368: Brian Vanderheiden: Building the Connecticut Trail Running Scene

After forgetting to hit record, AFB and Anna G welcome Brian Vanderheiden of Steep Endurance to talk about the races, people, and ideas shaping the Connecticut trail-running community.

Brian went from running ultras to putting on races in some of Connecticut's best natural spaces. What started as a passion project to share his favorite trails has grown into a busy race calendar featuring a wide range of distances, challenging courses, and events designed to welcome more people into trail running.

We talk about the growth of women's trail running, including the Lake Mohegan women's-only trail race, and why having approachable events can make a difference for runners who are new to the sport. Brian also shares the thinking behind his race calendar, the challenge of creating new events, and his perspective as a race director.

Along the way, we wander through old-school New England trail races, the Nipmuck Marathon, Catskills classics, the legendary Escarpment Trail Run, and the joys of courses that make you actually run when all you want to do is walk.

We also get into the changing economics of ultrarunning, the eye-opening prize money announced for Run Rabbit Run, and the evolving world of UltraSignup and race registration.

And, of course, there's some CUT112 talk. Registration is open, and we're looking for more women to take on the Connecticut Ultra Traverse. You won't be alone out there!

Plus, a special appreciation for the race directors, volunteers, and supporters who keep this whole wonderfully muddy enterprise going.

Cultra remains 112% listener-supported, thanks to the patrons and supporters who keep us out in the woods and behind the microphones. We are pleased to shout out all of our Patreons by name in this episode.

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