How to go from 5K runner to Palmetto Ultras race director

By Henry Howard

Kayla Fitzgerald went from training for a 5K to going all in on trail and ultra running in South Carolina.

She is now the owner of and race director for Palmetto Ultras, as well as running another business, Endurance Nutrition, where she uses her skills as a Registered Dietitian to help runners learn how to fuel properly. 

Fitzgerald launched into race directing in 2023 when she learned that the race director of Eagle Endurance, would step back at the end of the year. That would have left a void of trail races in the Charleston, S.C., area. “As a runner myself, I couldn't imagine that happening. So, I stepped in, rebranded to Palmetto Ultras and took over some of Eagle Endurance’s most iconic races starting in January 2024.”

Now she manages a half-dozen trail races of various distances and times, ranging from a 5K option at one race to 100-milers to a last man standing event. “Our mission is to inspire everyone to embrace the trails, push seasoned runners to new heights and cultivate lasting bonds in our community,” she says.

For her contributions to trail and ultra races in Charleston, she is my featured race director for April, the 28^th in this series. 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.

Kayla Fitzgerald, Palmetto Ultras race director

Question: You went from 5K runner to ultra race director. How and why did you get into race directing?

Answer: I got into this when the previous race director announced that he was stepping back. The races he put on were the only ultras here in Charleston, S.C.., which meant that if he wasn’t putting them on, we would have no ultras. I reached out and told him I was interested in taking over. I had no clue what I was getting into but I’m so glad that I did!

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

Answer: I have learned that I can stay awake for 48 hours!

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

Answer: Volunteer first! This will give you a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes.

Question: What’s your favorite race to direct?

Answer: Cannonball Run. This race takes place on a really amazing private property where we have access to electricity, water and a bath house. We also have a last man standing at this race and that’s my favorite format to participate in and direct.

Question: What’s your favorite race to run?

Answer: I’m a glutton for punishment, the Barkley Fall Classic.

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

Answer: So many! I think my favorite was at Hell Hole when a younger runner was out on the course and she had called her mom and told her she was lost. Her mom came over and put me on the phone with her. Mom mentioned that she loves being outside and doing races but she isn’t the best with paying attention to her surroundings and tends to get lost. I had her share her location with me and checked in with her every once in a while. She turned a 25K loop into a 50K loop and we now refer to it as the “Sophie’s Loop Challenge.” I’m not sure if I learned anything from it but it is one of my favorite memories. She was so sweet and even though she got majorly turned around she still had an amazing day out there.

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

Answer: Swamp Fox Ultra for sure! The race is on my absolute favorite trail in Charleston and you get to run across the Francis Marion National Forest. It’s just a really cool experience. We always have awesome swag, delicious food and the most amazing volunteers.

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

Answer: Possibly a new race! But we’re really working on making our existing races the best that they can be. We always send out a post-race survey and I take the time to read each one of them.

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

Answer: www.palmettoultras.com