92. Andrew Messick On The Growth of The IRONMAN Group, Its Digital & Experiential Ecosystem, and The Future of Mass Participation Sports

Welcome and welcome back! If you’re an avid listener, you know I have a thing for running and triathlon, so it should come as no surprise that I went to the top of the top to get you the inside scoop on what’s happening in the world of endurance sports.  In the spirit of triathlon, this episode is one of a three part series, with three unique guests from The IRONMAN Group  on the history, growth, and future of the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series and triathlon, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series® and running and mass participation sports events around the globe.  We will also cover the philosophy and approach behind the cities where these races are held, how the events impact economic development and tourism, some additional industry insight, including Andrew Messick’s thoughts on the Professional Triathlete Organisation (PTO) and of course, we do a deep dive into the coaching programs and certifications now offered by The IRONMAN Group and where that business is going in 2020.

On this episode Marni sync’s up with the President and CEO for The IRONMAN Group, Andrew Messick. Andrew shares the origins of IRONMAN and how a competition between friends in the Navy has inspired the evolution of the world’s largest mass participation endurance sports company, The IRONMAN Group.  Marni and Andrew talk about IRONMAN’s early roots and first races to its now 41st consecutive year of growth and the game changing acquisitions positioning The IRONMAN Group as the world’s largest mass participation sports company with triathlon, cycling, mountain biking and running. They sync up about IRONMAN’s digital expansion with their brand new website and new IRONMAN Training Companion App powered by PKRS as well as a successful content partnership with Facebook Watch. Andrew also shares his career trajectory from the NBA and AEG Worldwide to The IRONMAN Group and how the global experience positioned him for this role as CEO, and of course the training and races that fuel Andrew for success.

As part of Wanda Sports Group, The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world and provides more than a million participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with more than 235 events across 55+ countries.

In addition to aforementioned races, The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that also includes IRONKIDS®, ITU World Triathlon Series,  the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ and The Sun-Herald City2Surf® presented by Westpac, Ultra-Trail® World Tour events including Tarawera Ultra and Ultra-Trail Australia™, mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, road cycling events, and other multisport races.

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