April 8th, 2025

11 min read

Trail Running Isn’t Broken, But These Changes Could Help Fix It

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The Most Influential Runner in History 

Before there were fun runs, race lotteries, or running specialty stores, there was Frank Shorter. His gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics ignited the American running boom and helped shape the sport as we know it today. But Shorter’s legacy goes far beyond the podium — from exposing doping and reforming athlete rights to sharing his own story of survival, he changed the course of running history.

The Skid Row Running Club Takes on Sedona’s Ultra Vortex

The Skid Row Running Club leaves LA streets for Sedona’s desert trails, proving how community and running can empower recovery and life transformation.

Your Training Should Be More Fun. Here’s How.

Reclaim the joy in your miles. Here’s how adding play to your training can boost performance, fight burnout, and keep you in love with the run.

Same Trailhead, New Energy: Brendan Leonard Joins The Trailhead as new Co-Host with Zoë Rom 

With a fresh dose of humor and storytelling, The Trailhead is back—same podcast, new energy. Your longtime host, Zoë Rom is joined by a co-host who knows a thing or two about absurd adventures, bad ideas, and the heart of endurance sports: Brendan Leonard. 

Season 4, Episode 6: A New Adventure Begins With Buzz Burrell

What's Buzz's next big adventure? His very own podcast, The Buzz with Buzz Burrell.

Introducing The Buzz with Buzz Burrell: A New Voice in Trail and Ultrarunning 

We're so excited to be launching a new podcast on March 25, The Buzz with Buzz Burrell.

Why Did We Sign Up For That Race?

There are countless reasons to register for a trail race, which one of these speaks to you?

Feeling Stuck? The Desert Has a Cure for That.

Every runner moves through seasons. Our columnist shares how desert running helps her refocus, stay present, and embrace the ultimate seasonal reset.

15 Washington Trail Races You Need to Run

A born-and-raised Washingtonian compiled this must-run list of trail races in Washington State. Run any one of these and you’ll fall in love with Washington’s trails!

The Two Types of Runners

How do runners deal with boogers while running? No judgment here (just keep your germs to yourself)!

A Long Distance Relationship

Running has been my longest, most committed relationship—outlasting flings, fizzled situationships, and even the occasional existential crisis. Is it healthy? Questionable.

10 Arizona Trail Races You Need to Run

Discover these extraordinary Arizona trail races, from beginner-friendly courses to epic challenges for seasoned runners. Find your next race and register today!

The EXPLORE Act is a Win for Runners and Public Lands

The EXPLORE Act enhances trail access, maintenance, and event permitting while supporting conservation and economic growth. Here's what trail runners and race directors need to know.

What is Capacity Discrepancy?

Capacity Discrepancy happens when athletes transition to running from non-weight-bearing sports like cycling. This article shows how strength and mobility training can help prevent injuries and support healthy development.

Life of an Ultrarunner

According to Semi-Rad, the life of an ultrarunner is divided into two eras: the "before times," and the inevitable moment when they stop making your favorite shoe.

How to Remember a Year in Running

What if we measured our year not in miles, medals, or virtual kudos, but in the intangible treasures of the trail?

10 Unforgettable Finish Line Memories from 2024

Mike McMonagle (@shitinthewoods) captures the heart-pounding, mud-caked moments of 2024’s biggest races. Check out his top 10 finish line shots with behind-the-scenes stories!

New Year’s Resolution: Eat More

Make 2025 the year that you fuel up and eat enough. The research is clear: fueled is faster.

THE WINNERS: 2024 Keep Trail Running Weird Awards

Wow! Every single nomination sent us spiraling down a rabbit hole of stalking UltraSignup results and scrolling through the IG profiles of truly amazing members of our trail community. The votes have been tallied! Keep reading!

Races Opening Registration January 1-14, 2025

Curious how to boost your motivation by 42%? Register for a race on Jan 1!

VOTE NOW: Meet the Keep Trail Running Weird Finalists

Get to know the top finalists in each category for the 2024 awards. Cast your vote by December 27!

I ____ running in winter because I _____.

Got mixed feelings about running in the winter? You're not alone.

Races Opening Registration 12/15 – 12/31

While you’re busy decking the halls and ringing in the New Year, don’t forget about your race calendar! From December 15 through December 31, a sleigh full of races open registration, offering the perfect opportunity to set your sights on next year’s goals.

Season 3, Episode 25: The Year in Trail Running and Bold Predictions for 2025

It’s the end of 2024, and we’re wrapping up the year with a deep dive into the biggest trends, moments, and milestones in trail running.

7 Trail Races to Ring in the New Year

Got NYE plans? End 2024 on a high with one of these 7 New Year's Eve trail races!

The Forest Service Isn’t Hiring Seasonal Staff. Here’s Why Trail Runners Should Get Involved.

A budgetary shortfall has led to a hiring freeze that will impact trail runners and race directors alike. Here’s what we can do about it.

Races Opening Registration 12/1 – 12/14

December 1 is one of the most important days in the annual race calendar. Dozens of races open registration and many more will follow throughout the month. Quite a few will sell out on opening day. Don’t hesitate. Now is the moment to sign up for that big goal race you have been eyeing. 👀 […]

Best Gifts for Trail Runners

We rounded up 21 of the best gifts for trail runners (that aren’t shoes) so you can spend less time shopping and more time training.

Season 3, Episode 24: Why Ultrarunners Find Purpose in Pain, And What Motivates Jamil Coury

Join The Trailhead Podcast as Zoë and Buzz discuss the trail running livestream boom, with Jamil Coury on event coverage and Leigh Cowart on the psychology of pain in ultrarunning.

15 Unexpectedly Delightful Discoveries at TRE

After The Running Event, brain buzzing from a pop-punk cover-band-fueled Brooks party, I couldn’t stop thinking about these fifteen game-changing products, people, and surprises.

2024 Keep Trail Running Weird Awards

We are excited to announce that the 2024 Keep Trail Running Weird Awards SZN is here! Nominate your buddies and don't forget to vote.

The World’s Fastest Gynecologist

Meet Lauren Puretz: a self-proclaimed "hot mess" mom who does it all—whether she's performing surgery or crushing hundred-mile races. Team Hooha is unstoppable!

Aid Station: Living in the Montage

Zoë Rom explores her admiration for a good training montage, "I love a training montage because it lets you indulge in the fantasy of an effortless breakthrough."

How are we planning on ‘staying fit’ during the holidays?

Anyone else in for the 22-miler? 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏻🙋🏾‍♂️ Meet ya down the block. Find more from Brendan Leonard on Instagram @Semi_Rad and explore his pieces curated exclusively for UltraSignup.