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October brings us to North Georgia and the Georgia Jewel 100, home to Georgia's longest-standing 100-mile trail race and one of the Southeast's most beloved ultrarunning events. Season 2, Episode 10 — TURD Podcast (Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast) This month, host Shalini Bhajjan, Founder and Race Director of Terrain Trail Runners-STL, sits down with Jenny and Franklin Baker, the driving force behind the Georgia Jewel. Together, they've built a race known for its challenging terrain, strong community, and welcoming spirit. Franklin brings the vision and love of the trails; Jenny brings organization, heart, and a runner-first mindset. We explore the origins of the Georgia Jewel and the people-first philosophy that has helped make it an iconic Southeastern trail running tradition.

September arrived with a promise of fall and a spark of mountain energy. In Idaho’s Salmon River Mountains, that call has a name: the IMTUF 100 — brutal, beautiful, and born from wild country and two directors who know “tough.” 🎙️ Season 2, Episode 9 — TURD Podcast (Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast) This month, host Shalini Bhajjan, Founder and Race Director of Terrain Trail Runners–STL, sits down with Brandi & Jeremy Humphrey, the duo behind IMTUF — a once‑scrappy passion project now one of the nation’s most respected mountain hundreds. A race that doesn’t just test runners, it exposes them. Jeremy brings the big‑vert vision; Brandi brings the backbone and heart. Together, they’ve carved a course out of raw Idaho terrain and built a community that feels like family. We dig into IMTUF’s wild origins, its 22,000+ feet of mountain truth‑telling, and how the Humphreys blend grit and care to create a 100‑miler runners carry long after the finish.

August came in hot and with it, the buzz around Idaho’s highest trail race—Stand Hope Ultra Challenge, a quad‑crushing, soul‑stretching test woven through the wild Pioneer Mountains. Every summer, this rugged corner of Idaho transforms from quiet high desert to a gathering place for runners chasing altitude, grit, and something deeper than a finish line. Which means it’s time for another episode of the TURD Podcast (Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast). 🎙️ Season 2, Episode 8 This month, host Shalini Bhajjan, Founder and Race Director of Terrain Trail Runners–STL, sits down with Mary Martin, the force behind Standhope. A former educator turned software engineer and race director, Mary is reshaping what ultrarunning can look like for women—especially moms—while stewarding a race defined by steep climbs, grassroots charm, and fierce community. We dig into her journey, the 23,000‑foot beast she directs, and her mission to build a sport where motherhood and mountain running can coexist without compromise.

The countdown to July has begun. And with it, the anticipation for the 98th running of the Mount Marathon Race—an explosive, lung‑searing, tradition‑soaked battle up and down the cliffs of Seward, Alaska. Every Fourth of July, this tiny coastal town swells from 3,000 locals to nearly 30,000 spectators, all drawn by a race many call the toughest 5K on Earth. Which means it’s time for another episode of the TURD Podcast (Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast). 🎙️ Season 2, Episode 7 This month, host Shalini Bhajjan, Founder and Race Director of Terrain Trail Runners–STL, sits down with Matias Saari, the man at the helm of Mount Marathon. A former elite mountain runner turned race director, Matias carries the weight of a century‑old legacy—guiding a race that has shaped Alaskan identity and tested generations of athletes. We dive into his journey from journalism to race leadership, his stewardship of both Mount Marathon and the Equinox Marathon, and what it means to protect a race that’s as wild, unpredictable, and fiercely beloved as the mountains themselves.

June in the ultrarunning world is all about the “Big Dance” — the Western States 100. With the 53rd annual WS100 about a month away, it’s time for your monthly dose of the TURD Podcast (Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast). 🎙️ Season 2, Episode 6 This month, host Shalini Bhajjan, Founder and Race Director of Terrain Trail Runners–STL, sits down with one of the most iconic race directors in the sport: Craig Thornley, Race Director of the legendary Western States 100. In this episode, we explore Craig’s path into trail and ultrarunning, his evolution as a race director, and what it means to help steward one of the most prestigious 100‑mile events in the world. We dive into his race‑directing career—from Waldo 100K to becoming the front man guiding Western States—and discuss his legacy, his ongoing trail‑work efforts, and the groundwork he has laid to support the sport and its community for years to come. A thoughtful, insightful conversation with a driving force behind some of the sport’s most iconic events — and an ideal companion as June’s peak racing season kicks into gear.

May is coming in hot — which means it’s time for your monthly dose of the TURD Podcast (Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast). 🎙️ Season 2, Episode 5 This month, host Shalini Bhajjan, Founder and Race Director of Terrain Trail Runners–STL, sits down with Noah Dougherty, Director of Events for Aravaipa Running and the Race Director of the Mogollon Monster 100 — a notoriously tough 100‑mile race in the high country of Pine, Arizona, known for steep climbs, rocky technical terrain, and big views along the Mogollon Rim. In this episode, we explore Noah’s path into trail and ultrarunning, his evolution as a race director, and what it means to help steward some of the most beloved events in the Aravaipa ecosystem. From the Mogollon Monster to the broader Aravaipa portfolio, Noah shares insights on intentional race design, community‑driven event culture, and the behind‑the‑scenes work that keeps these iconic races thriving. A thoughtful conversation with a driving force behind some of the sport’s most iconic events — and the perfect companion as May’s racing season ramps up.

April is around the bend — which means it’s time for your monthly dose of the TURD Podcast (Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast). 🎙️ Season 2, Episode 4 This month, host Shalini Bhajjan, Founder and Race Director of Terrain Trail Runners–STL, sits down with Jeremy Long, the Founder and Race Director behind Daybreak Racing — an organization that has spent more than a decade showcasing some of the most beautiful, rugged, and challenging races in the Pacific Northwest. In this episode, we take a deep dive into Jeremy’s journey into trail and ultrarunning, his evolution as a race director, and what it means to steward some of the most beloved events along the Oregon Coast and across the PNW. From the iconic Gorge Waterfalls to the Hood Hundred and the Tillamook Burn, Daybreak Racing now hosts 12 annual events, each one a celebration of wild landscapes and intentional race design. A thoughtful conversation with one of the region’s leading trail and ultrarunning organizations — and the perfect way to kick-off Spring.

TURD Podcast – Season 2, Episode 3.0 Queeny Backyard Ultra: Post‑Race Chit Chat Host and Race Director of the Queeny Backyard Ultra, Shalini Bhajjan, sits down with the top male and female performers from the 2026 edition of the race. In this episode, Shalini talks with Jeff Walker, the overall winner of QBU and the 2026 Silver Ticket winner into Big’s Backyard Ultra, and Stephanie Rosebaugh, the overall female champion of QBU. This special edition takes a deep dive into the 2026 Silver Ticket race—exploring Jeff and Stephanie’s goals, how the race unfolded for each of them, and what it took to keep moving forward one loop at a time. They break down the wild all‑season weather, the three‑hour weather hold, and the strategies, fueling, gear, and mindset that carried them through. They also share what the rest of their 2026 season has in store. A spirited and insightful conversation for anyone who loves the backyard format—or anyone curious why this race style keeps pulling runners back for more.

🎙️ TEASER SCRIPT — TURD Podcast, S2E3 March is just around the corner, but we couldn’t wait — so we’re dropping the next episode of the TURD Podcast early. This month, we’re teaming up with the American Trail Running Association (ATRA). You’ll hear from ATRA Executive Director Nancy Hobbs as she shares how ATRA is supporting and elevating the trail running community nationwide. Then host Shalini Bhajjan sits down with Lazarus Lake, the creative force behind some of the most imaginative and community‑driven trail events out there. From his early days experimenting with grassroot races to the evolution of his signature events, Lazarus opens up about who Gary Cantrell was before taking on the persona of Lazarus Lake — and how he went on to become one of the most influential race directors in the world, curating some of the most challenging endurance events known to the ultrarunning community.

