Lucky Mile Series in Louisville

Interview with David Janowiec

Partner/Chief Marketing Officer  Human Movement

Louisville is getting its share of run events, but a 1 mile run is new. When did you decide to put the event on and also turn it into a series of weekly runs?

A: We wanted to put together a run/race that was very community centered. Something where locals and surrounding area runners could both get to know each other more, but also allow for runners who already know each other to compete against each other on a regular basis. Another goal was for training purposes – in the Spring many runners are pushing short distances at a fast pace on a weekly basis as part of their training programs. So this series really compliments everybody. Kids/families: 1 mile is perfect for kids. Serious runners: can compare their weekly times and compete against others in the exact same course from week to week.

You must have been able to get a lot of buy in from the business owners in downtown--that takes a lot of work. How long have you been planning to run the series?

A: actually, the only business owners we’ve really dealt with on this series are Lucky Pie and Sweet Cow, as it doesn’t affect the others all that much. And the branding is really in line with our main partner – Lucky Pie, so to discuss sponsorship/partnership with other local businesses, especially restaurants, wasn’t really possible. Our other event, the Taste of Louisville Half marathon & 5K touches more on your question – incorporating all of the local businesses much more.

What do you think will surprise people about this series?

A: Hmmm… The biggest surprise to us has been the amount of kids involved. There are a ton of kids running. I think the biggest surprise to the runners, will be how much we put into a ‘1 mile’ run. We set this race up like it’s a marathon, including awards, finish line area, and effort. Another thing that may surprise the runners is how much fun this race and series is. I can’t even count how many people have thanked us for organizing a series based on community and ‘fun’! Our goal is for the race atmosphere to be light-hearted and laid back, but still very high quality and very professional. I think this series will have 400 runners per night in a year or so.

How do you think the race will fit into the overall season calendar for local runners?

A: I think it has a lot to do with part of my answer in #1 above. Putting in ‘speed work’ just before the weekend. Many runners will do speed work 2-3 days before a race, and the Lucky Mile Series offers exactly that. I know people doing the race who have broken their 1 mile PR’s each week! Runners who have been running for 20+ years! It really pushes you to go fast when you’re up against a bunch of other runners in a 1 mile run.

Folks can make an evening of the run as well with lots of goodies after the race. How do you see the event changing as word gets out and more people show up?

A: Our sponsors such as Avery Brewing, Lucky Pie, and Sweet Cow will adapt to the increase in runners and will be happy to do so. The only things I could see changing are the addition of a cash purse possibly, and the addition of more sponsors who want to be a part of such a unique event series. We’ve had several regional ‘industry’ companies already ask about sponsoring the Fall series. Which I’ll have to tell you about. Haha… http://www.tasteoflouisvillehalf.com/lucky-mile#!__lucky-mile