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Episode 39: Ben Chan on racism in trail running, and holding powerful people accountable
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Ben Chan is an ultra runner and activist, perhaps best known in the New York running community for his racing attire—leopard print short-shorts and a cowboy hat. But in recent times, Ben has also become well known for his activism. Today, we focus on Ben’s exchanges with a certain, high-profile race director (Gary Cantrell AKA "Lazarus Lake") who banned Black Lives Matter from his events. It can be difficult to talk negatively about people who have large followings, lots of power, and have created events that are, frankly, important to the running community. But Ben and I both feel that we need to hold everyone accountable for their words and for the communities they create—in sports and beyond. This episode was recorded about a week ago, and since that time, more exchanges have unfolded; "Lazarus Lake" shared his racist speech openly on a prominent podcast. So Ben’s sentiments shared in this episode are, perhaps, even more important.
- The importance of Ben's running outfit for challenging stereotypes of Asian-Americans
- Running as a form of expression
- The Barkley Marathons documentary
- Outside Magazine article, "Why Did a Virtual Ultra Ban 'Black Lives Matter''
- Runner's World article on Ben and Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee
- Ben's post on anti-Ku Klux Klan residents and pro-Trump residents holding opposing rallies, 11 miles from Big Backyard Ultra
- The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
- The Autobiography of Malcolm x, as told to Alex Haley
Quote:
- “Running communities are a reflection of American communities, and if we know that American communities have been shaped by racist real estate laws; racist criminal justice systems; racist police officers; racist, segregated schools...how can there not be racism in running?"
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- Instagram: @malerunner
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