The Steep Stuff Podcast#198 - Aimee Kohler, RD of the Running Kind Introducing the new Catskill 100
Send us Fan Mail A new 100-mile race is coming to the Catskill Mountains, and it’s not pulling any punches. Amy Kohler, race director at The Running Kind, joins us to reveal the Catskill 100, a technical Northeast ultra marathon that leans hard into steep climbs, rocky descents, and true backcountry vibes. Think Devil’s Path brutality up front, big mountain linkups across the range, and more than 27,000 feet of vert that won’t feel “easy” for a single step. If you’ve ever felt like the Catskills get overlooked in mountain running conversations, this one makes the argument in the loudest possible way. We walk through the course like a guided tour: where it starts, how the Devil’s Path packs massive elevation into a short distance, and why this terrain can favor strong hikers as much as fast runners. We also get into the on-the-ground realities that make this a serious undertaking, including DEC permitting through state-designated wilderness, minimal road running, long stretches with limited cell service, and the operational lift of building aid stations at trailheads. Amy shares ideas for a Phoenicia halfway cheer zone and what it takes to staff an event that can run for 51 hours. Then we zoom out to the bigger “why.” The Running Kind is a carbon neutral race organization, and Amy ties trail running directly to stewardship and advocacy, including what she learned meeting lawmakers in Washington, DC with Runners for Public Lands. We break down the Roadless Rule and the Travel Management Rule in plain language, why they matter for trail access and safety, and how runners can have real influence by paying attention and speaking up. If you’re excited for the Catskill 100, share this with a friend who loves technical terrain, then subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming race previews and interviews. And if the show helps you, leave a rating and review to help new listeners find it. Follow the Running Kind - @therunningkind For More Information on the Catskill 100 - > Catskill 100 Register for the Catskill 100 - > Catskill 100 Registration Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa
