The Directors

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 for the dedicated climber. We dive into the history of the gym, the risky but rewarding business model of prioritizing "true" climbers over beginners, and the unique challenges of staying profitable while maintaining a no-frills, high-intensity brand. It’s a candid look at the business of climbing and what it takes to build a community that values the craft of the sport above all else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 logistically challenging event in the world is leaving local residents and small businesses in the dust. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 of that scale to life. The conversation also explores the origins of both Trail Fest and the Mammoth 200, along with broader topics shaping the trail running world, such as how to approach prize money and the trade-offs between staying independent or joining major series like UTMB or Golden Trail. It’s a wide-ranging discussion that any fan of the sport will enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 community—and lay out a plan to attend new events together, using those experiences to gain fresh insights and inspiration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 covers safety protocols for extreme mountain races, the essential role of community in keeping the tradition alive, and what’s ahead as Mount Marathon approaches its 100th running. Matias also reflects on his dual perspective as both a runner and race director, sharing how he works to preserve the race’s authenticity even as its popularity continues to grow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 realities of producing ultra events. Finn also shares his thoughts on the rise of 200-mile races, new opportunities for trail events, and where he sees the future of the trail running community heading. It's a great conversation and we hope you give it a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 competition will be structured. The conversation also covers how the Enhanced Games recruits athletes, its overarching mission, and the issues it aims to address within the Olympic system. It’s a fascinating and thought-provoking episode and we hope you give it a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 taking shape, and how it fits into the bigger picture of pro running leading into the 2028 Olympic Trials. Ben and Cooper also chat about how the stress of coaching compares to the stress of race directing, Ben’s evolving role in the world of pro running, and what’s next in his career. It's a great conversation and we hope you give it a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 conversation also covers the unique challenges of leading multi-day running trips versus traditional races, the business model behind adventure travel, and what it takes to market and sell outdoor experiences. Abe also shares insights into the broader guiding industry and where he sees this niche heading in the years ahead.You can learn more about Aspire Adventure Running here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 storytelling, and how events can better connect with their communities. It’s a wide-ranging conversation full of insight for anyone working in or around the endurance space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 conversation covers how the sport of ultrarunning has evolved—from a grassroots community to one increasingly influenced by brands and big business. John doesn’t shy away from addressing some of the sport’s growing pains, including the risks posed by inexperienced race organizers. He also talks about how he maintains optimism in the face of these challenges and what the future holds for both himself and the broader trail community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the idea came from, what inspired it, and how it took shape. He also reflects on how the event has evolved over time, including the thinking behind creative decisions like bringing in a major celebrity DJ to headline this year’s lineup. The conversation dives into the business of event production: partnering with brands, navigating sponsorships, envisioning the future of fitness festivals, and managing the unpredictable realities of live events. It’s a great conversation, and we hope you give it a listen.You can learn more about Faces of Fitness Chicago here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 kayaking, running, slackline, DockDogs, rafting, SUP’ing, mountain and road cycling, climbing, fishing, disc golf, and more. Dave shares insights on navigating unpredictable elements like river conditions and weather, the importance of strong partnerships, and how today's economic climate is impacting the world of events.Give the episode a listen and let us know what you think. You can find out more about the GoPro Mountain Games, taking place this year on June 5–8 in Vail, Colorado here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 courses for all four rounds. They also share some thoughts about why this format is so much fun and the weirdness that virtual racing always brings. For more information on Beat the Heat visit our website at www.trialsofmilesracing.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 happen around the race. They also dive into the economics behind organizing a world major marathon and the impact of the World Marathon Majors series. Give the episode and listen and let us know what you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 come with managing races. She also discusses her motivation for taking over the Colorado Relays and her vision for its future.The conversation highlights the unique aspects of race directing, including the non-financial rewards that come from this profession. It also gets into how new races are born and when it makes sense to retire them. Mandy is an exceptional figure in the race director community, and we hope you’ll take the time to hear her inspiring story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 expect. Toward the end of the episode, the conversation shifts to the newly released 2025 Diamond League schedule, where they explore how it aligns with the USATF calendar, the Grand Slam schedule, and emerging upstarts like Athlos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the races and storylines. The conversation also touches on the integration of betting with DraftKings and how the event schedule was crafted. Finally, they explore what the future holds for Athlos, its place in the broader events landscape, and the business model driving this unique event. Tune in and let us know your thoughts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 increased prize money at the Diamond League meets. The duo also previews the much-anticipated Athlos Meet in NYC and talk about the recent collab between Red Bull and Prada. Tune in, and let us know what you think! