Aug 6, 2026
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/