Location: Los Angeles, CA

How long have you been trail running?: Have been running since 12 y.o (23 years total) , more serious trail running the last 3 years.

Why do you run?: I run to push myself to the limit physically and mentally, but I also run to inspire more women like get out there and do hard things! The trail community needs more women, and specifically women of color to be a part of the trail fun!

What is your favorite trail to run on?: Top of Reseda to Parker Mesa ! Mountain and ocean views! You cant beat that.

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: A dream race would be the coveted Western States 100!

What shoes are you running in?: Brooks Caldera 7s & Hoka Speedboats.

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: COROS APEX WATCH !

Location: Staten Island, NY

How long have you been trail running?: 8 years

Why do you run?: My ‘why’ has changed since I began running. I used to run because it gave me a sense of accomplishment. I still love that feeling and continue to chase it, but now I want to share it with others. I love signing up for a big race and experiencing the journey, but crewing for someone during theirs can be just as rewarding.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: I have a love-hate relationship with it, but the Bear Mountain Loop Trail at Bear Mountain, NY. Tons of elevation packed in a short distance (3.8M, 1200ft of gain) with the reward of a beautiful view at the summit. It never gets old, never gets easy.

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: This is a hard one. For the longest time, Badwater 135 has been my end-all-be-all race, but Ouray 50M in Colorado might take the cake. A 50-miler with 23,582 feet of gain. My quads hurt just thinking about it.

What shoes are you running in?: For road running, Brooks. On trails, the Nike Wildhorse 8’s.

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: WOLACO (Way Of Life Athletic Co) compression shorts.

Location: Sunnyvale, CA

How long have you been trail running?: Roughly one year so far

Why do you run?: Curiosity about what I am capable of, exploration of beautiful places outdoors, and fun!

What is your favorite trail to run on?: The Dipsea Trail! Quad Dipsea this past November was my first trail race and first ultra so the Dipsea Trail holds a very special place in my running life. Plus you can’t beat those amazing ocean views on a clear day!

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: Western States 100 for sure. I love the history of the race, the wide range of terrains, and the iconic finish on the track in Auburn.

What shoes are you running in?: Salomon Ultraglide 2, Speedland GS:PDX, and Craft Nordlite Ultra!

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: Precision gels! Gotta fuel!!!

Location: Denver Metro Area

How long have you been trail running?: I’ve been trail running since 2008. My first trail run was the Pikes Peak Marathon. It was definitely a trial by fire. 🙂

Why do you run?: I run to stay in shape. I was obese for most of my life until my early 30s. I then lost the weight and took up running to keep it off. I also run for my own mental health, to make incredible friends, and to see stunning parts of my state and the US.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: My favorite trail system is in Deer Creek Canyon in Littleton, Colorado. Specifically, the Homesteader trail is an absolute blast to run on, and is closed to cyclists.

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: I would love to run the Antarctica Marathon, but I think it will always be financially out of my reach. A bit more realistic would be the London Marathon (I know it’s road, but I love England, and I have some family there who I rarely get to see in person.)

What shoes are you running in?: For road I like the New Balance 1080s. For rails-to-trails I like the Hoka Speedgoats. For more rugged trails, I prefer the Brooks Cascadias.

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: I love my running vests. Even if I’m not using them to carry hydration, I will still usually wear one for all of the glorious pockets.

Location: Jacksonville, FL

How long have you been trail running?: Since I could run. I grew up in upstate NY where everything is a trail. I took a trail home from school sometimes!

Why do you run?: I feel like it’s apart of who I am, especially on the trails. I love that “spent” feeling after a really hard race day, the camaraderie in the community feels like home, and I want to live the most fulfilling life possible.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: Pioneer trail – Jennings State Forest, FL you’ll forget you’re in Florida!

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: It would be between Barkley and Western States. But I’m leaning towards Barkley because it’s really insane.

What shoes are you running in?: Road shoes- Hoka Clifton 9, occasionally saucony kinvara or Hoka Mach 5 : trail – Hoka speed goat 5

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: injinji toe socks

Location: White Mountains, NH

How long have you been trail running?: 5 Years

Why do you run?: I run because it’s something I can do anywhere in the world, allows me to see the beauty around me, and brings me together with community on both a local and global level.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: My favorite trail is the one I’ve yet to run on.

