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Meet Susie, our fearless leader for Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB!  

Meet the Team

**Where are you based?**
Big Bear Lake, California 

**What is your favorite part of race weekend?**
Watching the emotions from joy to tears, from the runners, their families, and even the volunteers. It's an honor to create such a memorable experience for people. 

**How long have you been an RD?**
Since 2018, Assistant RD since 2015 

**What is your favorite race to volunteer at?**
Any race! I often volunteer as a ham radio operator at events. 
 
 **What is your favorite race and/or your favorite running experience?**
Before moving to Big Bear, CA I lived in New York City. The North Face Bear Mountain in NY race was a reunion weekend for NY/NJ runners every year where we all would race, volunteer, and pile 20 people into one hotel room. 

**What’s something you can say about another NA UTMB RD? :)**
In 2018 my husband (and Course Director Harald Zundel) ran Grindstone 100 on his 50th birthday. I enjoyed Clark Zealand's pre-race briefing and giveaways so much that I took those ideas back to Kodiak. Thanks, Clark! 

**What is your favorite activity outside of RD'ing or running?**
I'm very involved in my local community, volunteering with two Search and Rescue teams, and with the Southern California Mountains Foundation (the nonprofit arm of the US Forest Service in the San Bernardino Mountains) doing trail maintenance, trail planning, and community education. 

**What is your favorite movie? And why?**
My favorite movie is Goodfellas. I'm not sure why. Maybe because I'm from New Jersey. 

**What is your favorite genre of music?**
90s...like Green Day. The month before the race I usually listen to Christmas music to get in "event mode." 

**What is an interesting fact about yourself that is not generally known?**
No one knows me. Let's keep it that way. 

**What is your favorite part of the Kodiak course?**
Siberia Canyon - it's considered very remote within Big Bear Valley. Locals and early Kodiak runners call it by its nickname - Hades. You can access the bottom of the canyon, which is Bear Creek, by going down a 7 mile gradual descent or a 2.5 mile steeper descent. Both have incredible views. I hear the fishing can be great. Before the first year of the Kodiak in 2013 the manzanita was so thick it had completely devoured the trail. A group of diehards hiked down there, even slept down there, chiseling their way through. By race day there was a path that was nearly as wide as a human. Each year we've brought the trail back to life and the Kodiak is the only reason it's possible to pass through the Canyon these days. Shoutout to the 20 trail work volunteers that come out and help every year! Fun fact - my first helicopter ride was a hoist from within miles-thick manzanita in the Canyon. We had climbed our way up to the subjects, but were unable to return the same way. After the subjects were safely hoisted we continued up on foot, but only made it 1/4 mile in 4 hours through the immovable manzanita. There were 3 more miles to go. Soaring through the air at the end of a tether through Siberia Canyon was pretty cool for my first helicopter ride! 

**Why should someone sign up for Kodiak?**
The Kodiak is a great choice if you're looking for a town with mountain charm, especially if you're bringing your friends and family. It feels far from city life, but LA, San Diego, and Las Vegas are all within driving distance. The course has spectacular views and a variety of different terrain - including Joshua Trees! Our volunteers are some of the most amazing people I've ever met. 

Susie Schmelzer, Race Director   

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