PODCAST · sports
The Directors
by Trials of Miles Racing LLC
Conversations with innovative race directors from the Trials of Miles team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
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Jeremy Long: Hood Hundred
On this episode of The Directors, Cooper sits down with Jeremy Long, founder and lead race director for Daybreak Racing, to discuss the 2026 Hood Hundred and the wildfire that altered this year's event. Jeremy recounts how his team initially pivoted to reroute the race when the fire broke out…
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Victor Zeitoune & Austin Lo: The $1 Ultra Part II
On this episode of The Directors, Cooper sits down with Austin Lo and Victor Zeitoune to break down the second installment of the legendary $1 Ultra. Staged out of a restaurant in the heart of Times Square, this year’s event was bigger, bolder, and even wilder than the first. Hundreds of runners...
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Iram Leon: Zilker Relays
On this episode of The Directors, Cooper sits down with Iram Leon, the race director for the Austin Runners Club, who manages the Zilker Relays, the Decker Challenge, and the Daisy Dash—three of Austin's most iconic events. During the chat, Iram shares how he first got involved in race directing,...
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Andrew Onermaa: Doom
What does it take to organize a 400-mile unsupported bikepacking race through some of the most unforgiving terrain in the country? In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Onermaa, the mastermind and race director behind Doom, an epic self-supported bikepacking race through the Ozarks. Andrew…
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Building (and Rebuilding) GP-81 with Cliff Simanski
In this episode, we sit down with Cliff Simanski, the founder of GP-81, to go behind the scenes of one of the country’s most respected climbing gyms. While the broader industry pivots toward "fitness-center" models and mass-market appeal, Cliff has doubled down on a business built specifically…
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The Strip is Closed (And No One Is Winning)
Formula 1 promised Las Vegas a billion-dollar windfall, but for the people who actually live and work in the valley, the reality looks more like a six-month traffic jam. In this episode, we chat with Alan Snel, founder of LVSportsbiz.com and a veteran LV sports reporter on why the most…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Aron D'Souza: The Enhanced Games
On this episode of The Directors, Cooper sits down with Aron D’Souza, President of The Enhanced Games. They dive into what the first edition of the Enhanced Games will look like when it debuts in Las Vegas in 2026, explore the event’s unique business model, and discuss how the track and field...
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Ben Rosario: The Marathon Project
On this episode of The Directors, Cooper sits down with Ben Rosario, the former head coach of NAZ Elite and the current director of the Marathon Project, returning this December in Arizona. Ben takes us through the origins of the Marathon Project during the pandemic, why and how version two is...
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Abram Dickerson: Aspire Adventure Running
On this episode of The Directors, Cooper sits down with Abram Dickerson, founder and director of Aspire Adventure Running. During the conversation they dive into Abraham's journey building Aspire and exploring how the company blends trail running with immersive backcountry experiences. The...
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Peter Abraham: Abraham Content Marketing Studio
On this episode of The Directors, Cooper sits down with Peter Abraham — former CMO of the LA Marathon and founder of Abraham Content Marketing Studio. They talk about the All-American Rejects tour, what running can learn from the world of cycling, the future of livestreaming, the power of...
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John Lacroix: The Human Potential Running Series
On this episode of The Directors, Cooper sits down with John LaCroix, the founder and director of the Human Potential Race Series. John shares the origin story behind the series and his path into race directing, offering a unique perspective shaped by two decades in trail and ultrarunning. The...
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David Grass: Faces of Fitness Chicago
In this episode, Cooper chats with David Grass, founder of Faces of Fitness Chicago, a two-day, festival-style event that brings together top studio classes, celebrity instructors, and an immersive wellness experience in the heart of Chicago. David shares the origin story of the festival — where...
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Dave Dressman: Mountain Games
On this episode of The Directors, Cooper sits down with Dave Dressman, the Event Director of the GoPro Mountain Games. They dive into the origin story of this iconic multi-sport festival and the immense challenge of managing 11 adventure sport disciplines and over 30 competitions—including...
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Introducing Beat the Heat
On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper sit down and chat about the upcoming Trials of Miles virtual racing tournament Beat the Heat. During the episode they chat about the format of the competition, how the rules differ from Chase the Throne, and some of the basic guidelines around...
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The Coachella of Distance Running
On this episode of The Directors, Dave and Cooper dig into the Super Bowl of distance running—the NYC Marathon. They discuss the controversial disqualification of Matt Choi, chat about the list of the most "tracked" athletes during the race, and explore the explosion of brand activations that...
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Mandy Mullen: Run Windsor
On this episode of The Directors, Dave and Cooper sit down with Mandy Mullen, the director of the Run Windsor race series in Windsor, Colorado, and the Colorado Relays. On the episode Mandy shares her journey into race directing, the growth and expansion of her business, and the challenges that...
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Cooper & Dave: A Baldy Recap and 2025 Preview
In this one-on-one episode, Dave and Cooper start things off with a recap the Mt. Baldy 5000. They then discuss several upcoming Trials of Miles events, including the Golden Gate Relay, the Beantown Winter Classic, and the Montclair Doughnut Run, providing insights into what participants can...
