EP 236: Erin McDougall of Dirty Soles Trail Running - Trail Running Without the Price Tag

In this episode, we sit down with Erin McDougall of Dirty Soles Trail Running, to talk about the evolution and heart behind one of Ontario's most community-focused race organizations. Erin shares his journey from taking over the legendary Fat Ass Trail Run in 2018 to teaming up with Naomi Coker to build a series of races that prioritize people over profit, keeping trail running accessible, affordable, and authentically grassroots.

We dive into how Dirty Souls keeps registration costs low enough for whole families to participate—from using manual timing to championing awesome local venues like the Batawa Ski Hill. Plus, Erin breaks down the inspiration behind their most unique event formats, including the high-energy Happy Hour Friday Night Runs and the gritty Sugar Bush Shenanigans endurance challenges.

Learn more about Dirty Soles Trail Running and their great work at: https://www.instagram.com/dirty.soles.trail.running/

Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-canada-road-trail-membership

Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/