Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Podcast
This is the Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Podcast brought to you in association with supersonic.
“The podcast focuses on meaningful running industry content, with listeners benefiting from useful information, data and action points that can help propel their businesses forward, sharing peer to peer knowledge whilst showcasing the running industry and advancements beneficial for all”.
Originally the Running Industry Podcast (2020) hosted by Matt Ward, now having joined forces with RIA to become the collaborative podcast Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic from 2023 onwards. The B2B collab series will encompass episodes featuring chats with various RIA Member guests “in conversation with” about the running industry.
The new collaborative podcast will be hosted by Matt as Anchor with Becs and Tom, rotating on episodes around various content and expertise.
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) is a member-based independent national trade (B2B) organisation built for purpose for the UK & Ireland Running Industry with global reach. Running Industry Alliance exists to collectively assist RIA Members to drive the Running Industry forward to improve the Sport and Business of Running, and holds the annual The Running Conference (TRC) as well as other RIA Member events.
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Podcast
Running Industry Alliance Podcast – Episode #18 featuring Andrew Smith of A.S.O. UK
Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic – Episode #18 featuring Andrew Smith now live!
Matt and Tom are in conversation with Andrew Smith, CEO at A.S.O. UK.
In this episode, we are joined by Andrew Smith, CEO of A.S.O. UK, to talk about his fascinating journey from early beginnings in event operations to leading some of the UK’s biggest and most ambitious mass participation events. From “tea boy to CEO” (his words!), Andrew shares how early roles shaped his passion for operational excellence from managing finish lines to launching cycling events and new half marathons with purpose.
We explore the evolution of the adidas Manchester Marathon and what it takes to develop world-class events that leave a lasting legacy in their host cities.
Andrew lifts the curtain on plans to future-proof Manchester’s Marathon, create further extraordinary runner experiences, and grow the event into a weekend-long festival style celebration of running, community, and positive impact.
Looking ahead, Andrew shares exclusive insight into A.S.O. UK’s latest project collaboration – the newly announced ASICS LDNX 10K event – bringing a new kind of running experience to London this summer at the spectacular Wembley Stadium.
We talk growth, innovation, sustainability, and how A.S.O.’s DNA of creating emotion-led events is driving a bold future for running in the UK and beyond.
A brilliant conversation for anyone working in or passionate about the running industry and in particular events and mass participation. This episode is packed with lessons in leadership, creativity, and why there should be no limits to what running events can achieve and by working together.
A plethora of firsts are discussed, this is another great episode in the RIA Podcast and Members journey, one not to miss!
There is a link on the homepage of the website and the podcast is also available to listen to on all the major the platforms including:
Hosts & Guest:
Useful links:
- A.S.O. UK : WEBSITE
- Running Industry Alliance WEBSITE
- Running Industry Alliance ON INSTAGRAM
- Running Industry Alliance ON FACEBOOK
- Running Industry Alliance ON X
- Running Industry Alliance ON YOUTUBE
- The Running Conference presented by haku #TRC25 WEBSITE
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