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. Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell share their top highlights from the year, including record-breaking performances, evolving race formats, and bold predictions for 2025. Joined by UltraSignup’s Head of Data, Matt Abbott, this episode explores the stories behind the stats and how they’re shaping the sport we love. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or just hitting the trails, there’s something here for you.

Chapters:

• [00:00] – Welcome to the Trailhead: Reflecting on the biggest moments of 2024
• [01:22] – Super Shoes in Trail Running: Hype vs. Reality
• [2:06] – The Launch of the World Trail Majors: What It Means for the Sport
• [4:26] – Tara Dower’s Appalachian Trail Record and Other Standout Performances
• [19:50] – Breaking Down Trail Running Demographics with Matt Abbott: Who’s Running and Why?
• [24:42] – The Rise of Backyard Ultras and the Boom in 200+ Mile Races
• [34:05] – Women in Trail Running: Participation Trends and Media Narratives
• [46:39] - Is there a trail running hype bubble?
• [49:43] – UltraSignup CEO David Callahan talks about the growth of trail running
• [55:07] – The growth of run clubs
• [1:02:23]- What sustainable growth looks like for the trail community Thanks to Our Sponsor: Join us for the inaugural Utah 115 by Grand to Grand Ultra, May 16–18, 2025, in stunning Kanab, Utah. Choose from 115- and 50-mile distances in one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. Use code TRAILHEAD10 at checkout for 10% off registration.

Connect With Us: Have questions or ideas for the show? Email us at [email protected]. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share the episode with your trail running crew. Thanks for meeting us at The Trailhead! 

1:00 Zoë and Buzz discuss the technological and cultural shifts that have led to the trail running livestream boom and debate what its impact will be on the sport. 

6:04 Buzz interviews Aravaipa Running founder Jamil Coury. They discuss how Mountain Outpost is leading the way with livestreams and why he decided to buy Ultrarunning magazine. They also discuss how the sport has changed and how Jamil’s love of bringing new people into the sport inspires him to keep pushing boundaries with event coverage. 

28:06 Zoë interviews writer and researcher Leigh Cowart, author of Hurts So Good: The Culture of Pain on Purpose, about the psychology that drives people to seek out uncomfortable experiences intentionally. They dive into how Leigh’s trip to Big’s Backyard Ultra inspired them to write about ultrarunners and what they learned about pain from hanging out with ultra athletes.

0:50:00 Buzz and Zoë talk about what community means to them and how the trail running community can serve as a positive model as people reassess who they consider their neighbors. 

11:09:00 Zoë interviews Tara Dower, who recently set the overall Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail, about her preparation for the FKT and how her relationship with the iconic trail and with hiking and running has evolved over time. Tara talks about her trail running role models and how she wants to inspire more people to push their limits on the trail. 

34:47:00 Buzz interviews Warren Doyle, who has hiked the AT 18 times and is the founder of the Appalachian Trail Institute. They discuss the trail's history of speed records and explain why so many hikers and runners are drawn to this iconic through-hike.

:55 Zoë and Buzz discuss the "party platform" that all trail runners can agree on and how athletes can navigate election anxiety. 

8:29 Buzz interviews RUN Editor in Chief Brian Metzler. Buzz and Brian discuss the biggest changes they've seen in the world of trail and ultrarunning and what's next for the running industry. 

33:11 Zoë interviews TrainingPeaks co-founder Dirk Friel about how technology has changed training for endurance sports, and why AI isn't taking your coach's job just yet. 

The Trailhead is sponsored by Running Warehouse. Running Warehouse offers the best brands and the widest selection of running gear. Our in-house experts make it easy to find the right shoes and apparel with thousands of reviews, product deep dives, how-tos, and more. Plus, with free shipping and fast delivery, Running Warehouse makes ordering simple.

00:00:53 Buzz and Zoë chat through advice they wish they had gotten when they first started running, and advice for new and aspiring trail and ultrarunners.

00:8:53 Zoë interviews Randi Zuckerberg (yes, that Zuckerberg!) about how she went from running a half marathon, to signing up for the Cocodona 250 in a year. Plus, they dive into what it means to go all in on your passions, and advice for athletes balancing training with busy lives.

35:48:52 Buzz interviews Brendan Madigan, Race Director at Broken Arrow Sky Race about what it takes to run a three day event and what US races can learn from European style events. 

