In a recent episode of our podcast, The Courage to Lead Interview Series, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Wayne Larden, the CEO of Point Three, the organisation behind the Sydney Marathon. This follow-up interview, nearly three years after Wayne’s first appearance, delved into the marathon’s remarkable transformation into one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, now recognised as the seventh major marathon globally. Wayne Larden shared invaluable insights into the challenges faced, strategies implemented, and the importance of fostering an inclusive running community. Here, we break down the key takeaways from our conversation, offering actionable advice and thorough explanations for anyone interested in event management, marathon organisation, or simply the inspiring journey of the Sydney Marathon.
Wayne Larden : The Evolution of the Sydney Marathon
Early Challenges and Initial Steps
Context and Background:
Wayne Larden’s Role:** Wayne Larden took over the management of the Sydney Marathon in 2005, when the event had about 1,200 marathon runners and 10,000 participants across three events.
Government Pressure:** The marathon was funded by the New South Wales government as a legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, but it was underperforming, leading to pressure to grow the event.
Wayne Larden : Initial Strategies:
Consolidating the Finish Line:** One of the first steps was to consolidate the finish line at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
Introducing a Family Fun Run:** Inspired by events like the City to Surf, Wayne Larden added a family fun run to create an inclusive environment and instil a culture of running from a young age.
Growth and Participation
Long-Term Growth:
Incremental Increase:** Over 17 years, the marathon grew from 1,200 to 5,300 participants, making it the third largest marathon in Australia.
Candidacy Agreement:** In 2020, the Sydney Marathon signed a candidacy agreement to become one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, which came with strict criteria.
Challenges and Solutions:
Increasing Finisher Numbers:** One of the biggest challenges was tripling the previous record of 5,300 finishers. This required shifting the mindset of the Australian running community, which traditionally viewed half marathons as their ultimate goal.
Campaigns and COVID Impact:** Campaigns like “Why run half of anything when you can run the full marathon?” and the surge in running during COVID helped attract younger participants, leading to a significant increase in registrations.
Operational Changes and Government Support
Course Adjustments:
New Course Design:** To accommodate the growing number of participants, the course was extended into new areas, cutting off east-west traffic flows and utilising the cross-city tunnel.
Improved Logistics:** Moving the start line to North Sydney Oval provided more space and better access, enhancing the overall participant experience.
Government Collaboration:
Securing Approvals:** The support from the New South Wales government, including the Premier’s office and the tourism minister’s office, was crucial in implementing necessary changes.
Economic Impact:** The marathon’s economic impact is projected to rise significantly, benefiting local businesses and tourism.
Wayne Larden : Leadership and Team Dynamics
Building a Strong Team:
Empowering Team Members:** Wayne Larden emphasises the importance of hiring skilled individuals and trusting them to excel in their roles, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.
Personal Connections:** Understanding team members’ families and interests helps create a sense of belonging and loyalty, contributing to a cohesive work environment.
Managing Stress and Work-Life Balance:
Supportive Family:** Balancing extensive travel with family life is challenging, but having a supportive family is crucial.
Mentorship and Support:** Wayne Larden relies on mentors within the Abbott World Marathon Majors group and his General Manager, Nikola, to navigate new situations and manage stress.
Future Vision and Goals
Long-Term Vision:
Growing the Event:** Wayne Larden’s goal is to grow the Sydney Marathon to 50,000 finishers, focusing on organic growth and maintaining a great participant experience.
Continued Leadership:** Wayne Larden plans to continue as race director and CEO for another ten years, aiming to make the Sydney Marathon the most enjoyable and flawlessly delivered Abbott World Marathon Major.
Economic and Community Impact:
Charity and Tourism Programs:** New initiatives aim to enhance international tourism and community engagement, further boosting the marathon’s economic impact.
Sustainable Growth:** The government’s investment ensures that the Sydney Marathon will continue to deliver significant benefits indefinitely.
Conclusion
The journey of the Sydney Marathon from a local event to a global major is a testament to Wayne Larden’s vision, dedication, and strategic leadership. By focusing on inclusivity, leveraging government support, and fostering a strong team dynamic, Wayne has successfully positioned the Sydney Marathon among the top seven marathons globally. As the event continues to grow, it promises to bring substantial economic and community benefits, making it a cornerstone of the global running community.
For anyone involved in event management or marathon organisation, Wayne Larden’s story offers valuable lessons in perseverance, strategic planning, and the importance of building strong relationships. Whether you’re looking to grow a local event or navigate the complexities of a major marathon, the insights shared in this episode provide a roadmap for success.