The countdown to July has begun. And with it, the anticipation for the 98th running of the Mount Marathon Race—an explosive, lung‑searing, tradition‑soaked battle up and down the cliffs of Seward, Alaska. Every Fourth of July, this tiny coastal town swells from 3,000 locals to nearly 30,000 spectators, all drawn by a race many call the toughest 5K on Earth.

Which means it’s time for another episode of the TURD Podcast (Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast).

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 7

This month, host Shalini Bhajjan, Founder and Race Director of Terrain Trail Runners–STL, sits down with Matias Saari, the man at the helm of Mount Marathon. A former elite mountain runner turned race director, Matias carries the weight of a century‑old legacy—guiding a race that has shaped Alaskan identity and tested generations of athletes.

We dive into his journey from journalism to race leadership, his stewardship of both Mount Marathon and the Equinox Marathon, and what it means to protect a race that’s as wild, unpredictable, and fiercely beloved as the mountains themselves.

June in the ultrarunning world is all about the “Big Dance” — the Western States 100. With the 53rd annual WS100 about a month away, it’s time for your monthly dose of the TURD Podcast (Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast).

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 6

This month, host Shalini Bhajjan, Founder and Race Director of Terrain Trail Runners–STL, sits down with one of the most iconic race directors in the sport: Craig Thornley, Race Director of the legendary Western States 100.

In this episode, we explore Craig’s path into trail and ultrarunning, his evolution as a race director, and what it means to help steward one of the most prestigious 100‑mile events in the world. We dive into his race‑directing career—from Waldo 100K to becoming the front man guiding Western States—and discuss his legacy, his ongoing trail‑work efforts, and the groundwork he has laid to support the sport and its community for years to come.

A thoughtful, insightful conversation with a driving force behind some of the sport’s most iconic events — and an ideal companion as June’s peak racing season kicks into gear.

May is coming in hot — which means it’s time for your monthly dose of the TURD Podcast (Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast).

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 5

This month, host Shalini Bhajjan, Founder and Race Director of Terrain Trail Runners–STL, sits down with Noah Dougherty, Director of Events for Aravaipa Running and the Race Director of the Mogollon Monster 100 — a notoriously tough 100‑mile race in the high country of Pine, Arizona, known for steep climbs, rocky technical terrain, and big views along the Mogollon Rim.

In this episode, we explore Noah’s path into trail and ultrarunning, his evolution as a race director, and what it means to help steward some of the most beloved events in the Aravaipa ecosystem. From the Mogollon Monster to the broader Aravaipa portfolio, Noah shares insights on intentional race design, community‑driven event culture, and the behind‑the‑scenes work that keeps these iconic races thriving.

A thoughtful conversation with a driving force behind some of the sport’s most iconic events — and the perfect companion as May’s racing season ramps up.

April is around the bend — which means it’s time for your monthly dose of the TURD Podcast (Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast).

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 4

This month, host Shalini Bhajjan, Founder and Race Director of Terrain Trail Runners–STL, sits down with Jeremy Long, the Founder and Race Director behind Daybreak Racing — an organization that has spent more than a decade showcasing some of the most beautiful, rugged, and challenging races in the Pacific Northwest.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Jeremy’s journey into trail and ultrarunning, his evolution as a race director, and what it means to steward some of the most beloved events along the Oregon Coast and across the PNW. From the iconic Gorge Waterfalls to the Hood Hundred and the Tillamook Burn, Daybreak Racing now hosts 12 annual events, each one a celebration of wild landscapes and intentional race design.

A thoughtful conversation with one of the region’s leading trail and ultrarunning organizations — and the perfect way to kick-off Spring.

TURD Podcast – Season 2, Episode 3.0

Queeny Backyard Ultra: Post‑Race Chit Chat

Host and Race Director of the Queeny Backyard Ultra, Shalini Bhajjan, sits down with the top male and female performers from the 2026 edition of the race.

In this episode, Shalini talks with Jeff Walker, the overall winner of QBU and the 2026 Silver Ticket winner into Big’s Backyard Ultra, and Stephanie Rosebaugh, the overall female champion of QBU.

This special edition takes a deep dive into the 2026 Silver Ticket race—exploring Jeff and Stephanie’s goals, how the race unfolded for each of them, and what it took to keep moving forward one loop at a time. They break down the wild all‑season weather, the three‑hour weather hold, and the strategies, fueling, gear, and mindset that carried them through. They also share what the rest of their 2026 season has in store.

A spirited and insightful conversation for anyone who loves the backyard format—or anyone curious why this race style keeps pulling runners back for more.

🎙️ TEASER SCRIPT — TURD Podcast, S2E3

March is just around the corner, but we couldn’t wait — so we’re dropping the next episode of the TURD Podcast early.

This month, we’re teaming up with the American Trail Running Association (ATRA). You’ll hear from ATRA Executive Director Nancy Hobbs as she shares how ATRA is supporting and elevating the trail running community nationwide.

Then host Shalini Bhajjan sits down with Lazarus Lake, the creative force behind some of the most imaginative and community‑driven trail events out there.

From his early days experimenting with grassroot races to the evolution of his signature events, Lazarus opens up about who Gary Cantrell was before taking on the persona of Lazarus Lake — and how he went on to become one of the most influential race directors in the world, curating some of the most challenging endurance events known to the ultrarunning community.

TURD Podcast S2: Deep Dive Chit Chat — Queeny Backyard Ultra Silver Ticket Edition

Host and Race Director of the Queeny Backyard Ultra, Shalini Bhajjan, brings you a special St. Louis–proud episode dedicated to our very own backyard‑style ultra.

Shalini sits down with four voices who know QBU inside and out: Tim Landewe (Course Designer), Jen Ullery, Cody Eubanks, and Stormy Hild — each with their own history, perspective, and battle scars from the loops at Queeny.

This special edition takes a deep dive into the 2026 Silver Ticket race, exploring QBU from four different angles and unpacking what makes backyard ultras so uniquely addictive: the community, the push for distance PRs, the mental chess match, the physical unraveling, and the mysterious moment when the “never‑ending race” finally breaks an athlete’s mind or body.

A lively, insightful conversation for anyone who loves the backyard format — or wants to understand why this style of racing has captured so many hearts (and legs).

February is here — which means it’s time for your monthly dose of the TURD Podcast (Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast).

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 2

Host Shalini Bhajjan (Founder/Race Director, Terrain Trail Runners–STL) sits down with John Storkamp, Founder and Race Director of Rocksteady Running.

This episode takes a deep dive into John’s journey into trail and ultrarunning, his evolution as a race director, and what it means to steward some of the most beloved events in the Upper Midwest — including the legendary Superior Fall 100, one of the oldest and most scenic point‑to‑point 100‑mile races in the region.

A thoughtful conversation with one of the sport’s most respected RDs — and a perfect way to kick off February.