Podcast appearances and mentions of Mary Wittenberg

On the September 30 edition of the WBGO Journal, singer Allan Harris talks about his musical Cross That River and Gotham FC President Mary Wittenberg has global plans for her team

NJ/NY Gotham FC President Mary Wittenberg joins SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about her NWSL team and her goals for women's soccer

Tom and Joe welcome Mary Wittenberg, the new President of Gotham FC to discuss her new position including her short and long-term goals for the club. She explains the importance of building the right partnerships for the club and how being more selective with the companies they align themselves with will help them grow faster. The group explores the recent success of women's volleyball and how that sport is primed for a massive increase in popularity. Lastly, Mary shares what she's learned from two semesters as a leadership professor in the Sports Management Program at Columbia and what plans to bring to her next class. Mary will be speaking at the Columbia University Sports Management Conference on October 6 so make sure to click the link below to purchase your ticket! The CUSP Show is a production by the faculty of Sports Management at Columbia University. You can get in touch with the program on Twitter @CU_SPS_Sports and Instagram @cu_sps_sportsmanagement. The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR). The show is produced by Matt Hornick ‘23 (@MNHornick), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with Pablo Aycart ‘24 (@pablo_aycart)  and Dalissa Ruiz managing social media efforts. Links: Columbia Sports Management Conference Tickets: https://lnkd.in/dHvkkTrp Follow Mary on Instagram: @marywruns Connect with Mary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marywittenberg/

Mary Wittenberg's successes include being the first female CEO and president of a major sports organization, New York Road Runners; fighting for equal pay for professional female runners; being hand picked by Richard Branson to lead his Virgin Sports start-up; and, becoming a recognized and forceful leader of women's agendas in the male-dominated world of track and field and road running. One of her most recognized legacies is turning the New York City Marathon into the largest one-day worldwide spectator sport worth millions of dollars in sponsorship money. Mary understands that sports gives women confidence. She has dedicated her life and career to making sure all women have access to that experience.  

Mary Wittenberg is president of League One Volleyball (or LOV), a new, first-of-its-kind volleyball community with a network of junior clubs across the country and a developing pro women's volleyball league. At Canisius College she was a coxswain for the men's rowing team and an avid runner. She earned a law degree from Notre Dame University Law School, where she trained with the men's undergrad cross-country team because there was no women's team. In 1987, she won the Marine Corps Marathon in a time of 2:44:34 qualifying her for the 1988 Olympic marathon trials. After working at a law firm for more than a decade, she joined New York Road Runners. In 2005, she was named President and CEO, and Race Director of the New York City Marathon, making her the first female race director of a World Marathon Majors race, and the first female leader of the world's premier road running organization. She is also former CEO of Virgin Sport and former president of EF Education First Pro Cycling Team.

On the 20th anniversary of the 11 September attacks on the United States, we reflect on the role that Sport played, and continues to play, in helping to rebuild the lives of those affected and in remembering those who died. Mary Wittenberg was assistant race director for the New York Marathon in 2001. Going ahead just a few weeks after the attacks, it was the city's biggest mass gathering since the losses suffered on September 11. US Sport's big team franchises had already resumed playing but, says Mary, this was the first chance for ordinary New Yorkers to do something for their family and friends; either in remembrance or in solidarity. We also look at the lasting legacy of Mark Bingham, who died over-powering those who had hijacked United Airlines Flight 93. The Bingham Cup, set up in his honour, is one of the premier International Gay Rugby competitions. Karl Ainscough-Gates, the chair of International Gay Rugby, joins us to remember Mark's sacrifice and celebrate how he continues to change lives to this day. Plus, The Washington Post's Jerry Brewer weighs the question of whether the relationship between sport and patriotism in the United States, which grew as a result of 9/11 and the subsequent ‘War on Terror', has become – in the 20 years since – something toxic. We are also joined by … Endurance Swimmer, Lewis Pugh, who has just completed a 7.8km swim in Greenland's Ilulissat Icefjord. The distance was covered in 14 sessions over 12 days. He did it to highlight the rapid melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet as a result of climate change. The mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord measures 7.8 km, and is fed by the world's fastest-moving glacier. Tokyo Paralympics Wheelchair Basketball gold-medallist, Mariska Beijer, discusses how victory for the Dutch team in her event can help to grow Para Sport in the Netherlands… and tells us about having afternoon tea with the country's King and Princess! Piers Edwards, from BBC Africa Sport, tells us about footballer Jean-Pierre Adams, who died this week, having slipped into a coma in 1982 when he went into hospital for a routine operation. Piers, as a younger reporter, spent time with Adams' family and learned about how they managed every day, knowing that Jean-Pierre would never wake up. We hear what the now double Olympic marathon champion, Eliud Kipchoge, wants to achieve with his new foundation. Kenya's world record holder has been speaking to Ed Harry about building libraries and planting forests. (Photo: New York City night. Credit: Getty Images)

