This episode features cohost Alison Mariella Désir in conversation with Kathryn "Katy" Farrell, ultra runner, race director, and co-owner of Rainshadow Running, a trail race company.
This conversation goes there, in the best ways possible. Katy shares how they first discovered trail running in their adult years and how that eventually led to them having a passion for overseeing ultra races in wild spaces and building community beyond the event space. They also discuss the life and work experiences that have informed their approach to putting on trail events.
Katy and Alison cover how Rainshadow operationalizes its values: the company walks the walk when it comes to creating a well considered safe, welcoming space for the full spectrum of communities it serves and embraces. Katy talks about the intentional steps to make that happen: it’s an ever evolving process. Central to this conversation: what are we talking about when we talk about community? How far does it extend and who does it serve? And, looking ahead, the interest in making space for yet unknown futures that embrace systems of matriarchy and racial equity.
Katy drops a lot of gems here. Tune in.
EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast
EARTHMOVERS on Substack: earthmoverspodcast.substack.com
Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor
Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com
Mentioned in this Episode
Katy Farrell on Instagram: @kathryn_ann_farrell
Rainshadow Running on Instagram: @rainshadowrunning
Rainshadow Running website: rainshadowrunning.com
EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4
Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir
Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin