The Directors

Conversations with the people behind the scenes. Innovators. Entrepreneurs. Risk takers. Professional problem solvers. New episode every Friday.

Aimee Kohler: The Running Kind
Cooper Knowlton Cooper Knowlton

Aimee Kohler: The Running Kind

On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper sit down with Aimee Kohler the director of A Running Kind, a PA based events company that hosts carbon neutral events. During the conversation they discuss the challenges associated with putting on carbon neutral events, the biggest contributors to the carbon footprint of races, and the economics of carbon offsets. Aimee also shares some practical advice for race directors who want to begin thinking about lowering their own event footprints and talks about the challenges that she sees as her events continue to grow. There's a ton of super valuable information in this conversation and we hope you give it a listen.

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Kristy Maki: The American Birkebeiner
Cooper Knowlton Cooper Knowlton

Kristy Maki: The American Birkebeiner

On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper chat with Kristy Maki the Director of the Berkie (or the American Birkebeiner) the biggest cross country ski race in America. During the conversation they chat about the history of the event and how Kristy and her team managed to pull off the event this year despite the fact that Wisconsin got almost no snow. Give the episode a listen and hear how they pivoted and all that goes into putting on a ski race with 13,000 competitors.

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Mailbag Episode
Cooper Knowlton Cooper Knowlton

Mailbag Episode

Another mailbag episode where Cooper and Dave chat through some topics from the world of racing and events. This week's episode includes talk about the Speed Project, World Cross Country, declining triathlon participation numbers, and talk of a new pro track series in the works. Give the conversation a listen and let us know what you think.

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David Trimble: The Red Hook Crit
Cooper Knowlton Cooper Knowlton

David Trimble: The Red Hook Crit

On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper sit down with David Trimble, the man behind some of NYC's most iconic races including the Red Hook Crit and the Midnight Half. During the conversation David shares the story of how the Red Hook Crit got started and explains why it no longer exists today. David also unpacks the differences between putting on running and cycling events and shares some important lessons that race directors in the running space can learn from cycling events. It's a great conversation and we hope you give it a listen.

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New Balance Nationals Indoor Race Report
Cooper Knowlton Cooper Knowlton

New Balance Nationals Indoor Race Report

On this episode of the Directors Dave and Cooper chat about the experience of directing the 2024 installment of New Balance Indoor Nationals. During the conversation they discuss the logistics associated with hosting the event in two locations, the challenges associated with covering and highlighting field events, and share some of their highlights of the weekend. Give the episode a listen and let us know what you think!

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Cooper Knowlton Cooper Knowlton

Aaron Robison: The Penn Relays

On this episode of The Directors Dave and Cooper chat with Aaron Robison the Associate Director of the Penn Relays. During the conversation they chat about what makes the Penn Relays so special, what other meet directors can learn from this iconic event, and the challenges associated with organizing America's largest track meet. Aaron is a true historian of the sport and this is a can't miss conversation for any track fan. Give it a listen and let us know what you think.

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Trials of Miles at the Armory Preview Show
Cooper Knowlton Cooper Knowlton

Trials of Miles at the Armory Preview Show

Ahead of Saturday Night's Trials of Miles at the Armory presented by Tracksmith, Dave and Cooper breakdown ten story lines to watch. These include a handful of masters runners chasing age group records, high school kids chasing Nationals Qualifiers, some fast seeded two miles featuring the likes of Taylor Werner, Sam Parsons, and Thomas Ratcliffe, and a very men's mile taking shape. Give the episode a listen, tune-in to the broadcast on RunnerSpace or come out and join us at the Armory. It's going to be an epic night of racing.

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The Mailbag Episode
Cooper Knowlton Cooper Knowlton

The Mailbag Episode

On this episode of the Directors, Cooper and Dave talk about TV ratings for track, high school and college kids racing against pros, Olympic Trials ticket prices, and Grant Fisher's decision to skip US Indoors. It's a quick episode, but packs its punch. Give it a listen and let us know what you think! If you have any ideas questions for future mailbag episodes, shoot us an email or drop us a DM on Instagram.

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Tes Sobomehin Marshall: The Race
Cooper Knowlton Cooper Knowlton

Tes Sobomehin Marshall: The Race

On this episode of the Directors, Dave and Cooper sit down with Tes Sobomehin Marshall, the director of the Race, a Half Marathon and 5K that takes place in Atlanta every fall and supports black owned businesses, neighborhoods, and charities. During the episode they chat about how a kickstarter campaign helped launch the Race, how the Race has evolved over the last seven years, and the challenges associated with hosting a four day event. If the Race isn't already on your shortlist of bucket list races, we promise it will be after you listen to this episode. Give the episode a listen and let us know what you think!

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Darcy Budworth: Take the Bridge
Cooper Knowlton Cooper Knowlton

Darcy Budworth: Take the Bridge

On this episode of the Directors, Dave and Cooper chat with Darcy Budworth about her race series Take the Bridge. During the conversation they touch on the economics of unsanctioned racing, how Darcy picks the locations for her events, and how Take the Bridge works to curate an experience that is welcoming to both amateurs and elites. Darcy also shares some Take the Bridge war stories and shares some wild bucket list race ideas. It's a great conversation and we hope you give it a listen.

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Chase the Throne Race Report
Cooper Knowlton Cooper Knowlton

Chase the Throne Race Report

On this episode of the Directors Cooper and Dave do a quick debrief on the 2024 installment of the Trials of Miles event Chase the Throne. They chat about why the format seems to work better in some places than others, the the challenges associated with putting on a large virtual series, and the ways they look to improve upon the race series in 2024.

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