A recent article on irunfar.com made quite a splash, when the [white] authors called for feedback on the new 'progressive' initiatives launched by the Pro Trail Runners Association, and BIPOC women answered by calling out the lack of intersectionality and diversity.
In this episode, Stef and Carolyn address the harm that was caused while still acknowledging the good intent behind the initiatives, and they discuss the bigger picture of why feminism and inclusivity must be addressed with an openness to accountability.
Show Notes
1:25 - diving into Western States 100 (WSER) and the [lack of] diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility
4:00 - "you can be a good human and still make mistakes"
5:10 - overview of WSER, including pre-race events
7:30 - context for on-going concerns with spotlight ultra events such as WSER/UTMB and the driving force behind initiatives for change
9:50 - "what we don't need is continued divisiveness; we need to hold accountability and a path forward in how to educate and work together."
11:20 - "let's not make the mistake of making the discomfort of addressing a problem, the actual problem."
12:25 - article on irunfar and what was problematic about it
15:50 - inclusion is not implied; it needs to be explicitly addressed
17:40 - DM from BIPOC ultra trail runner who was at WSER
23:55 - the imperative to speak up and why it matters
24:50 - the cost of the White Gaze
29:10 - not acknowledging an aspect (like race) of a person is erasure
37:20 - what would it be like to be able to purely focus on performance goals without having to also hold the weight of inequities, invisibility, and representation?
43:00 - burnout
54:35 - real change happens when you enter into relationships
58:50 - true inclusion requires safety
1:03:00 - looking ahead
Additional Links:
GU Energy Labs and their work with Rising Hearts and athlete Alexandria Staten
Filmmaker and Rising Hearts founder, Jordan Whetstone
Filmmaker and Podcaster, Faith E. Briggs, who intentionally centers work by BIPOC individuals across the globe
Find Stef here