Joe and Tom are joined by Mary Wittenberg, President of Commercial EF Education First Pro Cycling, to discuss working under Richard Branson, the current pro cycling scene, marathons, and more. Mary helps position the team for future success and promotes EF's mission of opening the world through education by encouraging people to step outside of their comfort zones and explore the world. Her experience in the running and endurance space spans 20 years as she recently served as the founding CEO of Virgin Sport and prior to that was the long-time CEO of New York Road Runners and race director for the TCS New York City Marathon. Become familiar with this prominent woman leader in sports on your next bike ride on this edition of The CUSP Show. || @marywitt || The CUSP Show is a production by the faculty of Sports Management at Columbia University. You can get in touch with the program on Twitter @CU_SPS_Sports. Our presenters are Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR). The show is produced by Tom Cerny (@Tom_Cerny19), Taylor DeBernardo '21 (@TDeBernardo33), and Ben Walsh '21, with Cameron Morris '21 (@CameronM0rr1s) managing social media efforts.

After the 9/11 tragedy, Mary and her colleagues decided it was necessary to continue with the New York City Marathon just six weeks after the attacks. Mary takes us through the decision making process and how they prepared, in record time, to keep thousands safe on the streets of New York.  She opens up about a tragic event during the 2008 Olympic trials; speaks candidly about the bombings during the Boston Marathon in 2013; and reveals lessons learned that helped her handle recent events like Hurricane Sandy and the COVID pandemic. Follow Mary Wittenberg on Twitter @MaryWitt and visit EF Pro Cycling at www.efprocycling.com To purchase the book or audio book of “What To Do When Things Go Wrong” by our host, Frank Supovitz, go to:  https://www.amazon.com/What-When-Things-Wrong-Inevitable_And/dp/126044158X For more about Frank Supovitz, check out Fast Traffic Entertainment at FastTrafficEvents.com and on social media: Facebook, @SupEvents on Twitter, and LinkedIn. This show is a production of Black Barrel Media. Visit our website BlackBarrelMedia.com and our social media: @blackbarrelmedia on Facebook and Instagram, and @bbarrelmedia on Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now in her 3rd CEO role in 15+ years, Mary Wittenberg is one of the leading business Women in Sports. Her team first leadership style has proven successful for nearly two decades, and there is a lot to learn from her. Listen Up!

In this episode Lauren + Abby discuss the week's race results, an exciting announcement from Keira D'Amato, a few updates about NCAA program cuts + discuss winter running tips. Things We Talk About In This Episode: See the results from the Michigan Pro Ekiden here UMKC cut their Cross Country + Track programs - read the announcement here See the results from the Big City Invitational here See Keira D’Amato's announcement about her 10 Mile Record Attempt here Read the William&Mary Women's T&F open letter response to the university cutting the men's program here Watch the Michigan Pro Half Marathon this Wednesday on the Hansons Brooks Team Facebook page here See Noah Droddy's post about not running the Michigan Pro Half here The Hand-Off: Keeping Track w. Mary Wittenberg - listen on iTunes here ----- Follow Up + Running on IG @uprunning.co Follow Lauren on IG @laurenfloris77 Follow Abby on IG @abbycstanley ----- Thank you to today's sponsor: Greenchef - visit greenChef.com/upandrunning80 and use code "upandrunning80" to save $80 off your first 4 boxes + get free shipping on your first box!

