How Libby Jones is Redefining What a Race Director Looks Like

From Health Challenges to Creating Space for Others

If you’ve ever felt like traditional running events weren’t designed with you in mind, you’re not alone. And Libby Jones is working to change that.

As the founder of The Active Joe, Libby has spent 17 years designing road and trail races that are intentionally inclusive, affordable, and community-driven. Based in Dallas, Texas, her race series serves runners of all levels, especially those who are often overlooked in mainstream endurance events.

“I wanted to create the kind of race I wish I had when I started.”

From Fibromyalgia to the Finish Line

Libby’s path hasn’t been easy. Living with Fibromyalgia, she knows firsthand how challenging running can be—and how important it is to offer flexible, accessible options. Her journey from participant to race director is one of resilience and reimagining what leadership looks like in endurance sports.

Building Events that Reflect the Community

The Active Joe hosts six race days a year, with an emphasis on low-cost entry fees, thoughtful logistics, and outreach to underrepresented communities. Libby shares how she works to make everyone feel safe and welcome at her events, from first-timers to seasoned ultrarunners.

Why Inclusion Isn’t Optional

From adding nonbinary categories to training volunteers on inclusive practices, Libby is committed to more than surface-level change. She talks with Jon about what it really takes to move the needle on inclusion and how race directors can lead the way.

“If you don’t see the race you want to run, build it yourself.”

What You’ll Learn Listening to This Episode:

• How Libby went from runner to race director

• Why accessibility and affordability matter in race design

• The challenges of directing events with a chronic illness

• Real steps toward inclusive and equitable races

• How The Active Joe is reshaping the race experience in Texas and beyond

Give this one a listen over your long weekend!

Join us on July 17th in Boulder for the PUMA Velocity NITRO 4 Launch Party!

Get ready to celebrate the launch of the new PUMA Velocity NITRO 4 at Fleet Feet Boulder! We're hosting an exciting event in collaboration with Boulderthon and Fleet Feet, and we'd love for you to join us! Whether you're an experienced runner or just beginning, this is a great opportunity to experience the latest in PUMA's running lineup, designed for both speed and comfort.

Here's what you can look forward to:

Group Run: The event starts at 6:00 PM MST with an organized group run from the store. You'll have two distance options and the chance to try out demo units of the brand new Velocity NITRO 4 during the run.

Live Podcast: After the run, enjoy a live podcast featuring PUMA Pro Runner, Annie Frisbie, and For The Long Run. They'll be discussing what Annie looks for in top-notch running shoes and how to rotate them for different types of runs and workouts.

Sip, Socialize, and Shop: Afterward, you can mingle, enjoy cold beverages, connect with our sponsoring partners (Elements Massage, Acupuncture of Boulder, PR Sports Labs, and Boulder Community Health), and explore our fit process to find your next pair of trainers.

We can't wait to see you there! Register for free below 👇

3 Entrepreneurship Strategies to Focus on with Cadence Founder Ross Mackay

What do HYROX, running marathons, and launching a supplement company have in common? For Ross Mackay. founder of Cadence, it all comes down to clarity, consistency, and knowing when to say no.

In this episode of Long Run Labs, Jon sits down with Ross to explore what it takes to build a disruptive brand without losing your mind (or your miles). A longtime endurance athlete and no stranger to early-stage chaos, Ross opens up about the mindset shifts, team values, and investment lessons that helped him create one of the most exciting performance nutrition brands on the market.

From Marathoner to Founder

Ross didn’t always plan to start a supplement company. But like many founders in the endurance space, his curiosity started with personal performance: how to train smarter, recover better, and maintain energy as both a runner and a leader.

From toeing the line at marathons to testing himself at HYROX competitions, Ross brings firsthand knowledge to a category that too often feels disconnected from real athletes.

“If I don’t believe in it, I can’t build it. And if I can’t run with it, I don’t want to sell it.”

Saying No (to Say Yes to the Right Things)

Ross speaks candidly about one of the hardest entrepreneurial lessons: discernment.

Whether it’s product development, partnerships, or press opportunities, he explains how Cadence learned to slow down, get selective, and stop chasing shiny objects.

“There’s a power in saying no. Especially when you’re building something with longevity.”

Jon and Ross talk about why overextending is so common — and how athletes and founders alike can create more focus by aligning with their values and audience.

Building Brand and Community, Together

Ross didn’t just build Cadence to sell product — he built it to serve a real community of endurance athletes. That meant getting intentional about how and with whom they partnered. He shares how they chose athletes who truly use the product, and how collaborations stay grounded in shared values, not just marketing reach.

“Authenticity wins. We’d rather build slower with people who actually ride with us.”

He also opens up about hiring, securing investments, and creating a brand voice that balances science-backed performance with a down-to-earth tone.

The Adventure Buddy You Need 👇

GOES is your essential outdoor guide that keeps you informed and ready, no matter where the trail takes you. Created by wilderness medicine doctors, this app helps you level up your knowledge, plan smarter trips, and handle medical emergencies with more confidence, even when you're far off the grid.

Let’s say you’re out in the backcountry on a long trail run, out of cell service, and something goes wrong. With GOES, you can literally tap on a body part, and the app will walk you through how to triage the situation, assess the level of risk, and take the right next steps. It’s like having a wilderness first responder in your pocket. 🤯

Honestly, it’s an absolutely essential piece of my adventure gear—and one I won’t head out on trails without. Download yours today! Use code 25FTLR30 for 30% off an annual GOES+ plan. GOES+ gives you access to the rewards program plus much more additional medical content and our emergency assessment tool.

About Jon Levitt and For The Long Run

Jon is a runner, cyclist, and podcast host from Boston, MA, who now lives in Boulder, CO. For The Long Run is aimed at exploring the why behind what keeps runners running long, strong, and motivated.

Follow Jon on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.