March 24, 2025

Episode 133 - Trail Work, Advocacy & Dirt-Fueled Passion with Elke Reimer & Tim Tollefson

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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.