Rob Simmelkjaer, NYC Marathon

In this episode of "Running: State of the Sport," George and Amby chat with Rob Simmelkjaer, the CEO of the New York Road Runners, who of course are organizers of this coming weekend's TCS New York City Marathon. It's arguably the biggest, most globally recognized marathon in the world, and hence a hugely important event on the running calendar every year.  Rob tells us how to pronounce his last name--it's much easier than it looks--and explains what it has been like to take the helm at NY Road Runners. He has held the top position only since last January, so this is his first Marathon overseeing the entire event. Rob has had a long, wide-ranging careeer in other sports at ESPN and NBC, and explains what made him want to consider his new position in running. He also discusses frankly an area where he thinks those in the running world could do a better job: Telling stories and creating interest in the sport's fastest runners and biggest heroes.  After speaking with Rob, who is 51, Amby notes that he was impressed with Rob's recent Staten Island Half Marathon finish in 1:39. That indicates he's in as good shape as he was a decade ago when he finished the TCS NYC Marathon in 3:28. George was struck by what Rob said was his favorite part of the new job: Waiting at the finish to greet back of the pack runners and congratulate them on a job well done.