After three years away from race directing, legendary Texas trail running organizer Rob Goyen is officially back with the launch of Rise Racing Co. In this candid conversation with Chris Detzel on DFW Running Talk, Rob opens up about his journey from stepping away in 2022 to his current role as a contractor with Ultra Signup, and why the pull to return to race directing became impossible to ignore.

Rob shares the personal struggles that led to his hiatus - from wanting to be present for his young daughter Ruby to dealing with "race director nightmares" that signaled his readiness to return. He discusses his transition from Ultra Signup employee to contractor, ensuring complete separation from company data and operations while maintaining his role helping race directors succeed on the platform.

The conversation dives deep into Rise Racing's inaugural event: the Tex Miss Trail Race at Bucher State Park on December 13th, 2025. Featuring distances from 7 miles to 107K, this Christmas-themed trail party promises to showcase Rob's signature style - big, bold, fun events with serious buckles and a 20-hour cutoff for the ultra distance.

Rob also reveals his broader vision for Rise Racing: 6-8 races annually across Texas, including returns to beloved locations like Surfside Beach and San Antonio. He emphasizes community building over pure competition, discussing plans for ambassador teams, elite support, and collaborative races with other directors. His partnership with longtime colleague Amanda and focus on welcoming the growing "lifestyle trail running" demographic signal an evolution in his approach.

This episode captures both the business strategy and personal passion behind one of Texas trail running's most influential figures as he prepares to re-enter the sport that shaped his identity. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to trail running, Rob's insights into community building, race organization, and the explosive growth of running clubs offer valuable perspective on where the sport is headed.