Steve Durbin gives runners and communities opportunities to succeed

(All photos by Micki Colson, Colson Photography)

By Henry Howard

He’s been at the finish line of some record-shattering performances such as the 12:42:39 for 100 miles and a 4:48:21 in the 50-mile distance. But “he” isn’t the record-breaker, those honorees are Camille Herron and Charlie Lawrence, respectively.

In fact, “he” is Steve Durbin, the race director for Tunnel Hill, where the records were set, and other races conducted by Durbin Race Management. This month I am featuring Durbin as part of my special series highlighting race directors this year.

According to the race website, “Our goal has always been to bring runners to smaller communities to provide needed funds for local economies, trail improvements, and high school athletics.”

Durbin also partners with Gary Cantrell, better known as Lazarus Lake, on Strolling Jim and the Barkley Fall Classic. Durbin’s Tunnel Hill 100, which as noted has been the scene of recent record-breaking performances, including one that served as an important lesson learned for the race director.

Every month during 2024, I will highlight one North American race director who specializes in trail and ultra events as a way to highlight what makes this sport great. That is the people, the community and the events themselves. Previously, I wrote about:

• January: Michele Hartwig of Ornery Mule Racing.

• February: Scott Kummer of Ten Junk Miles. 

• March: Kim Levinsky of Sassquad Trail Running.

• April: Aneta Zeppettella of Empower Ultras.

• May: Vanessa Kline of Beast Coast Productions.

• June: Jason Green of Yeti Trail Runners.

• July: Keira Henninger of Keira Henninger Races.

If you have nominations for other race directors to highlight, feel free to contact me with your suggestions.

Steve Durbin: the guiding force behind Barkley Fall Classic, Tunnel Hill, Strolling Jim and more

Question: Why did you get into race directing?

Answer: “We wanted to start a race at Land Between the Lakes in 2004. There were very few ultras in Kentucky, or anywhere, really. I was the president of the local running club, so I took the directing as well. And I liked it. Directing LBL trail runs — now in its 21st year — led to other races such as Run Under The Stars; Strolling Jim and Barkley Fall Classic, both with Laz; Six Days in the Dome; and Tunnel Hill 100.”

Question: What's the most interesting thing you've learned about yourself since you became a race director?

Answer: “How much I enjoy being around and helping the runners, staff, and volunteers, and how the local community will help if you show them due consideration.”

Question: What's your best piece of advice for someone who wants to become a race director?

Answer: “Don't take it lightly. Pay close attention to details, without micro-managing — unless you want to end up trying to do it all yourself. Take care of your staff and volunteers. Your job is to make their job easier, and eliminate stress for them, resulting in a smooth-running operation, and happy runners. Happy runners tell others, and return, and the same goes for volunteers.”

Question: What's your favorite race to direct?

Answer: “Barkley Fall Classic with Laz gets the nod over the Tunnel Hill 100/50, which I also love.”

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

Answer: “Not funny, but I had a good friend beat the U.S. age group record for 60-64 by over four hours at Tunnel Hill in 2016. I wasn't aware that the trail could be certified. I tried to get it done after the fact, but USATF couldn't do that. So, I had it sanctioned and certified. That brought Camille Herron to Tunnel Hill in 2017 and she set the world record for 100 miles. Since then the world record for 50 miles was set by Charlie Lawrence in 2023. I learned that attention to details before, during and after events means so much. It could end in jubilation or disappointment. An RD doesn't want to be on the wrong end.”

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

Answer: “Barkley Fall Classic. A chance to get a taste of the Barkley Marathons at the epicenter of difficulty. And it's directed by Laz, with help from me and others.”

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

Answer: “The Tunnel Hill 50-mile run has been chosen as the USATF National Championship 50-miler for 2025.”

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

Answer: Visit DurbinRaceManagement.com or email durb417@gmail.com.

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