Lessons from a race director: empowering and learning from others

By Henry Howard

Amy Rusiecki is perhaps best known as the race director of the Vermont 100. But that popular ultra is among several that she directors annually.

As experienced as she is, Rusiecki is quick to offer lessons from a race director to others who are interested in improving their events or jumping into the fray. She’s learned a lot since she made the transition from overseeing skiing races. And she continues to learn today, wishing to bring the highest quality of races to her participants.

For her long-running contributions to the trail and ultra running community she is my featured race director for April. In January 2024, I kicked off this monthly feature to pay tribute to the trail and ultra race directors who make the sport great. To see previous RDs featured, they are all available here. If you have any nominations, feel free to email me here or fill out this form.

Meet Amy Rusiecki, Vermont 100 race director

Question: Why did you get into race directing?

Answer: Many reasons, but mainly to share my passion for ultras with so many, and to create an opportunity for runners to achieve great things! Especially with the Vermont 100 and Seven Sisters Trail Race — both events have such storied histories and legacies, and I was excited to honor the traditions while putting my own brand on them. 

Question: How did you get your start as an RD?

Answer: I actually started directing cross country ski races right after I graduated college, due to the need for someone to step up.  Similarly, when the VT100 and Seven Sisters Trail Race were looking for a new leader, I saw an opportunity combine my passion, experience at the events, and logistical mind toward continuing the incredible traditions of both events.

Question: What's the most interesting thing you've learned about yourself since you became an RD?

Answer: I worried, at first, that I would miss getting to participate in the races due to directing them. I was fascinated to learn that I find so much joy in supporting others and celebrating their accomplishments!

Question: What's your best piece of advice for someone who wants to become an RD?

Answer: Someone gave me two pieces of advice before I took on the Vermont 100 and I pass it along to others. First was to identify key lieutenants who you can trust to take on important tasks — no one can do it all or do it alone!  The second was to learn from others. I have been fortunate to have many race director mentors and friends, and we often bounce ideas off each other, or pick each other's brains. There so much we can learn from each other!

Question: What's your favorite race to direct?

Answer: Every race holds a special place in my heart, but the Vermont 100 is the biggest event that I direct and stands out the most. I personally greet every finisher across the finish line, and the memories, hugs, tears and cheers are so special to share with the runners and their crews!

Question: What's your favorite race to run?

Answer: Whatever is the latest one I've run! I've had so many amazing experiences!!!

Question: Tell me about a funny experience as an RD and what you learned from it.

Answer: Oh man! I have so many funny and crazy RD experiences. One that stands out was the year I started the Mt. Toby Ultra and 25K race. The course was marked the day prior, yet we didn't know that someone unmarked a portion of the course about three miles into the race. I got a call when a “flash mob” congregated at an unmarked turn. My husband, who was running the race, had the scary task of calling me to tell me that the entire field of runners was lost together in the woods.

Fortunately, they happened to be lost at a super distinct location in the woods where someone had randomly left an upside down shovel in the ground.  When he described that, I was able to direct everyone back onto the route and they found course markings again down the trails. What I learned is that in certain high traffic areas, or near civilization I need to put more systems in place to avoid this. I now get folks to pre-run the courses, I provide .gpx files for the races, and have published maps.  

I also learned that, as an RD, just be honest with runners.  If you make a mistake, own it and apologize for it. Runners tend to give you grace if you show that you listen to them, learn from your mistakes, and continue to evolve and improve!

Question: If a runner can only do one of your races ever, it would be ...

Answer: There are so many fun ones! But, I think the Race for DFL (my backyard ultra event) is a unique and super supportive event to try something new!

Question: What exciting project do you have in the works?

Answer: For two years, I directed an event called the All of the Above Trail Fest, which was an event aimed at pushing the boundaries regarding what it means to be inclusive to LGBTQ+ runners. In 2024, due to a series of events, we weren't able to host it and it is unclear if it will return or not. I am looking forward to finding a way to incorporate the same approach and ideas into my Chesterfield Gorge Ultra and 25K race this year!

Question: Where can runners find out more about your races?

Answer: https://www.vermont100.com or beastcoasttrailrunning.org