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Cooper & Dave: Athlos NYC First Impressions
On this episode of The Directors, Dave and Cooper sit down just days after the Athlos NYC meet to share their first impressions of this new contender in the track and field world. They break down the event’s presentation, the impressive production quality, and discuss the excitement surrounding…
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Cooper & Dave: 1v1 Races, The Sphere, Prada, and Athlos
On this episode of The Directors, Dave and Cooper sit down for a one-on-one chat to dive into the latest happenings in the world of events. They break down the thrilling 1v1 race between Mondo and Warholm, discuss the recent UFC event held at the Sphere, and chat about the announcement of…
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Brian Mister: Around the Crown 10k Recap
On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper catchup with Brian Mister shortly after he wrapped up his 6th year directing the Around the Crown 10k in Charlotte, NC. During the conversation Brian shares some of the strategies he’s used to get 25% year over year growth, the creative thinking…
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Sarah Stutman: Sea Otter Classic
This week on the podcast, Cooper sits down with Sarah Stutman from Life Time to discuss the Sea Otter Classic. Held every April in Monterey, CA, this event is more than just a race—it's a multi-day festival and expo that has become one of the largest gatherings in the cycling world. Tune in to…
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Mailbag Episode: Cross Country, CrossFit, and More...
On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper sit down for a one-on-one episode where they chat about how to make cross country more popular, the death of an athlete at the CrossFit games, the Marathon for the People at the Paris Olympics, the Fanatics Fest NYC and more. Give the episode a...
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Dipen Shah: Track & Field After Paris
On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper chat with Dipen Shah the mastermind behind Karmarush, one of the leading provider of results and broadcast technologies in the world of track and field. During the conversation they dive into the experience of watching the 2024 Olympics, with a...
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Adrian Bozman: The CrossFit Games
On this episode of the Directors Cooper sits down for a one-on-one with Adrian Bozman, CrossFit's Competition Director. During the conversation they discuss the history of the CrossFit Games, the structure of the CrossFit Games season, and the unique format of the individual competitions. They…
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The Craziest Week of the Summer
On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper sit down and recap one of the craziest stretches in the history of Trials of Miles. This includes a conversation about the Twilight 5000 series, the first year of the D.C. Crit, and the iconic 5k on the Beach. They also chat a little bit about the...
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Nils Arend: The Speed Project
On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper chat with Nils Arend the founder of the Speed Project, the epic LA to LV unsanctioned relay race. During the conversation Nils shares the Speed Project's origin story, talks about how the event has evolved and grown, and talks about the biggest...
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Grand Slam Track First Impressions
On this weeks episode of the podcast Dave and Cooper chat about watching the Olympic Trials and share their immediate impressions about the Grand Slam Track league. The conversation on Grand Slam Track touches on the three day event format, how the league fits into the current pro track…
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New Balance Nationals Outdoor 2024 Recap
On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper chat about their experience directing the 2024 installment of the New Balance National Outdoor meet. During the conversation they discuss how they applied learnings from year one to improve this year's event, the challenges associated with Franklin...
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NYC Trail Fest: A Day of Stumbles and Falls
On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper chat about the experience of directing NYC Trail Fest, a day that brought more than its fair share of challenges. During the conversation they touch upon shuttle buses not showing up, last minute changes to the course, problems with the course...
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Felicia Hubber: Hood to Coast
On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper chat with Felicia Hubber the director of the iconic Hood to Coast Relay. During the conversation they unpack the history of the race and the unique challenges associated with managing an event that spans over 200 miles. They also discuss Hood to...
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Mailbag: The Future of Pro Track
On this one-on-one episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper chat about Track Night NYC, the future of pro running, the "most popular running event in the word" and more. Give the episode a listen and let us know what you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Tyler Swartz: Endorphins Running
On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper chat with Tyler Swartz, the founder of Endorphins, one of the largest and fastest growing run clubs in the country. During the conversation Tyler shares the Endorphins origin story, the fundamental values that have led to the club's growth, and...
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Trials of Miles at Icahn Preview Show
On this special edition of the Directors Dave and Cooper chat about Friday night's event at Icahn Stadium in NYC. They unpack some of the top athletes to watch in the high school and elite races, and also share some of the storylines to watch for in the open races. You can watch all the action on...
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Jon Hughes: The Olympic Trials Marathon
On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper chat with Jon Hughes the director of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon in Orlando. During the conversation Jon explains why this race presents so many incredibly unique challenges, the Olympic Trials Marathon business model, and the bidding...
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Aimee Kohler: The Running Kind
On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper sit down with Aimee Kohler the director of A Running Kind, a PA based events company that hosts carbon neutral events. During the conversation they discuss the challenges associated with putting on carbon neutral events, the biggest contributors to...
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Kristy Maki: The American Birkebeiner
On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper chat with Kristy Maki the Director of the Berkie (or the American Birkebeiner) the biggest cross country ski race in America. During the conversation they chat about the history of the event and how Kristy and her team managed to pull off the event...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Conversations with innovative race directors from the Trials of Miles team.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HOSTED BY
Trials of Miles Racing LLC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Directors have?
The Directors currently has 61 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Directors about?
Conversations with innovative race directors from the Trials of Miles team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How often does The Directors release new episodes?
The Directors has 61 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Directors?
You can listen to The Directors on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Directors?
The Directors is created and hosted by Trials of Miles Racing LLC.
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