Episode 75 - Mike Nishi, Partner, Chicago Event Management - a podcast by Mass Participation World

On today's episode of The Aid Station we meet Michael Nishi, Partner, Chicago Event Management, organisers of the Chicago Marathon.

Another inspiring story of the power of our industry to impact and change lives. Hear how Mike as a 13 year old was watching the race, which in those days attracted a few thousand people, to cheer his mum on. He decided to run a few miles and ended up going all the way to the finish line sucked in by the atmosphere.

A fascination with the race was born which saw him first work as a go-fer doing odd jobs and ultimately teaming up with Executive Director, Carey Pinkowski. Together they transformed the event into one of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors which now attracts around 45,000 participants.

Hear Mike's insights into the roller-coaster ride leading up to the recent cancellation of this year's event and some of the many considerations against the backdrop of not only COVID-19 but also the violence and crime that took place in the city.

Despite all that, the passion is still there to get back to staging events and creating an impact on the community, providing a vehicle to unite people and raise much needed funds for charities.

Listen to Mike's inspirational story here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnAO29-m5FM&feature=youtu.b

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