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“I don’t want to just direct a race—I want to give people something they’ve never experienced before.”

In this episode, Troy sits down with Richard Abernathy, the creative force behind Dirty Wolf Racing—a trail and ultra event series in North Carolina that blends storytelling, challenge, and community in unforgettable ways.

From humble beginnings on a tiny track to directing races like Beast of the East 100, Stone Mountain Massacre, and the ever-whimsical LLAMA, Richard shares his wild journey from reluctant runner to race director, family man, and full-time adventure architect.

Whether it’s mystery aid stations with elemental rocks or events that include llamas, Richard’s approach to trail running is one-of-a-kind—infusing play, grit, and heart into everything he touches.

In this episode, Richard and Troy talk about:

How a playful challenge from his ex-wife kicked off his running journey
Starting Dirty Wolf Racing and creating events with storytelling at the core
The beautiful chaos of directing races while supporting his wife’s herbal brand, Hollowed Springs Art
The inspiration behind events like LLAMA, Leatherwood, and Stone Mountain Massacre
What it really takes to keep race experiences fresh, creative, and community-driven

creative race design

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