We talk to Mary Wittenberg, lifelong runner, current president of EF cycling, former CEO of Virgin Sport’s Virgin Group, and for 17 years she was CEO of NYRR. We talk about Mary’s start in the sport and how she went from a law career to leading the NYRR, her visions for the sport, how she intentionally marketec the pro athlete and advocated for the female athletes, and what her goals and visions are in the cycling space.0-10-Molly And Ro discuss some recent world records: Letesnebet Gidey’s 14:06! And Peres Jepchirchir’s women’s only 1:05:15 to win the recent World Half Marathon Champs 11-14: what about cycling and running draws Mary in as a fan and participant (although she is a runner for life)14-18: Notre Dame connections: Mary somewhat of a trailblazer for ND women’s XC team How her early experiences racing behind Joan and the best lead to realizing the inspiring power of promoting and relating the pros to the other participants19-first marathon experience was trial by fire of sorts in stacked field “I think my whole why in life has been to help other people unlock their potential”“It was a big advantage playing sports with men, because in my career i didnt think twice about saying it straight,and expecting that I should be in the room and at the board room table too because that was the case with sports. It helped me unlock my best, and so in wanting that for others I’ve always appreciated that professional athletes who rise and fall every day and don’t have these straight trajectories, they can be really really inspiring to regular people so I’ve always liked to establish that connection whenever I can”22-How Mary got to NYRR30- As an industry we have to keep learning and striving for equality“Athletes are never going to have leverage, they have it late in career but, that’s where leadership comes in at all these companies...it’s hard for young athletes and young people to have leverage”33-she’s focusing on safety for all ridersWhy not well covered womens’s fields? Less financial support etc. “It’s overdue”36: what we can learn from pro cycling in covering endurance events well 44“I don’t think women’s sports are a charity-I think women’s sports are good because they’re great athletic performances and I think these leagues and the like can be great businesses over time-maybe that’s something we learn- don’t treat it like a charity treat it like an entertainment prospect treat it like a business treat it like a movement’45-expanding the diversity in cycling48- what’s it take to be a great cyclist? Part endurance part dare devil (link BelieveIAm worrier vs warrior blog and quiz)51-Mary’s story: “ We get to keep going and learning. …”@Marywitt@marywrunsGreat article here on Mary via Thrive

Today on The Aid Station we head to Boston, USA, to talk to Mary Wittenberg who is I'm sure known to many in the industry for her time as CEO of New York Road Runners. Mary is currently President of EF Education First Pro Cycling Team. She talks about the tough decisions of being one of the first teams to decide that it wasn't safe to continue racing and the ongoing challenges around putting safety of staff and riders first once racing resumes, which is currently scheduled for 1 August. "The riders have been extraordinary and the leadership has been incredible often from those that have been the hardest impacted." Listen for the huge contribution of Colombian Rigoberto Uran and Canadian Mike Woods. "Mike broke his femur in Paris Nice in March and couldn't even walk but was getting on his bike and doing recovery rides on Zwift with fans" "We are lucky to be surrounded by inspiration and one of the things that has inspired me so much has been the huge response of runners to the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery. I hope it's a moment during this time that is in some way unrelated but carries forward in our community". Watch the interview with Mary here https://youtu.be/_y7i9GrhISc

"Around Labor Day of 2019, I had to go into the hospital for open-heart surgery. That was quite unexpected. Totally unexpected. Didn't realize that. I had no signs of anything going wrong with my body. I was actually training to do the Ragnar Napa with a bunch of friends. We were going to go out there and revisit our old ultra team. A bunch of old geezers were going to go out and run this race so I was training for that. I just happened to go into the doctors for a checkup. One thing led to another and I found out I had a major aneurysm on my aorta and that needed to be taken care of right away. I spent Labor Day weekend getting that tended to. When I got out of the hospital, I got back out to Montauk and started rehabbing and walking. My last visit to the doctor, which was around November maybe, they gave me a thumbs up that I could start training and running. So I have this big bodacious goal to run the 2020 marathon in New York." After consulting with some of our listeners, we heard you want more uplifting and inspirational stories in these uncertain times so we decided to catch up with one of the most familiar and friendliest voices that New York City runners may be familiar with. Former New York Road Runners director of events and New York City Marathon race director Peter Ciaccia joins the show. Ciaccia retired from his role with NYRR after 18 years following the 2018 New York City Marathon. Ciaccia started becoming a fixture at the start and finish of races when Mary Wittenberg left NYRR in May 2015 and he was promoted. His "Good morning, runners!' and "Do I have clearance on the roadways?" were staples at the start of races. In his time with the organization, he was a leader who helped innovate and improve races. We'll go back to his family's roots in Italy, his childhood in the Bronx, his introduction to sport, his love and passion for music and how he brought those talents to event planning. Whether you were winning local races or among the final finishers, Peter was always one of the biggest cheerleaders for everyone's race experience. We also ask him about how he's processing all the news regarding the coronavirus and what it would take for him to feel safe at a race. ▶ Follow Peter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter_ciaccia/ Support for this episode comes from FICS NYC (206 West 23rd Street, 3rd Floor) a fitness recovery and wellness studio. FICS is among the many places that have had to close their doors due to the COVI-19 pandemic. The fitness inspired calibration recovery studio is still offering 15-minute virtual chiropractic consultations with Dr. Duma so that you can continue to stay healthy while you're at home. She's worked with runners of all levels and members of the U.S. Olympic fencing team so you're in good hands. To schedule your appointment, you can call them at 646-241-4948 or email info@ficsnyc.com. When they re-open you can use code RUNNERSOFNYC to get 20% off all services, packages and memberships (only for first month). First-time users also get their choice of one modality for free on their initial visit. | https://ficsnyc.com/