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: Barkley Marathon

What shoes are you running in?: I constantly rotate, but currently Hoka Speedgoat, La Sportiva Bushido, Asics Gel-OS, Brooks Adrenaline, and Merrell Long Sky

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: My watch. I’ve worn a sport’s watch since getting one for my 8th birthday and never take it off!

Location: Texas

How long have you been trail running?: 2 years

Why do you run?: I run because it gives me time to reflect and think as well is great cardio.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: No favorite trail, I just start running and end up going on different routes.

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: Leadville 100 or Badwater 135

What shoes are you running in?: Brooks Caldera

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: Single leg sleeves

Location: Phoenix, AZ

How long have you been trail running?: 5 years

Why do you run?: I run to both escape from the world and to connect w/ my community. I run b/c I’d like to be here for a good time and a long time. I run b/c I can.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: A combination of the Sidewinder and Ocotillo trails in the Sonoran Preserve. The track is surprisingly soft for Phoenix and you get to see the hot air balloons launching.

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: It would be one of the Vacation Races Global Adventures, either New Zealand or Japan.

What shoes are you running in?: For trails I run in the Saucony Endorphin Rift, Saucony Endorphin Edge, and Saucony Peregrine 13.

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: Ever since I cut off my locs, my Black Men Run cycling cap has been a must b/c I need to protect my scalp from the Arizona sun.

Location: Phoenix, AZ

How long have you been trail running?: about 4 years

Why do you run?: I run mostly because it gives me a sense of awe – for the spaces around me, for the communities that form around the sport, for what my body can do. And because it’s fun!

What is your favorite trail to run on?: The National Trail on Phoenix’s South Mountain will always have a special place in my heart. But if we’re going purely on smooth running experience and beauty, I think about Washington’s John Wayne Trail at least once a week.

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: I would love to run the Madeira Island Ultra Trail one day. Every photo of the race is breathtaking, and I would recover on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

What shoes are you running in?: Saucony Peregrines!

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: I love the Brooks Method shorts. I rag on people who buy things in every color, but I have 4 pairs, because I buy them every time they go on sale.

Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico

How long have you been trail running?: 7 years

Why do you run?: A while ago, I got invited to run my first half marathon (road). Conditions were less than desirable. It was cold, rainy and extremely windy. Huge puddles formed on the street, but I loved every second. I wanted to go further and spend more time with other runners, so I started volunteering and eventually running trails. I had met my community and found my passion. So now it continues, I run to experience the world on foot, meet the best people and challenge myself.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: Skyline Trail in the Santa Fe National Forest

What shoes are you running in?: Trails: Salomon Sense Ride or Speedcross depending on terrain/ conditions

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: I love my Suunto Vertical and I may have a slight trucker hat addiction.

Location: Dixon, IL

How long have you been trail running?: 5 years of trail running, 11 years of running

Why do you run?: I run because it brings me joy and a sense of freedom. With every stride, I find solace and renewal, experiencing a liberating release from the pressures of daily life.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: Castle Rock North Trails and Lowden Miller State Forest

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: Cocodona 250

What shoes are you running in?: I alternate between the brands Altra and Topo

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: My watch or it never happened.

Location: Fort Collins, CO

How long have you been trail running?: about 4 years! Since I was 21

Why do you run?: So many reasons! Exploration and adventure, solitude and reflection, discovering limits, finding community, I could go on!

What is your favorite trail to run on?: I have so many favorites but I would have to say my favorite is going up South Boulder Peak! I love that it’s not runnable (for me) because it is so steep and rocky! My favorite kind of trail

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: Hardrock 100!

What shoes are you running in?: Nike Zegamas are my favorite at the moment:)

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: Soft Flasks!!

Location: Seattle, WA

How long have you been trail running?: 5 years

Why do you run?: All the normal stuff like seeing beautiful places, wonderful people in the community, establish dominance over my friends, and to get revenge on those that have wronged me.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: I love running the Cascade to Palouse trail between Hayek and Rattlesnake lake. Running over those railroad trestles is amazing and the views are nice too. There’s also a short trail at saltwater state park that is a lot of fun that is not used very often. Don’t go there!

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: The Spitsbergen Marathon in Norway. Something about the fact that they have “polar bear guards” makes me want to run it that much more. Can I take a polar bear in a foot race? Probably not but there’s only one way to find out.

What shoes are you running in?: I love me some Topo pursuits. Someone told me that you can out run a polar bear in them.

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: It would have to be my Goodr Nuclear Gnar sunglasses. That’s how everyone recognizes me and I even wear them all night long while running. So many people have fallen in love with me because they make me look so cool.

