Trail running says it loves the outdoors, but are we willing to change how we race to protect the places we run? I’m joined by Aimee Kohler race director of The Running Kind, a small but fast-growing organization putting on carbon-neutral trail races across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and upstate New York, including the brutally steep Climate For Climate in the Catskills. We talk about why the Northeast is still underrated for mountain running, and why “smaller mountains” can deliver bigger technical challenges than people expect.

We also go straight at the uncomfortable stuff: the UTMB stones ecosystem, private-equity vibes in a sport that’s supposed to have soul, and the weird reality of carbon “offset fees” being pushed onto runners. Aimee shares what she’s learned from working big events earlier in her career, then building a different model focused on accessibility, community, and trail stewardship. If you’ve ever wondered whether grassroots races can coexist with mega-events, you’ll hear a candid take on why the big leagues still depend on local race directors and first-time trail racers.

Then we get practical. Aimee breaks down how carbon neutrality actually works for an event: measuring emissions, submitting annual reduction plans, choosing vetted offset projects, and making real upgrades like moving from gas to solar power on race day. We also unpack permits and wilderness rules in the Catskills, why public transit matters for city runners, and why a meaningful race experience beats another free shirt every time. Climate For Climate takes place August 16, and The Running Kind is also adding new events like a backyard ultra and the Basilisk.

If you care about sustainable trail running, carbon-neutral races, and protecting public lands while the sport explodes in popularity, listen now. Subscribe, share this with a running friend, and leave a review so more runners find the conversation.

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