TURD Podcast S2: Deep Dive Chit Chat — Queeny Backyard Ultra Silver Ticket Edition Host and Race Director of the Queeny Backyard Ultra, Shalini Bhajjan, brings you a special St. Louis–proud episode dedicated to our very own backyard‑style ultra. Shalini sits down with four voices who know QBU inside and out: Tim Landewe (Course Designer), Jen Ullery, Cody Eubanks, and Stormy Hild — each with their own history, perspective, and battle scars from the loops at Queeny. This special edition takes a deep dive into the 2026 Silver Ticket race, exploring QBU from four different angles and unpacking what makes backyard ultras so uniquely addictive: the community, the push for distance PRs, the mental chess match, the physical unraveling, and the mysterious moment when the “never‑ending race” finally breaks an athlete’s mind or body. A lively, insightful conversation for anyone who loves the backyard format — or wants to understand why this style of racing has captured so many hearts (and legs).

February is here — which means it’s time for your monthly dose of the TURD Podcast (Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast). 🎙️ Season 2, Episode 2 Host Shalini Bhajjan (Founder/Race Director, Terrain Trail Runners–STL) sits down with John Storkamp, Founder and Race Director of Rocksteady Running. This episode takes a deep dive into John’s journey into trail and ultrarunning, his evolution as a race director, and what it means to steward some of the most beloved events in the Upper Midwest — including the legendary Superior Fall 100, one of the oldest and most scenic point‑to‑point 100‑mile races in the region. A thoughtful conversation with one of the sport’s most respected RDs — and a perfect way to kick off February.

Happy New Year! We’re kicking off Season 2 of the Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast (TURD Podcast) with one of America’s classic ultras. Now in its 44th year, the Ice Age Trail 50 remains one of the oldest continuously running ultramarathons in the country. 🎙️ Season 2, Episode 1 Host Shalini Bhajjan (Founder/Race Director, Terrain Trail Runners–STL) sits down with Jeff Mallach (Race Director, Ice Age Trail 50) for a relaxed, insightful conversation. They dig into the race’s rich history, its evolution over four decades, what keeps the Ice Age Trail 50 thriving, its devoted community, and how Jeff continues to influence and support the Midwest trail‑running scene. They also explore Jeff’s personal running journey and how he came to lead one of the most iconic ultras in the country.

It’s December, and that means it’s time for a new episode of the Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast (TURD Podcast)! 🎙️ Season 1, Episode 9 — Season Finale: Race Directors Jam! In this special finale, host Shalini Bhajjan (Founder/Race Director, Terrain Trail Runners-STL) sits down with Katy Farrell (Co-Owner/Co-RD, Rainshadow Running) and Amy Rusiecki (Race Director, Vermont 100 & Beast Coast Trail Running) for an open and honest discussion on some of the most pressing topics in our sport: • Diversity, inclusion, and non-binary & transgender policies • Athletes with disabilities • Rising race registration costs • Giving back to the community • Increasing women’s participation • Race directing as a business Tune in to hear three unique perspectives from three different regions and three experienced race directors!

It’s November, and that means it’s time for a new episode of the Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast (TURD Podcast)! In Season 1, Episode 8, host Shalini Bhajjan chats with Keira Henninger—Race Director behind Keira Henninger Races. From her early running days to leading some of Southern California’s oldest ultras and managing 11 annual events, Keira shares her inspiring journey and the powerful impact she’s making in the trail running world. Tune in to discover what makes SoCal trail and ultrarunning so special!

It’s October—and that means it’s TURD time! Welcome to your monthly dose of the Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast (TURD Podcast). In Season 1, Episode 7, your host Shalini Bhajjan sits down with Carrie Baris, Race Director of the Hellbender 100 and President of the Run828 Foundation. Tune in to hear Carrie’s journey—from her roots in running to leading one of the toughest 100-milers in the Southeast—and learn more about the impactful work she’s doing through Run828 Foundation.