It was an honor, a pleasure, and a privilege to host this live recording of the Ali on the Run Show at the New York Road Runners RunCenter the day before the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon. Five leaders in the industry — Mary Wittenberg, Lauren Fleshman, Alison Desir, Jen Ator, and Lindsay Crouse — discuss why it's an exciting time to be a woman in running right now, and address the work that still needs to be done to make the running world more inclusive. THANK YOU to New York Road Runners for hosting us and for sponsoring this episode. Be sure to check out all the great (free!) programming at the NYRR RunCenter featuring the New Balance Run Hub.   Follow Mary:  Mary on Episode 98 of the Ali on the Run Show Mary on Episode 129 of the Ali on the Run Show Instagram @marywruns Twitter @marywitt Follow Lauren:  Lauren on Episode 103 of the Ali on the Run Show Lauren on Episode 161 of the Ali on the Run Show Instagram @fleshmanflyer Twitter @laurenfleshman Follow Lindsay:  Lindsay on Episode 149 of the Ali on the Run Show Instagram @lindsaycrouse Twitter @lindsaycrouse Follow Alison:  Alison on Episode 3 of the Ali on the Run Show Instagram @alisonmdesir Follow Jen: Jen on Episode 142 of the Ali on the Run Show Instagram @jen_ator Twitter @jen_ator Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

Former New York Road Runners CEO and New York City Marathon race director Mary Wittenberg tells the Wall Street Journal's Veronica Dagher about inspiring women to embrace health and fitness, as well as her new passion for the EF Education First pro cycling organization.

"If you are struggling, it does not mean that you are failing. It does not mean that you’re doing something wrong. It just means that you are coming up against some hurdles, whether they’re physical or mental or emotional, and it’s important to listen to those and try and understand what’s underneath them. But by no means do they imply that you’re not going to achieve your goal. You just need to see them as part of the process. Struggle is just as important as the elation and the sense of fulfillment that we all get after a great workout or a PR." David Willey spent 14 years at the helm of Runner's World magazine. But after announcing his departure from the brand in 2017, David went off the grid. On this episode, David's back on the grid, opening up about what made life for the past two years "outlandishly fun, intentionally challenging, unexpectedly hard and depressing, and newly regenerating." David talks about his time at Runner's World — the highs, the lows, and the part of the job that had him ambushing runners on live television during the New York City Marathon — and talks about his take on the brand now. He talks about his old dog and his new dog (we both shed a few tears there), his battle with Lyme Disease, and how he fulfilled his decade-long dream of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone endurance bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: How David got the job at Runner’s World, and why it was a dream job (3:45) David looks back at his favorite Runner’s World covers, stories, and adventures (10:00) Why David left Runner’s World after 14 years (18:40) All about David’s “Moonshot Marathon” (24:30) Why David says Runner’s World readers get so heated online (32:20) What it’s like interviewing runners live on the course during the New York City Marathon broadcast (35:20) Does David still read Runner’s World? (43:15) David looks back on his time with his dog, Trucha, and his book proposal in the works (45:30) On an unexpected battle with Lyme Disease (56:30) David’s message to runners who are struggling right now (1:05:10) What we mention on this episode: Runner's World covers through the years Mary Wittenberg on Episode 98 of the Ali on the Run Show Joe Holder Julia Lucas "A Very Good Dog" — David's editor's letter about his dog, Trucha Camp Canine The Runner’s World Show podcast The Human Race podcast The Hive Life podcast Neely Spence Gracey on Episode 42 of the Ali on the Run Show Bayshore Marathon Follow David: Twitter @davidmwilley Send dog photos to davidmwilley67@gmail.com Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Start stuff. If you believe in something, just start it." —Mary Wittenberg It was an honor to host this live show at New York Road Runners the day before the United Airlines NYC Half. I was joined by four exemplary leaders in the running community: Mary Wittenberg, former NYRR and Virgin Sport president and CEO; Christine Burke, VP of Strategic Partnerships and Runner Products at NYRR; Leigh Anne Sharek, co-founder of Brooklyn Track Club; and Carly Gill, a 2:47 marathoner and one of the women behind Runner Braids. These women candidly shared their stories of success, failure, and what it's like to feel shaken to your core or rattled with insecurity. They talked about starting movements, social media, FOMO, and dealing with injury, and we talked about how to make running more inclusive. We wrapped it all up with a very special audience-participation-required edition of the Sprint to the Finish. Thanks to New York Road Runners for sponsoring and hosting this live show, which took place at the NYRR RUNCENTER Featuring the New Balance Run Hub. Go to nyrr.org/runcenter for a full calendar of FREE events like the Ali on the Run Show LIVE event, plus group fitness classes, themed group runs, course strategy sessions, and book signings.   What you’ll get on this episode: The significant moments in women’s running that have most inspired the women on the panel (4:00) On getting into running at a young age, and whether it was discouraged or encouraged (7:30) Running as an individual pursuit vs. team sport (11:00) On pink at women’s races (14:00) How do we make running more diverse and inclusive? (21:00) On insecurities and failures (28:30) Reflecting on the running industry and ourselves as runners (36:00) What do we wish men understood about being a female runner? (46:00) The downsides of social media in the running world, and falling into the comparison trap (49:10) What’s next for everyone? (54:00) A very special Sprint to the Finish (56:45) Stuff we mention on this episode:  United Airlines NYC Half NYRR New York Mini 10K Shape Half Marathon Alison Desir & Harlem Run Brooklyn Track Club TCS New York City Marathon Strava (use code ONTHERUN for a FREE month of Strava Summit!) Follow Mary: Instagram @marywruns Twitter @marywitt Follow Christine: Instagram @christinerburke Follow Leigh Anne: Instagram @wicked.la Follow Carly Instagram @carlysheree Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

