Bringing the track to life: Ben Pochee and the Night of the 10k Pbs
If I’m gonna be Race Director, how do I make this event something I’d want to race in?
This week we're talking to Ben Pochee, the passionate race director behind the Night of the 10,000m PBs. The UK's premier track running event. From his personal journey as a competitive runner to the inception of one of the most unique track events in the UK, Ben shares his deep insights into the world of running, community building, and event innovation. Tune in to discover how a love for Afro-funk and a desire to fill a gap in domestic competitive opportunities led to a revolutionary approach to track meets that focuses on athlete experience and community participation.
Three Key Learnings from This Episode:
Community and Identity in Running: Ben illustrates the profound impact that running can have on personal identity and community formation. Starting from his own experiences in school and local clubs, he emphasises how running extends beyond physical activity to become a significant social connector and a source of lifelong friendships and memories.
Innovation in Athletic Events: We dive into the story behind the creation of the Night of the 10,000m PBs, an event born out of necessity and sheer creative will. Ben discusses how overcoming the logistical challenges of traditional track events with innovative solutions like Facebook-driven athlete recruitment and creating a festival-like atmosphere can dramatically enhance participant engagement and performance.
The Power of Inclusive Event Planning: Learn about Ben's approach to making athletic events more inclusive and engaging. By involving athletes in the success of the event and experimenting with new ideas like the WaveLight pacing system, Ben has redefined what it means to participate in and spectate at track events, making them more accessible and enjoyable for the broader community.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sports management, community engagement, and how traditional sports can adapt to modern demands while maintaining their core values.
Go along to the Night of the 10k PBs next weekend! All details here: www.nightofthe10kpbs.com/
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