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!
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 for our finalists poured in, our Head of Data dug in deep for the Data Award Winners, and let us tell you—some of these categories were nail-biters! But, just like the races on our platform, there can only be one winner in each category. Drumroll, please… your 2024 WINNERS are announced below! Plus, find out who is the Grand Prize winner of the $500 UltraSignup and $500 Running Warehouse gift cards! 🏆🎉👇
Miss the memo on what these awards are? Each year, UltraSignup closes out the year with Keep Trail Running Weird Awards. We consider the awards a ‘podium finish’ for the everyday runner, honoring the beautifully weird and free-spirited culture of the trail running community. Since 2021, we have recognized 5 winners nominated by the community and 5 winners based on crunching the numbers in our database.
Read on to see who won!!!
*Note: Some results from the last days of the year may not be included in the data award categories. However, we have concluded that the final winners would not be changed by additional results that may be added. Also, if you’re a winner and haven’t heard from us, keep an eye on your inbox! 👀
“Tony wears a crop top no matter the season. His latest antic was representing the team Belly Bandits at Shakori 40 relay. It was 19 degrees and he ran in his classic crop top with his dress pants and Umstead 100 buckle (which he earned last April). I was honored to be this character’s pacer. If he’s not in his pickle costume (as Big Dill aka DILLF) or in his ChicknLegs matching singlet-shorts combo, I guarantee that he is rocking the crop top.”
“He consistently shows up big for everyone in this community. I have shared miles with him in some of my roughest times. He will always wait until the end until everyone he knows is done running and stay to help the races clean up. He is a gem in this community and embodies what it means to be there for other runners.”
“Scott is kind of a masochist when he runs but when he is your pacer, he channels relief into your soul.”
“At mile 14 of the Pinhoti 100 this year, the narrow trail gave way, sending her down the mountain and breaking two bones in her leg. They had to carry her off the mountain in a bag (pic enclosed). She had no ID or credit card so her crew had to help her get treatment and meds. Then she spent the next 24 hours on crutches but crewing 4 others in the race instead of resting.”
“Injury prone? – Incredibly
Forgets shoes and runs a race on pavement barefoot? – Yes (also see above)
Brings the MOST stoke and positivity to every/any event and activity he does – Absolutely and always
Regularly gets lost during group events and ends up hanging out on strangers’ porches – ✅
There aren’t enough superlatives to accurately describe Dwight. It is almost guaranteed that you will end up with once in a lifetime memories if you happen to be anywhere near him. He is as close to a human cartoon character (in the best way) that I have ever witnessed, and this world is richer for it.”
“She sets high goals with step by step activities to help her reach the higher goal. She is steadfast in her approach to achieve her objectives and is a wonderful person with a heart of gold. She inspires everyone around her even without realizing it. She totally deserves this award!”
“Leah is mid 40s, mom of 4, a faithful volunteer in both her church and community, a business owner, and she still finds time to travel and run! She is always training, always competing, always running simply because she loves LIFE and loves to move!”
“No matter the obstacles, Leah continues to push herself which is inspiring to others!”
“She’s been the best inspiration for numerous people around our community and various other places where she’s raced. She shows ours kids daily that women can do everything men can do by strengthening your body and mind to do so. People of all ages have reached out to her regarding the completion of the Moab 240 on her first try and stated that they’ve started moving more than they used to. She is truly amazing and I’m extremely proud of her.”
“Leah never lets anything deter her from chasing her goals. Seeing her grit, determination, and cheerful spirit in the midst of not only ultra races, but daily life is the emotions of inspirational.”
Some runners pick one big race a year, maybe a couple of tune-ups. Other runners love the joy of community events and spend their weekends traveling local races. That kind of community support is so valuable, the more you race local, the more you contribute to the trail run community. Shout out to Ed for completing 43 races on UltraSignup this year!
Sometimes it’s not about getting to the finish line first. This award celebrates the runner who spent the most time out on race courses in 2024. Dipak had a bib pinned on for a total of 718.147554 hours of racing!
Ed smashed it this year with 4788.1371 miles raced during events hosted on UltraSignup in 2024.
We love to see the runners that discover trail races and never look back. This award is for those of you who made a splash in your “debut season.” This category celebrates the runner who posted their first race on UltraSignup in 2024 and went on to complete the most races of all new runners. Evan finished the year with 15 races on UltraSignup his first year using the platform!
Whether you’re chasing races in every state or simply indulging your wanderlust, this award celebrates the runner who has explored the most places in 2024. From mountains to deserts, your miles inspire us to see the world one stride at a time. Richard conquered races in 23 states this year!
Well, well, well, looks like you have some races to register for!!! HUGE CONGRATS to 🌟 Bethany Andreas 🌟 our Grand Prize Winner! The winner was selected randomly from anyone that nominated a candidate or voted) and scores a $500 Gift Card to Running Warehouse and $500 worth of UltraSignup race credits, thanks to our partnerships with cloudIT and Running Warehouse.
This year’s awards are supported by our friends at cloudIT who have started the #runcloudIT movement to help inspire others to passionately pursue their purpose and potential through trail running.
Running Warehouse is a premier online retailer specializing in running shoes, apparel, and gear for runners of all levels. Known for their exceptional customer service, expert advice, and wide selection, they cater to road runners, trail enthusiasts, and everyone in between. We’re proud to partner with Running Warehouse for the Keep Trail Running Weird Awards, celebrating the unique spirit of the trail running community.
Just out of curiosity for the winter of the best rest, you don’t by chance have the statistics. Just kind of curious how many votes each candidate got in the best dressed. Thanks for including me on that competition.
Hi Jason! I was rooting for you, as I’ve seen your ultra fashion IRL (we met at Broken Arrow!). The results were pretty close (see the tally below). Keep crushing it, I have a feeling we’ll see your name nominated for this category again!
🩳 Best Dressed
Jade Tully – 152
Jason Lehrbaum – 176
Patty Scott – 118
Paula Goulet Adams – 179
Tony Mendez – 207