Behind the Scenes of the Largest Marathon: Insights from the CEO of the New York Marathon

Rob Simmelkjaer, at the helm of the organization that organizes the New York City Marathon, which saw a staggering 55,000 participants in 2024, shares the intricacies of managing such a monumental event. A year-long effort spearheaded by a dedicated team of 275 New York Road Runners’ staff, it's a massive undertaking with a compelling benefit: a $700 million impact on New York's economy, as detailed in their economic study.

Born and raised in Manhattan, Rob has always been passionate about running. His love for the sport was cemented when he participated in the rain-drenched marathon of 1997 post-law school, which marked his initiation into genuine New Yorker territory. Nothing diminishes his love for marathon day, a sentiment echoed by his subsequent participation in 2013.

In 2022, following a rich career in sports broadcasting with ESPN and NBC Sports, Rob took the role of CEO, merging his devotion to sports and to New York in a role aimed at impacting meaningfully.

The Thrill of Marathon Day

On the day of the marathon, Rob's day starts around 3:30 a.m. A police car escorts him to Staten Island, landing him at the starting line by 4:30 a.m. where he engages in media duties and mingles with runners and charity representatives before witnessing the runners' exhilarating start at 8 a.m. Spotting the frontrunners, he follows them in a police car for substantial mileage before heading to Central Park to cheer as they cross the finish line. His constant companions for the day are his assistant and chief of staff, with team communications buzzing all day.

For Rob, the real highlight is supporting runners as they pour into the finish line for hours, stretching into the night from the first arrivals past 10 a.m. until late around 9 or 10 p.m. The collective energy of the day is unmatched – from the start line, through the course, to the throngs of supportive onlookers turning the event into a citywide celebration in parts of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.

Economic and Community Impact

Beyond the excitement, the marathon is a substantial boon to New York, powering the local economy with $700 million thanks to visitors, including the 40% of runners who journey from abroad. These participants contribute significantly to the city's hospitality and tourism sectors.

Preparation: A Year-Round Effort

Organizing the marathon is a perpetual task with preparations already in motion for the 2026 events. As the race draws near, the focus intensifies 90 days out. Rob’s team concentrates on distinct tasks: managing the starting line on Staten Island, overseeing the race route, and addressing logistical elements like transport, security, and health measures.

Every employee assumes specific duties during race week, contributing to the seamless execution of the marathon. Daily briefings offer updates to ensure issues are preemptively managed, fostering confidence in operational control, despite uncontrollable variables like weather.

A Marathon of Personal Significance

Rob, whose role prevents him from participating in the New York City Marathon, maintains his running legacy through other races, having completed marathons in Berlin, Tokyo, and Chicago since assuming his role. The New York City Marathon continues to hold a special spot for countless residents, echoing their pride in the community.

The race embodies the city's spirit, showcasing the warmth and unity of its people, a unique event cherished even by those who never run. As a fourth-generation New Yorker, Rob's connection to the city is deep-rooted, tracing back to his great-grandfather from the Danish West Indies—a significant figure as New York's first African-American court clerk.

Leading the New York Road Runners not only ties Rob to his heritage but cements his dedication to preserving and enhancing New York's cultural and athletic legacy through this iconic race.