mary wittenberg is the ceo of the new york road runners club which has been running (no pun intended) the new york city marathon for forty years.  she spoke to me about the race.

“My greatest fear is letting fear get in my way.” —Mary Wittenberg Mary Wittenberg is the former president and CEO of New York Road Runners and race director of the New York City Marathon, and was the Global CEO of Virgin Sport. Her titles are impressive, and she has the legacy to match. Mary has had an incredible impact on running. She is largely credited for turning marathon running into a spectator sport, and for getting female professional runners to be compensated appropriately. Mary was the brains behind the creation of the World Marathon Majors series, and she was at the helm of NYRR in 2012, when she and the city had to make the very public and controversial decision to cancel the New York City Marathon in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. On this episode, she talks about what it was like making that call, how she went from law school to big law to being a powerful force in the American running boom, and what's next for her since leaving Virgin Sport. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: Mary explains whether she’s always been someone who loves being busy and super active (2:00) What it was like growing up surrounded by men, and how that impacted Mary’s future (4:00) How — and why — Mary went from law school to big law to the sports industry (7:20) Mary opens up about her decision to wait to have children because of her career (13:45) What it was like being race director of the New York City Marathon (15:00) Mary shares her favorite memories from her time at New York Road Runners (29:15) What it was like being a race director in a post-Boston Marathon bombings world (32:20) Mary opens up about the 2012 New York City Marathon, and the decision to cancel the race after Hurricane Sandy — plus how she came back from that difficult time (36:50) Who gets to hold the tape at the marathon finish line?! (45:45) Why Mary left NYRR for Virgin Sport, and what it was like working with Richard Branson (48:00) Whether Mary has ever regretted leaving her dream job at NYRR (53:00) What it was like when Mary finally got to run the New York City Marathon for the first time in 2016 (57:00) Mary offers her best advice for women in male-dominated industries (59:20) What’s next for Mary Wittenberg? (1:01.15) What we mention on this episode: New York Road Runners TCS New York City Marathon Virgin Sport University of Notre Dame Molly Huddle Marine Corps Marathon Peter Ciaccia Percy Sutton Harlem 5K New York City Half Popular Brooklyn Half Fifth Avenue Mile Alison Desir John Honerkamp Follow Mary: Instagram @marywruns Twitter @marywitt Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

