The Directors

The Directors

By Trials of Miles Racing LLCSportsBusinessEntrepreneurshipRunning
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The Directors episodes

  • 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 

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  • 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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 4 min
  • 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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 1 min
  • 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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  • 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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  • 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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  • Brooks Bash: The Earthy 5000
    On this episode, Cooper sits down with Brooks Bash, founder of Earthy, who’s in the middle of one of the wildest challenges you can imagine: the Earthy 5000. Brooks talks about what the first seven days have looked like, why he decided to take this on, where it’s headed, and the hurdles of trying to sell 5,000 bags of his product. It’s a quick conversation, but a wild ride—give it a listen.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min
  • Chris Tolley: The Driveway Series
    In this episode, Cooper Knowlton interviews Chris Tolley, the man behind the Driveway Series in Austin, Texas. They discuss the unique aspects of the Driveway Series, including its location, race formats, and community engagement. Chris shares insights into the challenges of promoting cycling events, the barriers to entry for new participants, and the importance of sponsorship and community support. They also explore the potential for integrating running events into the Driveway Series and the inspiration Chris draws from other event series around the world.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 1 min
  • Trials of Miles: 2025 Midyear Performance Review
    On this episode of The Directors, Dave and Cooper sit down for a midyear review of the Trials of Miles business. From the best moments to the biggest flops, they reflect on what worked, what didn't and everything in-between. The conversation is candid, wide-ranging, and filled with behind-the-scenes insights into what it’s really like running an event company in the endurance space. They also look ahead at what’s coming up for the second half of the year and beyond. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
  • Alison Wade: Fast Women
    On this episode of The Directors, Cooper sits down with Alison Wade, the voice behind Fast Women, the go-to newsletter and media platform covering women's distance running. They dive into how Fast Women got started, what it takes to build a business around a niche sport, and the realities of running an independent media company in today’s brand-driven landscape. The conversation also touches on the Nike Breaking2 Project, Athlos, and the broader state of the sport today. It’s a wide-ranging, thoughtful conversation and we hope you give it a listen.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min

About The Directors

From the publisher's feed

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…