Meet the team.

The Spectacle has been created by runners, for runners.

The Spectacle is the brainchild of a CEO and avid ultra runner, a couple of NZ Olympians, a world-class adventure racer, an elite sport administrator and marketing executive, and a current NZ representative runner and coach.

We all came to love running from different backgrounds and run at different levels, but what unites us is our love for the run.

The Team.

  • A smiling man wearing a sun hat, sleeveless shirt, and a hydration vest outdoors near water with boats, trees, and houses in the background.

    Michael Cochrane

    FOUNDER

    Chief Executive
    Mid-pack ultramarathon plodder
    Nelsonian - born and raised

  • Group of male runners in a race, wearing athletic gear with country names and flags, competing on a track.

    Julian Matthews

    FOUNDER

    2016 Rio Olympian
    World Championships representative
    Commonwealth Games representative
    Nelsonian - born and raised

  • Group of smiling people outdoors, close-up of a woman with a hair scrunchie, wearing a light green hoodie and a medal around her neck.

    ANNIKA PFITZINGER

    FOUNDER

    NZ-representative
    Coach

  • Close-up photo of a middle-aged man with gray hair, outdoors near a body of water, with mountains and clouds in the background.

    NATHAN FA'AVAE

    EVENT MANAGER

    Seven-time adventure racing world champion
    NZ Order of Merit for services to sport and community
    Founder of Ten Events
    Nelsonian - born and raised

  • Male athlete running in a race, wearing a black and gray New Zealand sports uniform with the number 2539.

    ADRIAN BLINCOE

    ELITE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

    NZ outdoor 5000m record holder
    2008 Olympian
    World Championships representative
    Commonwealth Games representative

  • A smiling man with light skin and short blond hair standing outside in a casual setting with trees, cars, and buildings in the background.

    KURT TYSON

    PARTNERSHIP DIRECTOR

    Elite sport administrator
    Commercial executive