The Directors

By Trials of Miles Racing LLC

Conversations with innovative race directors from the Trials of Miles team.

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FAQs about The Directors:

How many episodes does The Directors have?

The podcast currently has 55 episodes available.

The Directors episodes:

November 13, 2025 Tim Tollefson: Trail Fest & The Mammoth
On this episode of The Directors, Cooper sits down with professional trail runner and race director Tim Tollefson, who leads Trail Fest and the Mammoth 200. They discuss Tim’s first year managing a 200-mile race—the lessons learned, the logistical challenges, and what it takes to bring an event of that scale to life. The conversation also explores the origins of both Trail Fest and the Mammoth 200, along with broader topics shaping the trail running world, such as how to approach prize money and the trade-offs between staying independent or joining major series like UTMB or Golden Trail. It’s a wide-ranging discussion that any fan of the sport will enjoy.
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1h 4min
November 07, 2025 Dave and Cooper: Bucket List Events
In this episode, Cooper and Dave catch up on the World Series, the NYC Marathon, and their bucket-list races—sharing stories about the best events they’ve experienced and what excites them most about future ones. They discuss what draws them to certain races—the history, the views, the community—and lay out a plan to attend new events together, using those experiences to gain fresh insights and inspiration.
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48min
October 30, 2025 Matias Saari: Mount Marathon
In this episode, Cooper sits down with Matias Saari, the race director of Alaska’s legendary Mount Marathon in Seward. They talk about Matias’s path to Alaska, the challenges of organizing a race in such a rugged setting, and the fascinating history behind this storied event. The conversation covers safety protocols for extreme mountain races, the essential role of community in keeping the tradition alive, and what’s ahead as Mount Marathon approaches its 100th running. Matias also reflects on his dual perspective as both a runner and race director, sharing how he works to preserve the race’s authenticity even as its popularity continues to grow.
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40min
October 23, 2025 Finn Melanson: Singletrack
In this episode of the Director's Cooper chats with Finn Melanson, host of the Singletrack podcast, to talk about his journey into race directing and the evolving landscape of trail running. We dive into the growth of his podcast Singletrack, emerging trends in the sport, and the economic realities of producing ultra events. Finn also shares his thoughts on the rise of 200-mile races, new opportunities for trail events, and where he sees the future of the trail running community heading. It's a great conversation and we hope you give it a listen.
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1h 4min
October 15, 2025 Cherie Yanek: Burning Man 50K
In this episode, Cooper Knowlton sits down with Cherie Yanek, the race director of the Burning Man 50K, to explore what it takes to organize an ultramarathon in one of the most unconventional settings on Earth. Cherie shares her journey from first-time burner to race director, offering insight into the logistics of building a course on the playa, managing unpredictable weather, and embracing the free-spirited, creative energy that defines Burning Man.

It’s one of the most unique events out there, a race that harkens back to the early spirit of the sport and the delightful weirdness that defines trail running. Give it a listen and let us know what you think. To learn more about the event, visit www.burningman50k.com
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37min
October 07, 2025 Michael Krajicek: Atreyu
In this conversation, Cooper Knowlton speaks with Michael Krajicek, founder of Atreyu Running, about his path to starting his own shoe company, the challenges of entering the footwear space, and the unique obstacles he faced along the way. Michael discusses the importance of running a business authentically—doing things your own way and not selling out. He also opens up about the difficult decision to begin winding down Atreyu, the impact of tariffs and outside market forces, and the lessons learned throughout the process. Finally, Michael reflects on what the next chapter looks like and how he’s thinking about what comes next. It's a really great conversation and we hope you give it a listen.
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1h 4min
October 01, 2025 Jeff Merrill: Portland Track
In this episode, Cooper Knowlton sits down with Jeff Merrill, president of Portland Track, to talk about the evolution of track and field and the role storytelling plays in growing the sport. They dig into the unique appeal of athletes like Josh Kerr, the importance of community engagement, and what it takes to make events sustainable. Jeff also shares lessons from his time with the Brooks Beasts and his experiences at the World Championships, underscoring the value of creating memorable moments for both athletes and fans. The conversation closes on a hopeful note, pointing to the opportunities ahead for track and field to grow and deepen its community connections.
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1h 1min
September 25, 2025 Cole Townsend: Running Supply
In this episode, Cooper Knowlton sits down with Cole Townsend, writer of the Running Supply newsletter, which covers the intersection of running and fashion. They discuss the evolution of the newsletter, the rise of new running brands, and the cultural dynamics shaping running apparel. Cole also shares insights on emerging labels, how pricing influences consumer behavior, and the future trends in the space. The conversation also dives into experiential marketing at running events, the saturation of marathon pop-ups, and Cole’s vision for the future of both his newsletter and the running industry. It's a great conversation and we hope you give it a listen.
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57min
September 18, 2025 Cliff Bosley: BOLDERBoulder
In this episode of The Directors, Cooper Knowlton talks with Cliff Bosley, the race director of the iconic BOLDERBoulder 10K. They discuss the race’s history and growth into one of the largest road races in the country, how BB elevates the professional races, and the challenges and innovations behind managing an event of this scale. Cliff also chats about how the team is preparing for the 50th anniversary and future of one of America's most iconic events. It's a great conversation and hope you give it a listen.
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46min
August 27, 2025 Victor Zeitoune & Austin Lo: The $1 Ultra
In this episode, Cooper Knowlton sits down with Austin Lo and Victor Zeitoune, the creators of the $1 Ultra, an unsanctioned backyard-style ultra they launched in NYC earlier this summer. They break down how the race format works, including its innovative $1 buy-in and prize money structure, and share stories from race day, including how they dealt with the parks department without having a permit. The discussion also dives into how athletes responded to the stripped-down, community-driven concept and what the future might look like for unsanctioned backyard ultras.
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44min

FAQs about The Directors:

How many episodes does The Directors have?

The podcast currently has 55 episodes available.