The Running Public Episode 572: Mary Martin - Race Director
Dec 6, 2025
Mary Martin, a race director and software engineer, shares her journey from dance to trail running and her role in the Standhope Ultra Challenge in Idaho. She discusses her motivation to create support for breastfeeding athletes after a challenging postpartum experience. The episode highlights the unique services offered during the race, including nursing tents and breast milk transport. Mary emphasizes the family-oriented and grassroots vibe of the Standhope event, providing practical race advice and encouraging a community focus among runners.
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Running Careers Are Life-Phase Fluid
- Mary describes running as fluid through life, changing with college, marriage, pregnancy, and postpartum.
- She highlights that female running journeys often pause and resume, requiring flexible race access and support.
How Mary Became Race Director
- Mary joined Standhope after moving to Idaho and answering Ben Blessing's call for an assistant race director.
- Ben founded the race 14 years ago and Mary now directs it with his blessing and support.
Support Breastfeeding Athletes On Course
- Provide practical lactation support at races so breastfeeding mothers needn't choose between feeding and competing.
- Offer pumping tents, cold storage, and voluntary frozen-milk transport to remove that barrier.