What if your prosperity was quantified by the number of people you inspired? Or how you overcame in the face of tragedy? Or perhaps in the way you empathize with people daily? If success was measured by your goodness, would you be flourishing? We often think of success as a monetary value or a name on the side of a building, but what if our guest today were to tell you that her success stems from fulfillment? And not necessarily her own. Our guest today is not only inspiring others to find fulfillment in their lives but is using their success to fuel her own fulfillment. Mary Wittenberg is the CEO of Virgin Sport, a movement that is revolutionizing fitness while inspiring people to move together. Mary helps orchestrate large festivals meant to bring people together in hopes that through the power of movement and exercise, she can connect cultures and inspire people to live healthier lifestyles, not only physically but emotionally. Mary regularly accentuates the importance of kindness and empathy in creating a better tomorrow. Everything that is shared at a Virgin Sport festival, whether it be laughter or a healthy hunger for competition, is meant to be echoed throughout communities everywhere, especially after the event ends. Through kind hearts, and a few push-ups, Mary has created an environment that will ineluctably push us into a better tomorrow. “Make the most out of every day. Look forward to tomorrow. Leave the wake of the day before far behind the boat.” Some Questions I Ask: Why do you run? (2:43) Who were you before all of your accomplishments? (3:29) Was there ever a time where you felt like you weren’t good enough? (10:37) What drives you? (20:15) Did you ever have the sensation that your time was running out to achieve certain things? (27:47) What is your dream for Virgin Sport? (51:50) What is your mantra today? How has it changed over time? (54:24) What is the legacy you want to leave the world? (01:02:54) In This Episode, You Will Learn: The importance of learning from experiences (14:35) Mary getting caught up in what she knew (24:53) The power of pausing (33:11) Mary’s way of assuring sure she gets what she requires out of her life (38:25) Trusting the process of decision making (41:00) The “give it a go” spirit infused in Virgin Sport (50:34) Being a well-rounded leader (58:50) Plus much more...

Who can say they've been hand picked to fulfill a dream? Mary Wittenberg can! David Cogan host of the Eliances Heroes show interviews her and talks about being recruited by Richard Branson to head up Virgin Sport with the mission of bringing to life his passion to get people moving through sport. Virgin Sport including Sir Richard and Mary created the San Francisco Bay Half Marathon to be "sport with a twist and shout" www.virginsport.com www.eliances.com

Who can say they've been hand picked to fulfill a dream? Mary Wittenberg can! David Cogan host of the Eliances Heroes show interviews her and talks about being recruited by Richard Branson to head up Virgin Sport with the mission of bringing to life his passion to get people moving through sport. Virgin Sport including Sir Richard and Mary created the San Francisco Bay Half Marathon to be "sport with a twist and shout" www.virginsport.com www.eliances.com

Ever wondered why Richard Branson has such a penchant for ludicrous sportswear? It's possible that Mary Wittenberg was thinking the same thing when she opted to leave her job as CEO of the New York City Marathon organiser the New York Road Runners (NYRR) to lead Branson's sports participation start-up Virgin Sport in 2015. In this wide-ranging conversation, Wittenberg covers: - Branson's pitch to her and why she left NYRR; - The purpose-driven mission of Virgin Sport and how it's tapping into the mass participation boom; - The commercial opportunities associated with holding 'festivals of sport' in the UK and US; - The organisation's goal to get people active, and how it starts with number one; - Why Airbnb is a model organisation for people in the 'experience business'; - The factors fuelling the mass-participation boom, and the practitioners and applications offering something new.

Current Virgin Sport CEO and former NYRR CEO Mary Wittenberg talks with Jeff Eisenband about being Chief Exercise Officer for Richard Branson's new company and bringing an event to San Francisco (2:05), watching New York Road Runners grow over two decades (12:05), how she met Branson (16:20) and the fitness of Branson and Barack Obama (22:58).

On Friday evening, I was invited to be part of Tracksmith's panel discussing the future of the sport with Mary Wittenberg and Toni Reavis. It was moderated by Tracksmith's Matt Taylor Mary's got some interesting projects about the launch with Virgin Sport after a remarkable career with New York Road Runners. She discusses some of what she's been working on as well as her experience from the race management and development side of things. Toni's voice has been heard on countless marathon broadcasts and he can recite running history like no other. I'm there as the resident millennial and to shed some wisdom on the media side of things and where we see things going. Give the panel a listen and if you're in Boston, be sure to check out Tracksmith's new TrackHouse location at 285 Newbury St.. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. Recommend it to a friend. Take their phone and leave a five-star review:

Mary Wittenberg & Virgin Sport - Social Movement  As CEO of the New York Road Runners from 2005 to 2015, and having been involved with them since 1998, Mary Wittenberg helped the NY Marathon grow to include 400,000 participants, including 120,000 school children across multiple events and helped found the World Marathon Majors which connected the marathons in Boston, Berlin, London, Chicago and New York.  Since stepping down from NYRR, Mary is now Global CEO of Virgin Sport and together with Richard Branson, she is re-inventing group athleticism to encourage as many people as possible to experience social running.  Virgin Sport has four weekend multi-events on the calendar with more to follow. And you know if Richard Branson is involved, these fitness festivals will truly be special. In this episode Mary tells us about the philosophy behind Virgin Sport and how they are engaging athletes of all levels. She also goes into detail about the events currently on the calendar as well as what the future of Virgin Sport looks like.  She shares her experiences of running, both as an athlete and as a race organizer and group leader. Her passion for running and fitness shine through in this conversation.  She is an inspiration and we are all very lucky to have her join us on Run To The Top. Here are some of the topics we’ll discuss today: How Mary’s rowing team led to her becoming a runner What Mary did as CEO of NYRR and how the youth program grew under her leadership What it was like to run the NYM after being the CEO. Why she believes running is for just about everyone, especially kids The current and future vision of Virgin Sport Questions Mary is asked: 3:14 What is your background as a runner? 4:40 How much has competitive running changed since you were a more serious athlete? 6:13 Had it been an available option would you have continued post-collegiate running? 6:57 Do you still run now? 8:22 What was it like to run the New York Marathon after having been the director for so long? 11:53 What did being the CEO of New York Road Runners entail? 15:33 Why did you feel it was so important to build it at a youth level vs. focusing on adults? 17:20 Of the 50+ NYRR events, which is your favorite? 18:10 What about being the first female marathon race director? 19:29 Why do you think it’s important to have other events outside of traditional marathons for people to choose from and do you think other cities will adopt these, too 21:31 What about your current job as CEO of Virgin Sport? 23:33 What can you tell us about these initial four festivals you have scheduled? 26:08 Can people pick and choose which events they want to do, can they do all of them? 27:18 How do potential future events look for Virgin Sport beyond these first four cities? 28:43 How could someone get involved in these events? 30:03 What is it about running that makes you want to share it with as many people as possible? 31:56 Where you would like Virgin Sport to be in 10 years? 33:07 What can more recreational runners do in their own world to inspire others? 34:57 What do you think about Park Run? 38:09 The Final Kick Round Quotes by Mary:  I think there’s many more opportunities today for young runners and athletes in other sports that switch to running to find a post-collegiate running group and run pretty seriously. You realize as time goes on that there are still roadblocks to women in leadership. If you fit running and some high intensity running into your life, it may be the best way for you to get healthy and fit. It’s not just about the marathon. I have always had this burning desire to take the model of community based running and fitness on the road. We’re in the experience business. Our Proposition is based on bringing people together. For us, the challenger in the industry is not other people putting on events, because from a mission of purpose that’s awesome they’re doing that. Our challenge is the things that stop people; the comfortable bed, the super-busy workday. Just by getting out the door every day, you inspire people. When people see people running, other people realize: ‘Oh. maybe I can do that, too.’   Mentioned in this podcast:  Virgin Sport Homepage NY Road Runners The New York City Marathon Park Run Book: A Race Like No Other; Liz Robbins Book: Once a Runner; John L. Parker, Jr. Book: Running With the Buffaloes; Chris Lear FloTrack Runner's World Ask Lauren Fleshman Garmin watches and wearables Strava Homepage Runkeeper Homepage   We really hope you’ve enjoyed this episode of Run to the Top. The best way you can show your support of the show is to share this podcast with your family and friends and share it on your Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media channel you use. If more people who know about the podcast and download the episodes, it means I can reach out to and get through to the top running influencers, to bring them on and share their advice, which hopefully makes the show even more enjoyable for you! -- Thank you to our sponsors for supporting Run to the Top Enter to win a FREE 6-Pack of Perfect Amino from BodyHealth Use coupon code TINA for 10% off at Saucony.com