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 he’s used to bring on brand partners, and how he’s turned this race into a 365-day evergreen event. Brian is one of the best in the business and this conversation is jam packed with valuable information. It's well worth a listen for anyone in the race industry.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 hear the story of how it all began, its growth over the years, and what makes it such a unique and celebrated event. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 listen and let us know what you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 special focus on the coverage of Olympic track and field events. They also get into where track and field stands once the Olympic spotlight fades and discusses the emergence of new leagues and events like Grand Slam Track and Athlos. They also explore what these new leagues need to do to distinguish themselves from the grandeur of the Olympics. This wide-ranging conversation is a must-listen for fans of the sport. We hope you enjoy it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 also chat about the role of the Competition Director, how Boz thinks about picking events for the games, and what a sport like track & field can learn from the success of the CrossFit Games. It's a really fun conversation and we hope you give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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 challenges associated with putting on an event of this size. Nils also talks a little about the future of the Speed Project and shares where he derives inspiration for events. It's a great conversation and we hope you give it a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 landscape, and how they can make the business model work. Give the conversation a listen and let us know what you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Field, and what goes into scheduling a 6,000 person event. They also share some of their favorite moments from the meet and discuss what this might look like moving forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 markings and more. Give the episode a listen and let us know what you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Coast's expansion overseas, the demand for multi-day relay races, and the future of this style of event. This is an amazing organization run by some amazing people. We hope you give the conversation a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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 Tyler's unique and evolving role as community leader. Tyler also chats about the business of run clubs, how Endorphins manages its relationships with brands, and what the future holds in store. This is one of the most fun conversations that we've recorded so far and we hope you take some time to give it a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 RunnerSpace or can come to the stadium to watch all the action live. See you under the lights! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 process required to get the trials to your city. Jon also chats about what the future of the Trials looks like in 2028 and beyond. It's a great conversation and a must listen for any fans of this incredible race. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the carbon footprint of races, and the economics of carbon offsets. Aimee also shares some practical advice for race directors who want to begin thinking about lowering their own event footprints and talks about the challenges that she sees as her events continue to grow. There's a ton of super valuable information in this conversation and we hope you give it a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 this year despite the fact that Wisconsin got almost no snow. Give the episode a listen and hear how they pivoted and all that goes into putting on a ski race with 13,000 competitors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another mailbag episode where Cooper and Dave chat through some topics from the world of racing and events. This week's episode includes talk about the Speed Project, World Cross Country, declining triathlon participation numbers, and talk of a new pro track series in the works. Give the conversation a listen and let us know what you think. If you have any suggestions for future mailbag episodes let us know! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper sit down with David Trimble, the man behind some of NYC's most iconic races including the Red Hook Crit and the Midnight Half. During the conversation David shares the story of how the Red Hook Crit got started and explains why it no longer exists today. David also unpacks the differences between putting on running and cycling events and shares some important lessons that race directors in the running space can learn from cycling events. It's a great conversation and we hope you give it a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper chat about the experience of directing the 2024 installment of New Balance Indoor Nationals. During the conversation they discuss the logistics associated with hosting the event in two locations, the challenges associated with covering and highlighting field events, and share some of their highlights of the weekend. Give the episode a listen and let us know what you think! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Directors Dave and Cooper chat with Aaron Robison the Associate Director of the Penn Relays. During the conversation they chat about what makes the Penn Relays so special, what other meet directors can learn from this iconic event, and the challenges associated with organizing America's largest track meet. Aaron is a true historian of the sport and this is a can't miss conversation for any track fan. Give it a listen and let us know what you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.