Running Industry Alliance Podcast – Episode #18 featuring Andrew Smith of A.S.O. UK

Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Podcast

Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Podcast
Running Industry Alliance Podcast – Episode #18 featuring Andrew Smith of A.S.O. UK
Apr 10, 2025 Season 2 Episode 18
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Podcast

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:

Apple | Spotify | Amazon

Hosts & Guest:

Useful links:

Thank you for listening, subscribe to be first to hear the latest episode drops! 

Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast – Episode #18 featuring Andrew Smith of A.S.O. UK 35:51 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast – Episode #17 featuring David Bone of Camino Ultra 32:11 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast / Episode #16 / TRC24 sound bites from the floor >> 13:25 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #15 - featuring James Thurlow, MD of Open Tracking 38:26 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #14 - featuring Lia Fyles, Race Director of the London Landmarks Half Marathon 33:19 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #13 - featuring Vicki Turner, Sales & Marketing Manager at Bridgedale 27:20 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #12 - featuring Hannah Beecham MBE, Founder of RED January 34:52 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #11 - featuring Charlie Allen, Founder of RUNSOCIAL 35:28 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #10 - featuring James Vickers 33:38 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #9 - featuring David Birch 40:27 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #8 - featuring Sophie Power 31:31 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #7 - featuring Andy Caine 52:50 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #6 - featuring Wayne Mabbott & Sophie Edwards 48:56 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #5 - featuring Pinky Ghadiali 27:48 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #4 - featuring Nick Tuppen 46:22 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #3 - featuring Holly Woodford 55:12 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #2 - featuring Will Golder 43:02 Episode Artwork Running Industry Alliance Podcast - Episode #1 - featuring Tom Kerry, Dean Swingler and Pete Cooper 59:42