Selena Daniel - "I need new friends"

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In this conversation, Allison interviews Selena, a runner and the race director of Run the Rainbow, a multi-distance race event in Jackson, Mississippi that benefits the state’s only children’s hospital.

Selena shares how she began running in her early 30s as a personal goal, progressed from 5Ks to marathons, and grew passionate about the running community.

She discusses taking on trail running at longer distances, including a goal sequence with the local Muts Group (Frosty 15, Big Butts 50K, Clear Creek 50K) and an attempt at her first 100-miler (reaching 100K but missing the cutoff), with plans to complete a 100-miler and earn “Big Dog” status this year after a back issue affected her last attempt.

Selena explains that Run the Rainbow started after the hospital’s former 5K ended during COVID; she expanded it from 5K/10K/half to include a full marathon and a new 50K, with an earlier start option for slower runners and a commitment to supporting participants through the final finisher.

She details that all proceeds support children’s hospital needs not covered by standard funding, citing examples like patient iPads, specialized playground space, NICU “angel eyes,” transportation gaps, and hopes to add another trained facility dog like "Hollywood."

She highlights Run the Rainbow’s challenging hills, frequent aid stations and entertainment (including bands and mile-by-mile encouragement), safety planning with Capitol Police, JPD, and campus police, a course feature that includes passing a castle, and an after-party.

Selena also describes the event’s swag structure (shirts, kid-designed medals, towels, cups, hats/beanies, quarter-zips, and affordable donation-based expo items) and a new educational panel featuring a dietitian (Elizabeth), trainer Megan Cook, and runner Chuck Engle.

Selena Daniel - https://www.facebook.com/selena.lockwood


Races Mentioned
Run the Rainbow
Frosty 15
Fondren 50k
Big Butts 50k
Clear Creek 50k
Mamba 100-miler
Rocket City Marathon


Shout Outs
Muts Group
Dina Boyles
James Boer
Jeremy Jungling
RunStrong
Hollywood
Dana
Pothole Runners
Jackson Run Club
Elizabeth
Megan Cook
Chuck Engle
Dina Bulls

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