Episode 133 - Trail Work, Advocacy & Dirt-Fueled Passion with Elke Reimer & Tim Tollefson
In this inspiring episode of The Mile 99 Interview, we sit down with two passionate trail stewards: Elke Reimer and Tim Tollefson. You might know Tim for his elite trail running accomplishments, but today, he’s wearing a different hat—one of advocacy, stewardship, and public lands protection. Alongside him, Elke shares her deep experience in trail maintenance and volunteer coordination.
Together, they unpack the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our trails runnable, beautiful, and accessible.
🌲 In This Episode:
- 🥶 Seasonal Worker Freeze – Tim explains the impact of federal hiring freezes and what that means for public lands and trail maintenance.
- 🏛️ Advocacy in Action – Learn about Runners for Public Lands and their push to mobilize the trail running community to lobby and engage with Congress.
- 🚫 Permits at Risk – What happens if races lose access to public land? Tim and Elke share real concerns about shrinking outdoor access.
- 🛠️ What is Trail Work, Really? – Elke walks us through what it takes to show up and dig in: the tools, the clothing, the snacks, and the heart.
- 🥾 Elke’s Trail Work Journey – How she got started, and why it's become a core part of her outdoor life.
- 🌐 Volunteer Power – With limited government staffing, volunteer groups are essential. Elke explains how trail systems are divided and maintained by local crews.
- 📍 Trail Work Across California – From the Western States Trail to Mammoth Lakes, there are opportunities to give back all over the state.
- 🌄 Looking Ahead – Tim and Elke talk about expanding the nonprofit Sierra Nevada Trails Alliance and how you can get involved in the next chapter of trail stewardship.
💬 Whether you’re a trail runner, hiker, or just someone who loves the outdoors, this episode is a call to action: our trails need us.
🛠️ Volunteer. Advocate. Protect.
This is your trail too.
🔗 Resources & Links:
- Runners for Public Lands
- [Sierra Nevada Trails Alliance (coming soon)]
- Volunteer Opportunities – Mammoth Lakes Trail System
- Western States Trail Foundation
🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts – hit that play button and get inspired to get dirty!
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Intro/outro music: Joseph McDade - Elevation: https://josephmcdade.com/music/elevation
