Michael Nishi, CEO of the Chicago Marathon, believes the Santiago Marathon has all the necessary ingredients to become a world-class benchmark. During a recent visit to Chile, the American executive praised the growth of the local competition following discussions with local media, according to latercera.com.
Nishi, who leads one of the world's six 'major' marathons, commended the efforts of the local organizers. “What impresses me most is the team behind the Santiago Marathon. The work being done by ProKart and Itaú is incredible; they are constantly collaborating with global partners, learning, and sharing best practices to elevate the event's standard,” the executive noted.
He also emphasized that the combination of professional organization and an international-tier city like Santiago is the key to success. For Nishi, the strategy of attracting sports tourism and building alliances with global brands like Nike and Gatorade is essential to scaling the event's reputation.
Economic and social impact
The Chicago executive also analyzed the role of major sporting competitions in a country's development. According to Nishi, events of this scale generate a profound impact on both the local economy and social cohesion.
“Economically, they attract both domestic and international tourists who support local businesses: hotels, restaurants, and services,” the CEO explained. Additionally, he noted that these races foster healthier, more connected communities and support charitable causes through donations.
During his time in the country, Nishi also shared details regarding a health issue that forced him to cut his trip short. The executive had to return to the United States urgently after suffering an eye problem while in Viña del Mar.
“Thanks to the excellent medical care I received, I was diagnosed quickly and was able to return home to treat the situation,” he recounted. After a month of recovery and surgery, the executive confirmed he has been discharged and is ready to resume his travel and training routine.
Finally, the CEO addressed the growing industry challenge of bib swapping and runner impersonation. Nishi suggested that while the solution lies in stricter kit and access controls, the primary fix is strengthening the participants' sense of belonging.
