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!