Summary

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On this special episode, host Bishoy Tadros sits down with Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, for an inspiring and insightful conversation that goes way beyond finish lines. Rob shares his journey from a New York native to leading one of the city’s most iconic organizations, reflecting on how running has been a constant in his life through every season and challenge.

You’ll hear about the transformative power of running—not just for elite athletes, but for everyday people of all backgrounds and abilities. Rob opens up about the importance of self-belief, the role New York Road Runners plays in inspiring tens of thousands to take that crucial first step off the couch, and how the organization makes a major impact through community programs for kids, older adults, and everyone in between. He and Bishoy dig into what makes the New York City Marathon such a world-class experience—shedding light on the behind-the-scenes logistics, the culture of inclusion, and the emotional moments that define race day.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner, thinking about signing up for your very first race, or just looking for some motivation to keep pushing forward, this episode is packed with lessons about perseverance, leadership, and the power of community.

Rob Simmelkjaer became Chief Executive Officer of New York Road Runners in December 2022. He is a two-time New York City Marathon finisher, native New Yorker, and experienced sports business executive and government official, with a record of leadership across a range of sports brands and media organizations.

During Rob’s tenure at NYRR, the organization has experienced a significant running boom with nearly every race selling out at a record pace and the organization inking new partnerships with Peloton, Maybelline New York, Citizens, Runna, and iHeart Media New York. Rob has paved the way for innovation, beginning with the expansion of NYRR’s free community programming, as NYRR announced a multi-million-dollar, five-year initiative in partnership with New York City Public Schools to create middle school running teams for city youth, helping to remove barriers to fitness. He has elevated the nonprofit’s sustainability efforts, launching NYRR Team for Climate, a new entry method for marque races for runners to support sustainability efforts with the goal of achieving Net Zero by 2040. Additionally, he has inspired action among the community through the power of storytelling, most notably as the co-host of NYRR’s Set the Pace podcast. 

Prior to New York Road Runners, Rob worked at ESPN serving in positions of increasing responsibility and impact as Vice President of International Development, Vice President and Assistant to the President, and Director of NBA Programming. In 2011, he was named Senior Vice President of NBC Sports Ventures, where he led new business development and created and oversaw several NBC Sports properties.

In addition to his executive roles, Rob has served as an on-air contributor for ABC News, ESPN, NBC Sports, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, and the Tennis Channel. He anchored MSNBC’s coverage of the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics. 

Rob is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School. He practiced law in New York City at Weil, Gotshal and Manges and Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Rob has two daughters named Julia and Annika and two Whoodles named Mookie and Frankie, all of whom keep him very busy.

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