1:00 Buzz and Zoë discuss the intersection of trail running and alpinism, and how runners can stay safe when seeking high adventure.

14:00 Zoë interviews Kilian Jornet about his Alpine Connections Project, where he linked 82 peaks in under 20 days entirely under his own power. Kilian unpacks how he trained for his epic alpine adventure, and why he wants to use it to draw attention to climate change in the alps.

42:44 Buzz interivews pro trail runner and race director Mike Foote about how The Rut has become such a successful event, and how he was inspired by his experiences racing in Europe. 

1:00 Buzz and Zoë break down their favorite moments in ultra running history, from historic race performances to establishing new routes and FKTs. 

14:20 Coach, writer, and podcaster David Roche discusses his record-breaking win at the 2024 Leadville 100, diving into his training, shooting his shot, and why ultra runners are getting so much faster. 

 39:11 Buzz interviews Jasmin Paris, the first woman to finish the Barkley Marathons. They dive into how Jasmin juggles training with a busy life as a parent and veterinarian, and how she prepares mentally for grueling events like the Barkley Marathons. 

The Trailhead is sponsored by Running Warehouse. Running Warehouse offers the best brands and widest selection of running gear. Our in-house experts make it easy to find the right shoes and apparel with thousands of reviews, product deep dives, how-tos, and more. Plus, with free shipping and fast delivery, Running Warehouse makes ordering simple.

0:55 Zoë and Buzz discuss Buzz’s recent travels around Europe, and why running is such a great way to explore new places. 

10:55 Zoë interviews Dr. Jeffrey Hammond, a podiatrist who works with professional athletes to troubleshoot common foot problems. They discuss how runners can prevent common ailments like plantar fascitis, Achilles tendonitis, and dive into how to treat blisters on the fly. 

27:16 Buzz interviews Mags Nixon, a professional trail running guide about running the Tour du Mont Blanc. With more and more interest in the loop around Mont Blanc each year, Mags breaks down how every athlete can explore the historic route on foot, along with vital trip planning tips to get the most out of your tour. Check out Mags' treks here!

This episode of The Trailhead is brought to you by Sidas, Your Foot Company. Every foot is unique, and every adventure demands the right support. At Sidas, we believe in preventing injuries so you can stay on the trails doing what you love. Take care of your feet, and they'll take care of you.

Protect your feet. Enjoy the trails.

Don't let foot pain hold you back. Use promo code trailhead20 for an exclusive 20% off your entire purchase at sidas.com. That's trailhead20 for 20% off.

With over 30 years of industry experience, Sidas offers performance insoles, innovative socks, and advanced skincare products designed to enhance your trail running experience, no matter the distance.

1:20 Buzz and Zoë break down the post-Olympics hype, and discuss whether or not trail running should be an Olympic sport, and what it would mean to see trail elevated to the world stage. 

14:32 Zoë interviews Vic Thasiah, founder and President of Runners For Public Lands. They discuss why Vic founded RPL and what all runners can do to better protect public lands and be better environmental stewards. 

44:01 Buzz interviews Reid Delman, Race Director of the Desert Rats Trail Running Festival by UTMB about how his event has changed, and how it has stayed the same since being acquired by UTMB.

This episode of the Trailhead is brought to you by LMNT. As we hit the trails, from the seasoned ultrarunner to the weekend warrior, one thing we all need to nail is hydration. Grab a free LMNT Sample Pack, when you go to Whether you're powering through an ultra, or just exploring the trails, hydration is key. Check out LMNT and visit drinkLMNT.com/UltraSignup for a free gift from us to you with any purchase.

1:02 Buzz and Zoë break down the differences between trail running in the US and Europe and why the trails in Europe are so awesome (read: hard). 

18:57 Zoë talks to Mario Mendoza, a professional trail runner and pastor from Bend, about growing up on an avocado farm, falling in love with the outdoors at a young age, and balancing work, training and family. Mario and Zoë also talk about how Mario's running influences his faith and work as a pastor as well as how he's gearing up for OCC. 

46:08 Buzz interviews Doug Mayer, the "Mayor of Chamonix" about French trail running culture, and how to plan a trip around Mont Blanc. They discuss why the culture of trail running differs in France and what everyone can learn from running in Europe.