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In this episode, Troy Meadows talks with Mathias Eichler, a race director, podcast host, and trail runner. They discuss Mathias' background, his love for running and trails, his involvement in the Trail Running Film Festival, being a race director and owner of Rock Candy Running events, and his podcast, the original Singletrack Pocdcast.
They also talk about the challenges of balancing work, family, and running, and Matthias' goals for 2024. The conversation delves into the grassroots nature of trail running events and the impact of corporate influence, particularly in the context of UTMB and Ironman. T
he discussion explores the differences between European and American trail running cultures and the challenges of preserving the grassroots spirit while growing and expanding events. The conversation also touches on the importance of effective communication and the need for unity within the trail running community.
Things we talked about on the show
Trail Running Film Festival
03:34 Finding Running and Trails
10:16 Running in Europe vs. America
13:37 The Trail Running Film Festival
23:40 Rock Candy Running Events
32:13 The Singletrack Podcast
46:41 Balancing Work, Family, and Running
01:31:44 Personal Feelings about UTMB
01:32:28 European Perspective on UTMB
01:34:24 Broken Arrow Race
01:37:57 Grassroots Events and Relationships
01:38:24 Defining Grassroots Events
01:38:54 Hard Rock and Western States as Grassroots Events
01:41:19 Possibility of European and American Grassroots Events
01:42:43 UTMB and Vale Resort Partnership
01:43:46 Different Cultures in Europe and America
01:45:37 UTMB's Grassroots Status
01:46:04 UTMB's Growth and Corporate Influence
01:47:48 Ironman's Influence and Brand Partnerships
01:48:16 Different Cultures in Europe and America
01:48:45 European Infrastructure and Culture
01:49:31 Limited Opportunities for Large Events in America
01:53:46 UTMB's Desire for a Race in Canada
01:54:32 Ironman's Influence and Brand Partnerships
01:55:22 UTMB's Communication and PR
02:07:41 Trail Running Culture and Communication
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