What does it really take to organise a major running event and to build a brand in the running world? In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone Podcast, host Tim Rogers sits down with Warrick Mac Nicol, founder of the Burj2Burj half marathon, to explore the enormous planning, logistics, and investment required to build a world-class race. Mac Nicol shares how his journey from competitive athlete in South Africa to race organiser in Dubai led him to create one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing half marathons. Designed as more than just a race, Burj2Burj connects some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa and the Burj Al Arab, giving runners a unique perspective of the city. The conversation also reveals the hidden complexity behind mass participation races. From road closures and medical teams to race medals, toilets, security, and marketing, staging a race involves hundreds of moving parts — and according to Mac Nicol, entry fees often cover less than 30% of the total cost. You’ll also hear about: The story behind creating the Burj2Burj half marathon Why sponsorship is essential for modern running events The true cost of hosting elite athletes The logistics of managing thousands of runners How race organisers plan an event a year in advance Why building a successful race is a long-term investment With ambitions to grow to 25,000 runners and beyond, Burj2Burj is quickly becoming one of the most distinctive destination races in the world. If you’ve ever wondered where your race entry fee goes, this episode gives you a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to get thousands of runners to the start line. For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage. You can find out more about the event by going to the race website here Podcast notes Keywords event organisation, Burj2Burj, race costs, marketing, elite athletes, insurance, sponsorships, Dubai running events, logistics, race experience Summary In this podcast, Tim Rogers interviews Warrick Mac Nicol, an event organiser based in Dubai, discussing the intricacies of organising running events, particularly the Burj to Burj race. Warrick shares his journey in the event industry, the challenges of marketing and logistics, the importance of elite athletes, and the financial aspects of race organisation, including costs, sponsorships, and insurance. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of event management in Dubai and the commitment to creating memorable experiences for participants. Takeaways Warrick has been involved in sports events since the age of 14. The Burj to Burj race connects iconic locations in Dubai. Marketing is a significant cost for new events. Entry fees often cover less than 30% of event costs. Accessibility for all runners is a priority. Elite athletes enhance the event's profile and attract participants. Insurance is crucial for event risk management. Quality of medals and t-shirts has improved significantly. Sponsorships are essential for covering operational costs. Planning for events requires a long-term vision and adaptability. Titles Behind the Scenes of Event Organisation The Journey of Burj to Burj Sound bites "We need to be ahead of the game." "It's a stressful world, isn't it?" "It's about the bigger picture." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Event Organisation 03:35 The Burj to Burj Experience 07:08 Understanding Race Costs 11:04 Marketing and Brand Awareness 16:05 Planning and Logistics for Events 20:26 The Role of Elite Athletes 23:56 Insurance and Risk Management 26:54 Finishing Touches: Medals and T-Shirts 30:53 The Importance of Sponsorships