Megha Doshi is the local marketing director for Strava, the social networking site for athletes. Before heading to Strava several years ago, Megha worked for Nike, where she was a member of the digital sport group at Nike. She’s a sub-three-hour marathoner and is currently training for the 2017 Boston Marathon. Megha runs 60–70 miles per week, and trains and races with the all-female Impala Racing Team in San Francisco. Megha and I talked about what a day in the life of a Strava employee is like, how she embodies the five core values at Strava, and how she works sweatworking into her busy — and endorphin-filled — schedule. Show Notes: Strava: https://www.strava.com/ Impala Racing Team on Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/2058 Impala Racing Team on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpalaRacingTeam Working at Strava: http://blog.strava.com/careers/ Strava blog: http://blog.strava.com/ Strava art: http://www.bicycling.com/rides/art/become-strava-artist-these-gps-tips 18:00: Red Hook Crit: https://redhookcrit.com/ 19:30: The Red Hook Crit in Men’s Journal: http://www.mensjournal.com/sports/articles/why-one-of-the-most-crash-filled-bike-races-sells-out-in-minutes-w204752 20:15: David Trimble: http://pelotonmagazine.com/racing/5-minutes-with-david-trimble/ 40:40: Joan Benoit Samuelson: http://www.joanbenoitsamuelson.com/ 40:30: Gene Lu on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/256932 47:00: Strava Most Popular Run Routes: http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/the-most-popular-running-routes-in-the-20-biggest-us-metro-areas 48:50: Strava Matched Runs: http://blog.strava.com/the-story-behind-matched-runs-9212/ 1:00:52: Mary Wittenberg: https://www.instagram.com/marywruns/ 1:03:56: Spiralizer: https://www.amazon.com/Spiralizer-Vegetable-Strongest-Heaviest-Gluten-Free/dp/B00GRIR87M 1:05:30: ROLL Recovery R8: https://www.rollrecovery.com/r8/ Follow Megha: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghadoshi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/meghadoshi5 Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/4791196 Follow Ali: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliontherun1 Twitter: https://twitter.com/aliontherun1 Blog: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/ Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/13333410 Thank you for listening to and supporting the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Spread the run love!

Alison Desir is a runner, writer, and blogger, and is the founder of Harlem Run. She was the driving force behind the recent Run 4 All Women, a run from Harlem to Washington, D.C., that raised more than $100,000 for Planned Parenthood. Alison is also the creator of the Harlem One Miler, which is in its third year and will expand to Detroit, MI, later this year. Alison and I talked about how running helped her through a period of depression, how she created Harlem Run, which now boasts 250 people at its workouts, and what her plans and goals are for the Harlem One Miler. Follow Alison: Twitter: powderedfeet Instagram: powderedfeet Blog: http://www.powderedfeet.com Follow Ali: Instagram: aliontherun1 Twitter: aliontherun1 Blog: http://www.aliontherunblog.com 2:20: Harlem Run: http://www.harlemrun.com/ 3:30: Team in Training: http://www.teamintraining.org/ 4:00: Rock 'N' Roll San Diego: http://www.runrocknroll.com/san-diego/ 12:20: Follow Amir: https://www.instagram.com/alacrityamir/ 12:45: Follow Mary Arnold: https://www.instagram.com/maryarnold79/ 13:15: Meet Kai: http://www.harlemrun.com/bios/ 16:40: Harlem United: https://www.harlemunited.org/ 17:00 Harlem One-Miler: https://harlem1miler.com/ 23:00: Run 4 All Women: https://www.gofundme.com/4Women4AllWomen 27:50: AM Joy Clip: http://www.msnbc.com/am-joy/watch/women-run-to-march-for-planned-parenthood-860218435670 32:40: Finish Line Physical Therapy: http://finishlinept.com/ 45:00: Project Start: https://www.instagram.com/psyougotthis/ 45:00: Candice Huffine: https://www.instagram.com/candicehuffine/ 1:00:00: Mary Wittenberg: https://www.instagram.com/marywruns/ Thank you for listening to and supporting the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Spread the run love!

Tom speaks to North East running legend Jim Alder, Phil Smith looks to resurrect The Morpeth, Andy Waterman reports from the Highgate Harriers Night of the 10,000m PBs, Mary Wittenberg stands down as Race Director of the New York City Marathon, Facebook Friday checks out your all-time running fails, Tom has been in Birmingham, Martin has been to Bedford, Boy On The Run is back, you Rate Your Run and stand atop the Jabra Podium and Rosie gets ready for the Westminster Mile.  

#OUTOFSCOPE Episode 01. Brian Cristiano, CEO of BOLD Worldwide talks about Mary Wittenberg's departure from NYRR, Richard Branson, Virgin Sports, and how brands can connect with influencers in the running community. Welcome to the first ever Episode of #OUTOFSCOPE Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yGq_iZdPgNo Website: www.briancristiano.com BOLD Worldwide: www.boldworldwide.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/brian_cristiano