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.

Happy New Year!

We’re kicking off Season 2 of the Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast (TURD Podcast) with one of America’s classic ultras. Now in its 44th year, the Ice Age Trail 50 remains one of the oldest continuously running ultramarathons in the country.

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 1

Host Shalini Bhajjan (Founder/Race Director, Terrain Trail Runners–STL) sits down with Jeff Mallach (Race Director, Ice Age Trail 50) for a relaxed, insightful conversation.

They dig into the race’s rich history, its evolution over four decades, what keeps the Ice Age Trail 50 thriving, its devoted community, and how Jeff continues to influence and support the Midwest trail‑running scene. They also explore Jeff’s personal running journey and how he came to lead one of the most iconic ultras in the country.

It’s December, and that means it’s time for a new episode of the Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast (TURD Podcast)!

🎙️ Season 1, Episode 9 — Season Finale: Race Directors Jam!

In this special finale, host Shalini Bhajjan (Founder/Race Director, Terrain Trail Runners-STL) sits down with Katy Farrell (Co-Owner/Co-RD, Rainshadow Running) and Amy Rusiecki (Race Director, Vermont 100 & Beast Coast Trail Running) for an open and honest discussion on some of the most pressing topics in our sport:

• Diversity, inclusion, and non-binary & transgender policies

• Athletes with disabilities

• Rising race registration costs

• Giving back to the community

• Increasing women’s participation

• Race directing as a business

Tune in to hear three unique perspectives from three different regions and three experienced race directors!

It’s November, and that means it’s time for a new episode of the Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast (TURD Podcast)!

In Season 1, Episode 8, host Shalini Bhajjan chats with Keira Henninger—Race Director behind Keira Henninger Races.

From her early running days to leading some of Southern California’s oldest ultras and managing 11 annual events, Keira shares her inspiring journey and the powerful impact she’s making in the trail running world.

Tune in to discover what makes SoCal trail and ultrarunning so special!

It’s October—and that means it’s TURD time!

Welcome to your monthly dose of the Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast (TURD Podcast).

In Season 1, Episode 7, your host Shalini Bhajjan sits down with Carrie Baris, Race Director of the Hellbender 100 and President of the Run828 Foundation.

Tune in to hear Carrie’s journey—from her roots in running to leading one of the toughest 100-milers in the Southeast—and learn more about the impactful work she’s doing through Run828 Foundation.

It's September!

Here is your monthly dose of the TURD Podcast AKA Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast.

TURD Podcast S1E6, your host Shalini Bhajjan, is joined by Kim Levinsky, Founder/Race Director - Sassquad Trail Running

Get to know Kim Levinsky, her running background and the how and the why behind the 'sass' in Sassquad Trail Running events!

It's August!

Here is your monthly dose of the TURD Podcast AKA Trail Ultrarunning Race Directors Podcast.

TURD Podcast S1E5, your host Shalini Bhajjan, is joined by Amy Rusiecki, Race Director - Vermont 100 & Beast Coast Trail Running.

Get to know Amy Rusiecki, her real-world job, running background, all things Beast Coast Trail Running and how she came to be the RD of Vermont 100!