Nicola Okey steps down as Head of Press for London Marathon, release, note of appreciation by Larry Eder

In a very disappointing development at the Virgin London Marathon, Nicola Okey, the Head of Press for the past twelve years and a key administrator at the Virgin London Marathon for a total of nineteen years has left the marathon.

The release is not ambiguous. A new position was created and the marathon head of press position was redundant.

Unfortunately, marathon management is no different than other corporations. A person who has built two decades of credibility with the global media, Nicola Okey has walked that line between protecting the brand of the London marathon and working with an always inquisitive media. These are not work traits or skills that come easy. It is most unfortunate that marathon management could not appreciate the talent that they had in Nicola. Because of the quality of her team and the London marathon week, the media room at London was second to none at the major marathons. Well liked, and respected by her team, Nicola Okey will be sorely missed by her team and by this member of the media.

We wish Nicola Okey the very best. Her departure is a true loss for the Virgin London Marathon team and event.


MEDIA ADVISORY NOTICE Following a review of its staffing structure, The London Marathon Ltd has decided that a new post of Head of Communications across its complete portfolio of running and cycling events is required. As a result Nicola Okey is stepping down from Head of Press for London Marathon running events from today. The London Marathon Ltd would like to thank her for her hard work and professionalism over the last 12 years leading the press department and 7 years prior to this position, in her role as an integral part of the administration of the London Marathon event. Nick Bitel London Marathon CEO said ‘Nicola Okey has been a great asset to the team and worked diligently and professionally during a period of great success for the company. We wish her well in pursuing a new challenge.’ Media enquiries for London Marathon should still be directed to [email protected] and 020 7902 0182.

Author

Larry Eder

Larry Eder has had a 52-year involvement in the sport of athletics. Larry has experienced the sport as an athlete, coach, magazine publisher, and now, journalist and blogger. His first article, on Don Bowden, America's first sub-4 minute miler, was published in RW in 1983. Larry has published several magazines on athletics, from American Athletics to the U.S. version of Spikes magazine. He currently manages the content and marketing development of the RunningNetwork, The Shoe Addicts, and RunBlogRun. Of RunBlogRun, his daily pilgrimage with the sport, Larry says: "I have to admit, I love traveling to far away meets, writing about the sport I love, and the athletes I respect, for my readers at runblogrun.com, the most of anything I have ever done, except, maybe running itself." Also does some updates for BBC Sports at key events, which he truly enjoys.

Theme song: Greg Allman, " I'm no Angel."

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