Location: Bella Vista, AR

How long have you been trail running?: I have been trail running roughly since 2020

Why do you run?: Oof. Good question. My sophomore year of high school, I had a tumor on my hip which led to reconstructive hip surgery. Afterwards, I was told I would never be able to run again by the surgeon. I set out to prove this wrong. At the time, the only long distance thing I knew of was an Ironman. I DNF’d my first attempted Ironman (Boulder). A few years later, I completed Ironman Lake Placid after going through yet another health scare. I now run because I CAN. I also really, really need to. Running is maybe slightly cheaper than therapy.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: I just recently moved to the Bentonville area and my favorite trail would have to be Tunnel Vision. I have specifically been digging the Down Under loop.

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: The first thought that comes to my mind is the Leadville 100 because I have entered that lottery twice and have been unsuccessful twice. However, I would probably prefer to run the UTMB trail. It looks absolutely gorgeous!

What shoes are you running in?: Fun fact. I have worn Nike department store road shoes for all of my trail runs (including a recent 100 mile finish on the Ozark Trail). Peer pressure finally got the best of me and I did cave and get a pair of trail shoes recently – Nike Pegasus Trail Gore Tex. Review to come later.

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: My watch. I love my watch. I have a Garmin Fenix 7S and it’s the best thing ever. My Orange Mud bright blue pack for runs when I need water or snacks is a close second place.

Location: Atlanta metro area

How long have you been trail running?: I’ve been running since middle school — so over 20 years now!

Why do you run?: I run because it makes me a better human — it’s a chance to clear my head, process things, and promotes creativity. It’s a daily ritual that feeds my spirit and my soul!

What is your favorite trail to run on?: Locally — Big Creek Greenway; I lived in the DC metro area and I really enjoy the Capital Crescent trail as well, and whenever I’m up that way I always look to get some mileage in there!

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: Comrades

What shoes are you running in?: Nike Pegasus are my old reliables that I use for daily trainers; I recently switched to some OnCloud shoes that are amazing as well!

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: Some sort of pocket to stash my phone in — as a mom, this is a total necessary. Even though running is my chance to be disconnected, safety is a priority and I always carry my phone with me, whether it’s in the back of my Rabbit utilibra or in a koala clip.

Location: North Pole, AK

How long have you been trail running?: 5 years

Why do you run?: I run to see how far I can push myself both physically and mentally.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: My current favorite trail to run is a snow covered Secret Trail (Actual Name) in Fairbanks, AK. But I’ve run some many awesome trails all over the world, it’s really hard to pick a favorite one. I think it’s more about the memories that were made on a trail that make it special and who you were running that trail with.

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: Take me to Olympic Valley to toe the line of Western States.

What shoes are you running in?: Brooks Caldera 7s (trail) Brooks Glycerin (road)

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: It would have to be my emotional support hydration vest, Salomon Adv Skin 12

Location: Harlem & Hudson Valley, NY

How long have you been trail running?: I signed up for my first trail race, a rugged 25K about an hour’s drive from NYC on a whim in November of 2015. I was wildly unprepared, and I remember thinking to myself that it would be both my first and my last trail race. Fortunately, I was wrong – I kept coming back for more, now nearly a decade later.

Why do you run?: It’s good for mental health, and it’s good for physical health! Running is where I’ve met my closest friends, and I really can’t think of any good reasons not to run.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: The Pemigewasset Loop, in New Hampshire.

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: So many good ones…Spartathlon?!

What shoes are you running in?: My shoe closet is filled with quite an assortment of brands and types of running shoes, but the Salomon Speedcross tends to be my go-to trail shoe.

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: A 5-panel hat (and sunscreen!)

Location: Houston, TX

How long have you been trail running?: I’ve been trail running since 2019! My first trail run was a Christmas Eve 10K and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Why do you run?: I run to chase my physical and mental limits so that I can understand myself at a core level.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: My favorite trail to run on is the Auburn Quarry trail that runs alongside the American River in Northern California, where I was born and raised.

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: I would say either Badwater 135 or Cocodona 250. Both are vastly different but offer the challenge of a lifetime with some unforgettable views. I’d love to experience what it’s like to be in the thick of one of those races.

What shoes are you running in?: I am currently running in the Altra Carbon Mont Blancs. They just came out, are amazing, and I need to stockpile pairs because they are *literally* my perfect shoe.

