Singletrack

In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, Kilian Jornet announces he’ll attempt the Western States–UTMB double in 2026, reviving a strategy some thought was fading from elite playbooks. 

We also examine Ironman’s decision to ban in-race content creation, including smart glasses, GoPros, and phones. Is this about safety, competitive fairness, or the beginning of a broader shift in endurance sports culture? Could trail running follow?

Elsewhere, we break down Abby Levine’s analysis of the Western States 2026 field - including the surprising stat about back-to-back women’s champions, the depth emerging from Golden Ticket races like Black Canyon and CCC, and what still remains up for grabs at Chianti and Canyons.

Plus:

• Chuckanut announces a first-ever livestream in partnership with Mountain Outpost
• Transgrancanaria preview
• Nike ACG’s experimental “smallest backyard ultra” activation in Milan
• ITRA’s 2025 Women in Trail Running participation report
• Aravaipa launches The Cutoff film tour
• UTMB postpones its Puerto Vallarta event following regional unrest

Partners:

• Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
• Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)

Support the show

In this episode, Max King reflects on his experience at the Barkley Marathons and why he now views it as a multi-year project rather than a one-off attempt. He breaks down the realities of navigation, collaboration, foot care, cold exposure, and the mental calculus required to decide whether to continue deeper into the course.

In the second half of the conversation, Max discusses where he sits in his career at 45, how his relationship with competition has evolved, and what it means to keep racing while letting go of certain expectations. He talks about durability, motivation, adapting training as an aging athlete, shifting sponsorship dynamics, and the balance between performance and adventure.

Partners:

• Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
• Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)
• Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) 

Support the show

In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, Ashley Paulson runs 12:19 at the Jackpot 100 to set a new 100-mile world record, averaging 7:34 pace and continuing the rapid evolution of speed at the distance. We discuss the course dynamics, surface differences from Tunnel Hill, and what this means for the future of flat-course ultras.

We also unpack a very public dispute in the performance apparel space after Satisfy founder Brice Partouche shared private messages accusing emerging brand Currently of copying product designs. Where’s the line between inspiration and imitation, and are there winners in a social-media-fueled fallout?

Elsewhere, ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut with trail crossover athletes Cam Smith and Ana Gibson narrowly missing the podium, Golden Trail doubles down on global expansion and broadcast ambitions, and Gorge Waterfalls releases the full breakdown of its $75,000 prize purse.

Plus: a new 200-miler called the Maine Moose Ultra is announced for 2027 with significant local backing, Desert Rats expands access through the North American Para Trail Summit, and the skyrunning season begins.

Partners:

• Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
• Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)

Support the show

What a wild weekend in the Arizona desert. Brett Hornig and Leah Yingling return to the show to break down everything that unfolded at the 2026 Black Canyon 100K. We dive into course-record performances from Hans Troyer and Jennifer Lichter, Anne Flower’s front-running strength, Anthony Costales’ return to form, the drama of Molly Seidel’s 100K debut, and one of the deepest Golden Ticket distributions in recent memory.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Opening + On-the-Ground Experience (Livestream, Aid Stations, 50K PR)
• 04:34 “Course Records Are Contagious” - Women’s Race Explodes
• 06:47 Anne Flower’s No-Cooling Strategy + Heat Management Debate
• 10:18 Is This the Most Competitive Women’s Western States Field Ever?
• 11:14 Hans Troyer’s Course Record + Race Dynamics
• 13:06 Golden Ticket Chaos in the Men’s Field
• 16:20 Depth vs. Density - Are Fields Actually Getting Tighter?
• 16:47 Split Analysis: Men vs. Women Slowdown Percentages
• 22:49 Molly Seidel’s Mid-Race Mistakes + “Controlled Micro Fade”
• 26:49 Is Gloriana - Deep Canyon the Most Dangerous Section?
• 29:50 “Random Ballers” + No Intimidation at the Start Line
• 33:59 How Many Guys Could’ve Run Sub-7:30?
• 36:07 Fantasy Picks + Predictions (Sub-8 Call)
• 37:33 Underrated Performances: Tracen Knopp, Hans’ Next-Gen Status
• 43:00 Tara Dower Interview + Emotional Finish Line Moments
• 49:39 Anthony Costales Is Back
• 50:47 Francesco Puppi’s Fall + What It Means for Western States
• 53:29 Gear Talk + 50K Pace Explosion
• 55:29 Golden Ticket Impact on Western States 2026
• 58:28 Who Still Needs a Ticket? (Chianti / Canyons)
• 1:00:10 Final Thoughts - Media, Molly’s Impact, The Women’s Depth
  
  
  

Partners:

* Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)

* Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)

* Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)

* Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)

Support the show

In one of the most action-packed weekends of ultrarunning in recent memory, we followed Tarawera, Black Canyon, and the Barkley Marathons as they unfolded simultaneously. Jeff Colt joins the show to break it all down. We also cover the PTRA’s advisory vote on pacing at championship-level races, crowdfunded prize purses, Outside Interactive’s profitability, the 603 Endurance sale to Marathon Sports, Mount to Coast’s pro team announcement, and Broken Arrow’s Trail Futures initiative.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Black Canyon 100K + 50K Highlights
• 04:04 Tarawera 102K Insights
• 08:06 Barkley Marathons Update
• 12:08 Crowdfunded Prize Purse Initiative
• 15:54 Pacer Vote and Its Implications
• 19:58 Outside Interactive's Profitability
• 23:57 603 Endurance Acquisition
• 25:46 Mount to Coast Team Announcement

Partners:

• Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
• Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)

Support the show

Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at this year’s Black Canyon 100K.

