TURD Podcast

TURD Podcast S2E6: Craig Thornely, Race Director -Western States 100

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.

TURD Podcast S2E5: Noah Dougherty, Race Director - Mogollon Monster 100

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.

TURD Podcast S2E4: Jeremy Long, Founder/Race Director - Daybreak Racing

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 S2: Queeny Backyard Ultra - Post-Race Chit Chat

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.

TURD Podcast S2E3: From Gary Cantrell to Lazarus Lake: The Making of an Ultramarathon Legend

🎙️ 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.