Going the Distance (and Then Some): Ultra Running with Michael Wardian and Kyle LaFerriere
Stories of endurance and ambition
Fresh off a record-breaking global run, ultra runner Michael Wardian takes the stage to share stories from his extraordinary journey, including completing 50Ks on all seven continents and setting a Fastest Known Time on the Virginia Capital Trail. Joined by photographer and fellow runner Kyle LaFerriere, this conversation explores what it means to push past limits, chase big goals, and discover what’s possible along the way. Hosted by Jeff Kelley of Kelley + Co..
Speakers
Michael Wardian
Mike started running in 1995 and with the goal of running the Boston Marathon once. That decision changed his life forever. Running has taken him all over the world and he still can’t believe still that he is a professional runner competing all over the world and has finished over 300 marathons and ultra marathons including setting Guinness World Records and representing the USA and winning marathons on all seven (7) continents.
Kyle LaFerriere
Kyle LaFerriere is a commercial photographer and filmmaker based in Richmond whose work lives at the intersection of endurance, adventure, and storytelling. His projects have taken him around the world, creating photo and video campaigns for outdoor brands, tourism boards, and corporate clients. Specializing in people and how they move through life.
Beyond the camera, Kyle is also an endurance athlete himself. He has completed some of the toughest ultramarathons in the country, including the legendary Cocodona 250, along with multiple 100-mile races. That firsthand experience inside the endurance world gives him a unique perspective on storytelling, resilience, and what drives people to push beyond their limits.
Jeff Kelley
Jeff Kelley works in the Central Virginia media industry and began his career as a business and technology reporter for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He is the founder of Kelley & Company, offering public relations services to clients across Virginia and nationwide. He is an avid long-distance runner and in April completed the Boston Marathon.
Location
The Foundry
Set within the beautifully restored brick walls of Tredegar Iron Works and just steps from the American Civil War Museum, The Foundry blends Richmond’s industrial past with a refined modern feel. This historic space has been thoughtfully reimagined as a versatile event venue, offering a distinctive setting rooted in the city’s rich heritage. During the festival, it transforms into a vibrant marketplace featuring makers, vendors, and nonprofits showcasing their work, while also serving as the home of the Riverside Chats speaker series.