Just one week away from the 119th running of the Boston Marathon, Universal Sports’ TV show Beyond the Medals – The Business of Sport explores the business of marathons – focusing on the City of Boston’s legendary race. Airing this Wednesday 15 April at 19:30 ET, the one-hour show has an exclusive interview with reigning Boston Marathon champion and three-time Olympian Meb Keflezighi.
Joining host Rick Horrow is guest co-host Frank Shorter who interviews Keflezighi and provides expert analysis on the business of marathons including a detailed look at the impact of the World Marathon Majors organization on the sport worldwide. Shorter is a two-time Olympic medalist in the marathon and well known for his victory at the 1972 Munich Games that helped to ignite a running boom in the United States.
Additional April episode highlights include:
- In an exclusive interview, 2014 Boston Marathon Champion Meb Keflezighi reveals his thoughts as he approached the finish line on Boylston Street last year, how he balances his obligations, and the importance of the team helping him behind the scenes. He also talks about his health and intentions to attempt his fourth Olympics in 2016.
- Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Executive Director Thomas Grilk and Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray cover the evolution of the world’s oldest annual marathon and the impact Meb Keflezighi’s emotional victory in 2014 has had on the community.
- In tribute to those directly affected by the tragic events of the 2013 Boston bombings, a segment featuring survivor Heather Abbott’s compelling first-hand account of recovery and perseverance will air from Universal Sports’ 2014 ‘Run as One’ series.
- A detailed look at the John Hancock Financial Services sponsorship of the Boston Marathon. The company is widely credited for reviving the event in 1986 by instituting prize money and actively recruiting elite athletes. John Hancock Assistant Vice President Rob Friedman details the partnership, its growth and value to the company.
A Universal Sports Original Production, Beyond the Medals – The Business of Sport takes an in-depth look at the economic, political and social stories affecting the Olympic sports industry on the road to the 2016 Summer Games in Rio. Beyond the Medals – The Business of Sport is co-executive produced by Universal Sports Network, Lagardère Unlimited and Horrow Sports Ventures.
Universal Sports Network, a partnership between NBC Sports and InterMedia Partners, offers more than 1,200 hours of original programming each year. Universal Sports has exclusive rights to world and national championship events in a wide array of sports, including swimming, track and field, gymnastics, cycling, skiing, figure skating and rugby.
