Tom Naylor is the co-founder and managing director of Grounded Events Company, organiser of Brighton Marathon Weekend and newly-launched Brighton Trail Weekend. His work was integral to the launch of Brighton Marathon in 2010, which has since developed significantly to incorporate the BM10k, the Mini Mile Races for 7-17 year olds and a closed-road 50km cycling event, BM Ride.

Innovating has been a key factor for Naylor, as the mass participation running sector has grown over the last ten years. Working with contractors and suppliers to bring about positive change or finding new or better ways of delivering events has been a critical focus.

Grounded Events is a member of the MSO (Mass Participation Sports Organisers group) contributing towards the sharing of information that has been vital for the return of mass participation events following the pandemic.

For many years, Naylor was a competitive runner for Phoenix AC and for more than 20 years he has worked in the running market, including owning running shops and working for brands such as Reebok.