Early Call Time Episode 28: Learning About The Marathon Project with Matt Helbig (CEO of Big River Running)

In this month's interview episode Tony and Eli get to talk to Matt Helbig, CEO of Big River Running, whose Big River Race Management arm is producing The Marathon Project, an elite-only, 100-runner marathon in Arizona on December 20 which the guys have talked about before on the pod and are very excited about.
After the guys learn a little about Matt's early days in the industry (which include a collegiate connection with one of his partners in The Marathon Project, Hoka One One Northern Arizona Elite Founder and Head Coach Ben Rosario), Matt then tells them about The Marathon Project's origin as Rosario's idea to create a competition opportunity for elite athletes who haven't had many other racing opportunities this year. He outlines the risk that Matt and his partners in this endeavor (the aforementioned Rosario as well as athlete agent Josh Cox) have taken on in producing this event, and how Big River Race Management is taking the idea and making it a reality--from venue-sourcing and course certification to COVID protocols and virtual technical meetings. And in the process Matt almost breaks news on the pod, teasing that there may be an announcement about a TV deal for the race coming soon.
Everything about this event sounds like it will be world-class, and the guys are stoked for there to be a professionally-produced, elite, criterium-style marathon featuring some of America and the world's best marathoners competing for Olympic berths, contractual bonuses, and (hopefully if the sponsors come through) a substantial prize purse before the end of the year. Listen to the full episode so you'll have all the behind-the-scenes details when you (hopefully) watch the race on TV with them on December 20! And consider showing your support for this event (and Matt) by participating in its virtual event.
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