Timestamps:

• 02:12 Black Canyon 100K Storylines
• 05:35 Training Strategies and Race Day Tactics
• 10:13 Course Characteristics, Projected Weather Conditions 
• 19:06 Race Execution and Aid Station Strategies
• 35:33 Women's Field Analysis
• 58:40  Men's Field Analysis
• 01:27:06 Final Thoughts and Race Day Responsibilities
  
  

Partners:

• Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
• Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)
• Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) 

Additional Links:

• Follow Leah on Instagram,  Strava, Twitter
• Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube
• Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube

Support the show

This is the February 9th, 2026 edition of Singletrack News.

Timestamps:

• 01:28 Golden Trail World Series Schedule Announcement
• 05:44 Sky Running Series Announcement
• 09:17 Tarawera 102K
• 12:54 New UTMB Race at Snowbasin
• 17:25 David Goggins signs up for Cocodona
• 19:31 Debate on Pacer-Free Golden Tickets
• 22:41 Diadorra's Sub Four Mile Challenge Announcement
• 25:33 Prize Money News
• 27:56 Open Athlete Manager role at The Feed
• 30:58 Courtney Dauwalter to Naak
• 33:56 Jennifer Lichter, Adam Merry, Meg McKenzie moves
• 36:20 Bear Tags and Silver Tickets
• 38:45 Opportunities for Involvement in Trail Running Organizations

Partners:

• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
• Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)

Support the show

In this conversation, Sabrina Stanley reflects on returning to competition after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the peak of her ultrarunning career. She recounts the medical uncertainty that followed her initial diagnosis, the surgeries, chemotherapy, and ongoing immunotherapy that reshaped more than a year of her life. Stanley discusses racing again while still in recovery, including her recent return at the Arc of Attrition 100, and what it meant to simply reach the start line.

She also speaks candidly about her complicated relationship with the sport itself -why she doesn’t closely follow ultrarunning, how she intentionally limits her exposure to public opinion, and how she has built a professional career largely insulated from external narratives. The conversation touches on her partnership with OnlyFans, her views on athlete autonomy and body regulation, and the tradeoffs of stepping outside traditional sponsorship models while continuing to pursue elite performance.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Sabrina's Unique Perspective on Ultra Running
• 06:14 The Misunderstood World of OnlyFans
• 12:03 The Impact of Ovarian Cancer on Sabrina's Career
• 24:30 Navigating Cancer and Social Connections
• 27:55 Training Through Treatment: A Personal Journey
• 39:01 The Ongoing Battle: Living with Uncertainty
• 44:56 Racing Again, Arc of Attrition 100 Miler
  
  

Partners:

• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
• Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/)

Support the show

In this episode, Olympic medalist Molly Seidel reflects on the aftermath of success at the highest level of the sport. She discusses the pressures of elite marathoning, why that model became unsustainable, and the personal decisions that led her away from the roads. The conversation touches on injury, identity, sponsorship, social media, and the early stages of her transition into trail running.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 The Influence of Business School on Personal Growth
• 03:02 Redefining Success in Running
• 05:52 The Unsustainable Nature of Elite Sports
• 09:01 Navigating Pressure and Performance
• 12:01 The Challenge of Public Perception
• 14:54 Building a Life Beyond Running
• 17:56 The Artistic Side of Sport
• 20:40 Transitioning to Trail Running
• 23:54 The Business of Being a Professional Runner
• 26:41 The Impact of Social Media on Athletes
• 29:49 Comparing Media Coverage in Running
• 35:46 Training Philosophy and Mental Game
• 38:54 Nutrition and Gear for Trail Racing
• 41:45 Looking Ahead to Future Races
  
  

Partners:

• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
• Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/)

Support the show

In the first-ever edition of Singletrack News, Finn Melanson and co-host Alyssa Clark break down the biggest stories in trail running from the past week.

We start with Sabrina Stanley’s return to racing after a year away from the sport, react to Molly Seidel’s decisive leap into trail running, and discuss what it means to see Courtney Dauwalter carrying the Olympic torch as trail running’s profile continues to rise.

Plus: major race results from around the world, notable performances, sponsorship news, and a look at where the sport is heading as competition and professionalization continue to accelerate.

Singletrack News is our weekly news and conversation show covering the stories, debates, and moments shaping trail and ultrarunning right now.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to Singletrack News
• 01:07 Sabrina Stanley's Comeback
• 02:31 Courtney Dauwalter Carries Olympic Torch
• 03:43 Gambling Scandal in Track and Field
• 06:05 Podcast Highlights: Coleman Cragun and Ben Dhiman
• 09:41 Anne Flower Signs with Hoka, Grayson Murphy Leaves Saucony
• 14:48 UTMB's Future
• 18:45 Results Rundown: Hurt 100 and Winter Spine, Hong Kong 100K
• 28:00 Notable Performances: Molly Seidel, Rachel Entrekin, Erin Ton
• 31:18 Final Thoughts 
  
  

Partners:

• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
• Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/)

Support the show