Finding Our Tribe: Terry Chiplin and the US Trail Running Conference Story

This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're diving deep into the heart of the trail running community with a very special guest: Terry Chiplin, the driving force behind the US Trail Running Conference!Terry shares his personal and inspiring journey into running, from his childhood in England to the transformative landscapes of Colorado. We'll hear about the spark that ignited his passion for the sport and how that passion led to the creation of the US Trail Running Conference.But this isn't just about a conference; it's about the incredible community that makes trail running so unique. Terry discusses the challenges faced by race directors, the importance of inclusivity, and the evolution of the conference to embrace diverse voices.More than just a race or an event, running for Terry is a connection – to nature, to oneself, and to the unparalleled camaraderie of the running world. Get ready to feel the excitement as we talk about the upcoming conference in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the bright future of trail running!GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎉 Follow the Dirt and Vert Instagram page and find the podcast release post with Terry and share the post to your story, and tag 5 trail-loving friends for a chance to win a FREE one-day pass to the US Trail Running Conference (Wednesday 15th, Thursday 16th, or Friday 17th)! Don't miss out on this chance to connect with the heart of our sport.Plus, our amazing listeners get an EXCLUSIVE discount! Use code 2025DIRTVERT40 when registering for the 3-day Race Director option before May 2nd at this link: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=121458 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Trail Running and Terry Chiplin06:06 Terry's Journey: From Childhood to Running Passion12:04 The Transition: Rediscovering Running After a Dark Period17:51 Establishing a Life in Colorado and Trail Running Camps23:59 The Birth of the US Trail Running Conference30:04 The Evolution of the Conference and Its Impact36:10 Current Status and Future of the Conference46:29 Conference Schedule and Activities48:12 Merchandise and Vendor Opportunities52:59 Personal Journey and Motivation for Running01:00:00 Favorite Trails and Running Experiences01:09:20 Community and Networking at the Conference