“Everyone is welcome from the elite athlete to somebody doing their first trail race to somebody doing their first ultra, someone starting in the trail community, somebody that's retiring from running. We really support all those racers. Sustainability means a lot to me. Community means a lot to me.”

Kara Leinweber is a trail runner and race director, for Lewiston Ultra Events, who is community-driven and focused. It’s clear she’s very passionate about putting on events and ensuring they have a purpose. It was awesome hearing her speak about doing everything with intention. It was also awesome having her drop some news about a potential new 100-mile race! You might think that’s the only news she dropped during the interview, but you’d be wrong. This one’s a doozy and I’m so happy Kara and I got to chat about her trail life and what’s important to her when it comes to trail races.

“I wouldn't say the course (Shuswap) is a reflection of me, but I would say it's a reflection of what I look for when I participate in an event or an ultra. When I go to sign up for an event, one of the first things I'm looking at is, I like viewpoints. I really do. Exposure is my thing. It's not everybody's thing. Single track, not old quad roads.

I feel like if I was to say something reflects me accurately, it would probably be my start finish line area. I think this is very accurate. I have the best playlist. I have been told that so many times!”

Kara was a blast to chat with. I can’t wait to hear what you all think of this episode and if you’re excited for the new races?!

You can learn more about the decision to put Shuswap Ultra on hold here.

Sign up and learn more about BC Backyard here.

Sign up and learn more about Moose Mountain here.

Marathon Shuffle registration opens February 1

Ean Jackson, from episode 30 (chatting about the amazing Sunshine Coast Trail) reached out to let me know registration is opening for the Marathon Shuffle on February 1. You can read more about the event here.

Trail Running Film Festival tickets now available!

Thursday, April 4, 2024. The Rio Theatre. Doors at 6, show at 7.

Bring your noisemakers!

I’m so excited to host all of you amazing trail runners once again here in Vancouver, BC! The Rio Theatre is booked for Thursday, April 4, 2024, with the doors opening at 6 and the show starting at 7. We’re gonna do it bigger and better than last year and give this thing a festival vibe.

We have amazing sponsors lined up once again, we’ll have some great giveaways, another awesome guest, and a secret show opener that you’ll want to make noise for. Bring your cowbells, tambourines, or whatever you have to get loud, and let’s rock the Rio together!

Tickets are on sale now for $30.

Our local sponsors:

5 Peaks

Coast Mountain Trail Running Conquer the Vedder and Race to be Named

Distance Runwear

Ridgeline Athletics

Peaks N Valleys

Beast of Big Creek

Heads or Trails

Naak

We’re bringing the films to Alberta

A big step for us as we’re bringing the film festival to Edmonton, Calgary, Canmore, and now Blairmore! I’m incredibly excited to be able to hang out with more of you and share the film festival vibes. We’re still finalizing contracts with theatres, but our dates will be:

Tuesday, June 4, 2024, Edmonton (Garneau Theatre) Limited $20 early-bird tickets on sale Feb. 5!

Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Calgary (Globe Cinema)

Thursday, June 6, 2024, Canmore (Partnering with artsPlace)

Friday, June 7, 2024, Blairmore (Frank Slide Interpretive Centre partnering with Sinister Sports)

Click on the links above for the FB event pages to keep up to date. Keep an eye peeled for official announcements as we will let you know the moment these become official and tickets are listed for sale. I’m so pumped to hang out with you all!

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Music by Paolo Argentino from Pixabay

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If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :)

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