It was a wild year at Tennessee’s Barkley Marathons. After five years with no finishers, this year’s race saw a woman make it farther than any woman before her, and for the second time ever we had three athletes complete the course.

Ultrarunner and photographer Howie Stern has photographed the race six times and run it once, in 2011. He brings us the story of this year’s race with his incredible imagery.

“Out There” is a lonely, dark place.

Two weeks ago, we were all glued to Keith Dunn’s twitter page, refreshing for updates on ultrarunning’s best-known secret. So this week, Corrine and Buzz dive into the Barkley Marathons (also see our beautiful photo piece on the race).

Corrine interviews Eric Sutliff about trail running in the South and the things he’s learned since his first ultra. You can read his piece for Like The Wind magazine about his 50K on UltraSignup News.

Then, Buzz speaks to a runner about what to do when another trail runner might need help.

The Trailhead Podcast is a production from UltraSignup News. This episode is presented by Sidas. Use promo code “BOGOSOCKS” to get two pairs of socks for the price of one at Sidas.com.

Runners obsess over what shoes fit the best and give them the most control and comfort, but often overlook something just as important to comfort and performance: SOCKS! Socks play a huge role in keeping runners dry, warm, cool, and comfortable on their runs. Sidas has three lines of technical and innovative socks that maximize ventilation, reduce friction on the foot, and provide ample cushioning to reduce foot fatigue and injury.  

Learn about the differences between the Sidas Running Socks and see which one suits you best, then pick up a few pairs so you can be pain-free and comfortable on your runs! Use code BOGOSocks at checkout to get two socks for the price of one. Valid now through April 3, 2023.

??‍♀️ Good for a Girl: “There is a betrayal of women’s bodies in the sports system,” says former Nike athlete Lauren Fleshman. You’re gonna wanna read her book.

? Ridiculous Run: Adidas surveyed 9,000 runners about perceptions of safety while running. Of the women surveyed, 92 percent reported feeling concerned about their safety when out on a run and 51 percent were afraid of being physically attacked. 

In other Adidas news: The German brand and Beyoncé have mutually agreed to sever their creative partnership.

⬆️ Train Hard, Sleep Harder: It’s right there in the (Running) Bible ⬆️

? Not a Toy: A man in Colorado was attacked by a mountain lion while sitting in a hot tub.

? Yikes: A new UN report says we’re running out of time to avoid climate catastrophe. “The climate time-bomb is ticking,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. “Humanity is on thin ice—and that ice is melting fast.” 

? Go to Run Camp (with an Environmental Twist): Become a climate leader in your community with Footprints running. Apply by May 5th for a chance to join a group of experts—in Vermont—to create an environmental project and help fight climate change.

?? Hard but Necessary: David Goggins’s post on experiencing racism is a tough read, but a necessary discussion. “I have not only survived the hate, I have thrived in spite of it.”

➡️ Lastly, here’s what we’re reading, watching, and listening to this week.