Job title: President/Founder Race or company name: Anderson Race Management Years in the industry: 30, last 25 years with Anderson Race Management What got you into the running industry? I worked at Dayton Hudson Corporation as an accountant and several people that worked there were also on the Board of Directors at Twin Cities Marathon and they recruited me to join when they found out I was a runner. I was so honored and ecstatic to be asked and ended up serving on the BOD for 12 years (the later years as President). I have also served in key volunteer positions for Twin Cities Marathon for 30 years. Why do you love your job? The people I get to work with, the causes I get to support and celebrate and most of all .. making a difference in people’s lives by helping them achieve their personal run/walk goals or fundraising goals for their causes.
MEET THE
RACE DIRECTOR A longtime member of Running USA, Mary Anderson exemplifies the passion and pride that so many of our industry veterans pour into their work. After 2020, she’s also a survivor. Her company revenue was down 80%, and 90% of her 200-plus events were canceled or went virtual. "Last year just about killed me. It was horrible," Anderson told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. But she kept on, and as you’ll read below, maintained a positive attitude despite all the challenges. Meet Minnesota’s Mary Anderson.
What’s your favorite part of event production? Everything on race day! The planning can sometimes become a burden, but that is what can make race day a masterpiece. I often equate the race director to the conductor of the orchestra. Race day goes from nothing to a beautiful energetic event site and back to zero again in a matter of hours. I love soaking in the energy of the day and celebrating all things that go with that day! And conversely, what you dread the most about “day of” the event? Rain and wind! Your go-to fuel up snack or meal on race day? Pre-race Days I love Chinese food when we are in the thick of things and I actually have time to eat. Race days consist of Diet Coke and whatever race food we have on hand. My crew jokes that nobody should ever touch my Diet Coke on race day if they want things to go smoothly ;)
