A recent article on irunfar.com made quite a splash, when the [white] authors called for feedback on the new 'progressive' initiatives launched by the Pro Trail Runners Association, and BIPOC women answered by calling out the lack of intersectionality and diversity.

In this episode, Stef and Carolyn address the harm that was caused while still acknowledging the good intent behind the initiatives, and they discuss the bigger picture of why feminism and inclusivity must be addressed with an openness to accountability.

Show Notes

1:25 - diving into Western States 100 (WSER) and the [lack of] diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility

4:00 - "you can be a good human and still make mistakes"

5:10 - overview of WSER, including pre-race events

7:30 - context for on-going concerns with spotlight ultra events such as WSER/UTMB and the driving force behind initiatives for change

9:50 - "what we don't need is continued divisiveness; we need to hold accountability and a path forward in how to educate and work together."

11:20 - "let's not make the mistake of making the discomfort of addressing a problem, the actual problem."

12:25 - article on irunfar and what was problematic about it

15:50 - inclusion is not implied; it needs to be explicitly addressed

17:40 - DM from BIPOC ultra trail runner who was at WSER

23:55 - the imperative to speak up and why it matters

24:50 - the cost of the White Gaze

29:10 - not acknowledging an aspect (like race) of a person is erasure

37:20 - what would it be like to be able to purely focus on performance goals without having to also hold the weight of inequities, invisibility, and representation?

43:00 - burnout

54:35 - real change happens when you enter into relationships

58:50 - true inclusion requires safety

1:03:00 - looking ahead

Additional Links:

GU Energy Labs and their work with Rising Hearts and athlete Alexandria Staten

Filmmaker and Rising Hearts founder, Jordan Whetstone

Filmmaker and Podcaster, Faith E. Briggs, who intentionally centers work by BIPOC individuals across the globe

Find Stef ⁠here⁠

Find Carolyn ⁠here⁠ and ⁠here⁠