"I didn't realize at the time, but the chance Coach Ellingson gave me, it changed the trajectory of my entire life. I realize that more and more every year that I wouldn't be at NYRR today without that opportunity.”

Have you wondered how the fields at the NYC Marathon and Fifth Avenue Mile are put together? Sam Grotewold and his team are responsible for putting together the world-class of the events you love. It also happens that Sam went to a D3 college and wouldn’t be doing what is he today with the opportunity Coach Keith Ellingson gave him at Simpson College.

Sam chose his path to college without running influencing his decision. He had his mindset on going to Simpson College to study graphic design and journalism. It wasn’t until a meeting at orientation where the athletic director asked the incoming class if they were interested in doing a sport. Sam raised his hand and a few days later, Coach Ellingson called Sam to ask him to join the team.

While Sam didn’t go on to win National Titles or become an All-American, his opportunity to join the Simpson Cross Country team shaped his life and career trajectory.

After Sam graduated, he joined New York Road Runners as a web editor. As NYRR began to have professional races, he transitioned from his web editing role into the Professional Athletes space. Sam explains the process of filling the fields, memorable stories, and fills us in if Kipchoge will run NYC.

The impact of Sam’s D3 experience shaped his life into what it is today. He gives credit to Coach Ellingson for giving him an opportunity when he didn’t have to.

Follow Sam on Twitter

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