TURD Podcast

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 6This 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.

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 4This 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.

🎙️ TEASER SCRIPT — TURD Podcast, S2E3March 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.

February is here — which means it’s time for your monthly dose of the TURD Podcast (Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast).🎙️ Season 2, Episode 2Host 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.

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 businessTune in to hear three unique perspectives from three different regions and three experienced race directors!

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.

It's August!Here is your monthly dose of the TURD Podcast AKA Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast.TURD Podcast S1E5, your host Shalini Bhajjan, is joined by Amy Rusiecki, Race Director - Vermont 100 & Beast Coast Trail Running. Get to know Amy Rusiecki, her real-world job, running background, all things Beast Coast Trail Running and how she came to be the RD of Vermont 100!

It's officially June and here's your monthly dose of the TURD Podcast AKA Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast!TURD Podcast S1E3, your host ⁠@shalinibhajjan⁠ is joined by ⁠@kathryn_ann_farrell the Co-Owner/Co-Race Director of ⁠@rainshadowrunning⁠. ■ Rainshadow Running currently hosts over a dozen trail running events in the Pacific Northwest including the brutiful Teanaway Country 100M.Dive into who Katy Farrell is, her running background, and how she came to be the Co-Owner/Co-Race Director (RD) for all things Rainshadow Running!

Welcome to Season 1 - Episode 1 of the TURD Podcast AKA Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast! In this episode, Shalini Bhajjan, the founder/race director for Terrain Trail Runners-STL, talks with Dale Garland the race director for one of the most iconic 100Mi races, Hardrock 100.Dive into who is Dale Garland, his running history, background and how he came to be the race director (RD) of Hardrock 100, a grueling 100-mile ultramarathon through the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Credits:Elaine Sims - House of Machka ProductionMusic: Leadwood Folk