The Major Force

Tim Hadzima, Executive Director of the World Marathon Majors, tells us more about future plans for the series in this exclusive interview.

- Lionel Kong

After more than a decade working in sports marketing at Bank of America, most recently as a Senior Vice President of Global Sponsorship Marketing, Tim Hadzima moved to work at the World Marathon Majors in 2014, right after Abbott came on as the series’ title partner.

His role is to work closely with each of the six Race Directors, as well as major partners Abbott and Wanda/ Ironman to ensure the continued improvement and development of marathon running. He manages the business, marketing and strategy of the Abbott WMM, and here gives us an exclusive insight on the direction of the future of the series.

BROADLY, WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT?

When I was working at Bank of America, I oversaw the Bank’s ownership and stewardship of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. I also managed multiple partnerships across several professional and collegiate sports leagues and teams.

On a personal front, running is a big part of my life. I have run seven marathons, including three of the majors, and have done countless other distance races across the US.

THE WMM IS THE GREATEST SERIES OF FOOT RACES IN THE WORLD. HOW DID THE IDEA FOR THE SERIES COME ABOUT?

The Abbott World Marathon Majors is a series of six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world: Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, Virgin Money London Marathon, BMW Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon. In 2006, the organisers of these events wanted to unite in their effort to advance the sport and raise awareness of its elite athletes, which led to the original million-dollar prize purse for the champions of the series. We have now expanded our programming to include everyday runners and our amazing wheelchair athletes.