This year is the 45th running of the Columbus Marathon and it was great to catch up with the race director, Darris Blackford. He has run more than 200 marathons and other ultramarathons. I have been wanting to have Darris on since his wife, Star Blackford, was on Episode 3 of Weathering The Run. We chatted a lot about the ins and outs of race directing and then about his extensive experience of running through dangerously cold conditions along with running across Death Valley during Badwater. If you are interested in running the 45th Columbus Marathon, be sure to sign up before it sells out!

Matt Chilcote, or "Chilly", got into running just a few years ago, but has already completed several 100 mile races. He has also completed the Midwest Grand Slam of 100 milers. Running started as a way to keep him and his friend accountable, but it quickly escalated. He has some great stories to share about his experience running in some intense weather. Follow along Matt's journey, on ⁠his Strava⁠. He is also part of Team Heart and Sole, which helps provide inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities, their families and friends, to participate in endurance racing events across Ohio.

Sometimes you meet people and you can tell they will have some good stories. I met Andre at the Ohio Backyard Ultra (OBU) because we were crewing different runners. Our runners went on into the second day so I had the chance to chat with Andre and I wanted to have him on the podcast to talk about his style of backyard ultra that he race directs in Canada, along with race directing a race similar to the Barkley Marathons that Lazarus Lake puts in in Frozen Head State Park each spring. The races are very similar, but also some notable differences. We share all the secrets that Andre is willing to share in the episode and hope you enjoy it!

Bush Bitches Backyard (BBBackyard) website: https://www.bbbackyard.com/

BB Trail Running Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbbackyardultra