Renay Vreeken

I currently hold the position of Race Director for City2Surf and Runaway Sydney Half Marathon both success running events within Sydney. In 2023 I was also the Race Director for Cape2Cape (4 day mountain bike race in Margaret River, WA this event is no longer owned by The IRONMAN Group). Below is a high level overview of what is involved within this role.

• Developed trusted relationships with key stakeholders and landowners. Extensive experience working with stakeholders from a large city being Sydney but also small town stakeholders in Margaret River WA. The relationships I have been able to build over the last few years were commended by TfNSW representative at a meeting with the Honourable John Graham MLC.
• Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for successful race execution and increased profit by streamlining operations.
• Established positive and effective communication among internal departments, organisation leadership, and external stakeholders which has led to reduced miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
• Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
• Managed traffic and transport responsibilities in pre event planning but on event day as well. Ensuring the non-event community is considered in all conversations and decisions made.
• Collaborated with local authorities to ensure the safety of all participants during races, including all traffic components, counter terrorism, Heavy Vehicle Mitigation and security measures.
• Enhanced participant experience by implementing efficient race start processes and course optimisation which has assisted in the ability to increase event capacities. Along with a streamlined course design by incorporating feedback from participants and stakeholders, leading to improved satisfaction rates.
• Optimised logistical management across venues, courses and drink stations movements—ultimately providing a seamless experience for both participants and attendees alike.
• Facilitated communication between event delivery team, contractors, volunteers, and participants to ensure smooth operations throughout the entire event process. City2Surf over the last 2 years this consisted of successfully leading and managing a team of 60 staff members, 1,100 volunteers and contractors on the ground on event day.
• Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
• Developed strategic partnerships activations with sponsors, resulting in increased funding for race events.
• Established and maintained relationships with external contractors and suppliers resulting in better pricing and improved service quality.
• Through my role as Race Director at the IRONMAN Group I have travelled across Oceania to assist the wider team in the delivery of IRONMAN 70.3, Running and Trail Running Events, leading venue and course roles along with check point teams on our trail events.

• Designed visually appealing event spaces, contributing to a memorable participant experience.
• Coordinated pre-event site inspections, addressing any concerns or adjustments needed prior to the day-of execution.
• Oversaw efficient volunteer management by creating detailed training materials and providing clear guidance on specific roles during events.
• Established clear communication channels among team members, vendors, and clients throughout the entire planning process.
• Maximised budget allocation by negotiating cost-effective contracts with vendors and service providers.
• Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
• Managed event logistics and operations.
• Managed vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of goods and services for events.
• Acquired contracts and agreements to finalise negotiations and obtain approval signatures.
• Organised successful sustainability initiatives at events by reducing waste production and encouraging greener practices among vendors and attendees alike.

Casual work with Who Dares Traffic Management company as a HVM Implementation Manager for Sydney World Pride 2023, Pride March 2023 and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade 2024.

Worked with the Shift Agency on delivering FIFA Women's World Cup Sydney Harbour Bridge Unity Celebration. Assisted in event set-up and tear-down, ensuring timely completion of tasks for seamless transitions for the closure and reopening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Assist the delivery of the 2022 and 2023 Bloomberg Square Mile Relay as the Start and Transition Manager. This role saw the bump in and bump out of event infrastructure along with ensure there was a smooth start to the race and transition area during the event. Worked closely with the lead planning from Bloomberg and Ted and Co to ensure all deliverables were met.

Sydney Marathon 2023 Finish Line lead for Ted and Co Events, worked closely with multiple other agencies and stakeholder groups to ensure a smooth finish line role out of Sydney Marathon.