Welcome to Episode 396 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast and my conversation with Around the Crown 10K Founder Brian Mister.
Have you ever been stuck in traffic on the highway and thought to yourself, I could run faster than this?
This idea is exactly how Around the Crown 10K got its start. Fast forward four years, and Brian and the team actually made that happen. They shut down Charlotte’s major inner beltway for the annual Around the Crown 10K. Now it’s an annual event. Brian is here to tell us how they do it.
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I’ll be heading back to Austin, Texas this November for The Running Event and Switchback at TRE—and I hope you’ll join me!
If you haven’t heard about The Running Event, also known as TRE, it’s an annual conference and trade show that brings together run and outdoor performance brands and specialty retail shops from across the US and even the world. It’s a great opportunity for these brands and retailers to do business and make new connections. This year, you can expect to see companies like Nike, The North Face, Brooks, Garmin, and hundreds more in the exhibit hall.
Even better—and what I’m really looking forward to—is that the TRE is bringing back Switchback at TRE for a second year. It’s an expansion of the show created for outdoor brands and retailers. With the growing crossover between run and outdoor specialty, I think this is such a great opportunity for both industries. I’m excited to see Switchback’s growth in Year Two, especially with brands like Outdoor Research, KEEN Footwear, and Scarpa joining the action.
If you’re interested in joining me in Austin this fall, you can find event information and a direct link to register below. Make sure you use my promo code OUTDOORBIZ23 when registering!
And if you’re curious about exhibiting at the event, reach out to Event Director Christina Henderson—her Email is chenderson@divcom.com.
Things we talked about
Pretty Bird Hot Chicken, Salt Lake City
First role in The Outdoor Industry
Cooper River Bridge around Charleston
Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Advice for someone wanting to start a race or get into running?
I think starting early. I mean if you feel the passion that you want to be in it, get your hands dirty and get in the industry however you can. If you stay focused on what you’re doing, it’ll all fall into place for you.
Work your way into it. Suppose it’s race directing, entrepreneurship, and starting your own business, the same advice. Do it. Just shoot your shot and see what happens.
Other Outdoor Activities
We Love camping, and the kids are into it.
I’ve been building a treehouse for my kids.
Gravel Biking
Mountain Biking
Favorite Books
Right now, I’m reading Running With Purpose. It’s by the CEO of Brooks, Jim Weber
Chip and Joanna Gaines have some pretty hilarious books on parenting and fixing up houses and just kind of different, different ways to live life.
Best Gear Purchase under $100
The thing that I really love that I have to have when I go running is a hat. And we get our hats from BOCO, which stands for Boulder, Colorado.
Here’s number two for me. And this is in the camping world. I always like to have one thing with me that’s my luxury piece. Maybe I’m bringing a nice chair with me or something cause I’m car camping. But the go-to for me recently has been no matter like what type of camping I’m doing, I got one of those inflatable Sea to Summit pillows.
Connect with Brian
Instagram is @aroundthecrown10K
my personal one is @bmister06