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: Lube. It’s not glamorous but if I didn’t have my SNB or Body Glide, my thighs would be destroyed.

Location: Huntsville, AL

How long have you been trail running?: about 20 years

Why do you run?: I run to be out in nature, breathing in the fresh air, to challenge myself, and see what amazing places my feet can take me.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: Our local trails at Monte Sano State Park

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: My favorite place to run trails has been Montana. I would love to have a week or so to just exploring all over the mountain ranges of Montana on foot. It wouldn’t even need to be an official race.

What shoes are you running in?: On most trails, the lululemon Blissfeel Trail. On extra muddy or wet trails, it’s the VJ Maxx.

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: My lululemon Wunder Train shorts!

Location: San Rafael, CA, Marin County

How long have you been trail running?: 20 years

Why do you run?: too many reasons to list but I would try and summarize by saying that I feel like myself most when I am on the trails and moving. My life with work, kids, family, etc can be very chaotic so the trails provide a brief respite from it all. My mental health suffers if I am not out there regularly.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: Eldridge Fire Road to the top of Mt. Tam

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: Western States (4 tickets and counting!)

What shoes are you running in?: Speedlands

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: my various hats that I run in. I can’t run without a hat.

Location: Chattanooga, TN

How long have you been trail running?: Off and on for about 2 and a half years.

Why do you run?: It started off as a way to help me improve both my physical and mental health. Now, it’s just out of love for the sport and getting outdoors.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: The trail system on Lookout Mountain was where I got started, and it has some amazing views. It’s my favorite… so far.

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: Trail: Leadville; Road: London Marathon

What shoes are you running in?: Got the Altra Timp 5s a couple months ago and I’m absolutely loving them!

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: My watch! I wear the Coros Pace 3. So many great features and a battery that lasts forever.

Location: Portland, OR

How long have you been trail running?: Since 2020!

Why do you run?: I run for the thrill of it all — the good days, the challenging ones, the races, the time spent in the woods, the PRs, the friendships, the community, the goal setting, the goal achieving (!), the pure joy, the mental health boosts…I run for it all.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: I’m new to the PDX area still, so no definitive favorite out here just yet, but I’ve been enjoying my time in the Gorge area on all the waterfall trails! I also loveeeee the Mount Hood area of course! Special shoutout to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail in North Bend, WA, where I used to run allllll the time when I lived in Seattle.

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: Western States 100, Boston Marathon, & the Arches National Park Marathon.

What shoes are you running in?: Altra for both trail and road!

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: My reflective jacket for early morning runs or my rain hat for the rainy PNW days.

Location: Anchorage, AK

How long have you been trail running?: 12 years

Why do you run?: I started running to get healthy and lose weight (100 pounds!). I keep running because I love being outdoors on the trails and in the mountains, and it’s a huge boost to my mental health.

What is your favorite trail to run on?: Lost Lake trail near Seward, AK

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: UTMB

What shoes are you running in?: Altra Lone Peak and Timp

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: Bear spray – comes with me every run in the summer while in the Alaska wilderness. Also works great on ornery moose!

Location: Roanoke, VA

How long have you been trail running?: I have been trail running for about eleven years now

Why do you run?: It is all about the journey for me. Running has taken me to places I never thought I’d go to, both mentally and physically. I love the natural beauty, the people, and everything that comes along with long days in the mountains.

What is your favorite trail to run on?:) My favorite place to run is in Rocky Mount, VA on the Crooked Road 24 hour loop. It has a special place in my heart, and never gets old running there.

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: Hellgate 100k. 

What shoes are you running in?: Hoka Speedgoats!

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: Patagonia Strider Pro shorts. They are the best shorts for me, and all that I wear for a big race. I can count on them every single time.

Catra Corbett

Location: Eastern Sierra

How long have you been trail running?: Running since 1996, ultramarathons since 1998 

Why do you run?: I run to help with my mental health also it has help me maintain my sobriety since 1994. I also run to see the beauty in every day .

What is your favorite trail to run on?: My favorite trail to run is Pine creek pass trail to Piute pass to North lake aka Sky Marathon route. Summer/ Fall when it’s snow free. Winter running Tungsten peak / Tungsten hills.

If you could run any race in the world what would it be?: A race I would love to run, Tor des Geants 330k 

What shoes are you running in?: Currently I am running in Hoka and New Balance.

Name one go to piece of gear you can’t live without: I can’t live without my  Nathan hydration vest since I need it for running in the mountains and backcountry to carry my gear and food.