The Intersection of Trail Running, Politics, & White Supremacy

This conversation was inspired by recent events, but as the hosts make clear, this lack of accountability isn't new. Verna, Stefanie, and Alison provide context and critique around why and how running is always inherently political, especially trail running, and how the power structure of white supremacy continues to play out in these spaces. In this episode, there is also celebration. Among the highlights, the hosts talk about the accomplishments of former Earthmovers guest Tuvshin Baatar–at 58, he finished the 2026 Western States 100-miler, cheered on by his parents, both in their 90s, who flew over from Mongolia for the event.  EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast EARTHMOVERS on Substack: earthmoverspodcast.substack.com Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor  Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com Mentioned in this Episode  Earthmovers episode ft. Dora Atim: youtu.be/4pn-DIV4V0s?si=bXZqZw5OOfj-MpEe Earthmovers episode ft. Tuvshin Baatar: youtu.be/uRyGRXrOWek?si=-7ZjvbYQ0Auz4WK0 Tuvshin Baartar's story on Instagram, via GU: instagram.com/reel Tuvshin Baatar Earthmovers Substack post: earthmoverspodcast.substack.com/p/catching-up-with-tuvshin-baatar  Tressie McMillan Cottom New York Times article "How an Empty Internet Gave Us Tradwives and Trump": nytimes.com/2024/11/21/opinion/trump-trad-wives-podcasters-wellness EARTHMOVERS Hosts  Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir  Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin