I was recruited for this job in 2022. It brought together everything I care about: sports, New York, and making a difference through my work.

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### The Unmatched Energy of Marathon Day

On the morning of the marathon, I wake up around 3:30 a.m. A police escort picks me up and takes me to Staten Island. I arrive at the starting line about an hour later, where I do media interviews, greet runners, and visit with some of the charities participating.

Just after 8 a.m., I make my way to the bridge for the race start. Afterward, I follow the race leaders for the first 14 or 15 miles in the police escort vehicle. Then I cut across town so I can get ahead of the runners and be at the finish line in Central Park in time to see the winners break the tape.

Throughout the day, I’m accompanied by my assistant and chief of staff, and our teams stay in constant communication. My favorite part of the day is when the bulk of runners begin to finish—a process that stretches for many hours. The first runners usually arrive shortly after 10 a.m., and the final finisher crosses around 9 or 10 p.m. I spend a lot of time at the finish line soaking in the atmosphere.

The energy of marathon day never gets old. From the starting line to the race course and the cheering crowds, it’s electric. Neighborhoods like Brooklyn, First Avenue in Manhattan, and Queens turn into giant block parties in support of the runners.

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### A Huge Economic Boost for New York City

The marathon is a fantastic day for New York—not just because it feels good, but also for its economic impact. Our studies show the event generates about $700 million for the city. That’s driven by the massive influx of visitors, including 40% of runners who come from overseas. These visitors bring family and friends, stay in hotels, dine in local restaurants, use public transit, and explore the city.

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### The Marathon: A Miracle of Coordination

Planning for the marathon begins at least a year in advance, with operational preparations intensifying about 90 days out. In fact, right now we’re already working on the 2026 marathon.

Planning is highly team-based. We have dedicated groups for the starting line—who have been working full-time in Staten Island for two weeks—as well as teams focused on the course, finish line, expo, transportation, credentials, medical safety, and security.

Our entire staff of 275 employees takes on specific marathon roles during race week. We maintain a job catalog where staff can sign up for their responsibilities.

In the lead-up to race day, we hold a morning update call where every team shares their progress. This structure gives me confidence that we are handling every controllable aspect well.

What stresses me are the uncontrollable factors. This year, though, the weather looks ideal—cool and cloudy with highs in the mid-fifties—which is perfect for running a marathon. That relieves a lot of pressure.

All told, the marathon is both a well-oiled machine and a miracle that it happens so seamlessly each year.

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### Why the Marathon Means So Much to Me

While I won’t run the New York City Marathon again during my tenure—there’s just too much happening and too many obligations—I have run three other major marathons since starting this job: Berlin last year, Tokyo this past March, and Chicago in October.

So many New Yorkers have traditions connected to the marathon, even if they never run it themselves. New York has a reputation for being tough, but on marathon day, millions of people come out to support complete strangers. It’s a beautiful moment that brings out the best in the city and its residents.

I’m a fourth-generation New Yorker. My great-grandfather came here as a young child from the Danish West Indies, now the U.S. Virgin Islands. He was the first African-American court clerk in New York’s history and also a Broadway actor.

With such rich family history in the city, it feels especially meaningful to oversee an event like this.

New York Road Runners is a cultural institution, and having the chance to lead it is a unique honor for anyone who loves New York.

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*By Rob Simmelkjaer, as told to [Business Insider]*
https://www.businessinsider.com/ceo-new-york-marathon-road-runners-planning-worlds-biggest-race-2025-10