The Trailhead

The Year in Trail Running and Bold Predictions for 2025


Listen Later

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! 

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The TrailheadBy UltraSignup

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

84 ratings


More shows like The Trailhead

View all
Trail Runner Nation by Trail Runner Nation

Trail Runner Nation

1,164 Listeners

The Strength Running Podcast by Jason Fitzgerald

The Strength Running Podcast

1,281 Listeners

Human Performance Outliers Podcast by Zach Bitter

Human Performance Outliers Podcast

565 Listeners

For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running by Jonathan Levitt

For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

399 Listeners

The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman by Dylan Bowman

The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

730 Listeners

Some Work, All Play by David Roche and Megan Roche

Some Work, All Play

1,630 Listeners

Singletrack by Finn Melanson

Singletrack

854 Listeners

Trail Society by FREETRAIL

Trail Society

262 Listeners

Choose Strong by Choose Strong with Sally and Eddie McRae

Choose Strong

1,325 Listeners

Everyday Ultra by Joe Corcione

Everyday Ultra

159 Listeners

Crack A Brew With AJW by Andy Jones-Wilkins

Crack A Brew With AJW

141 Listeners

Between Two Pines by UltraSignup

Between Two Pines

154 Listeners

The Boulder Boys Show by The Boulder Boys

The Boulder Boys Show

111 Listeners

The Trail Network Podcast by The Trail Network Podcast

The Trail Network Podcast

67 Listeners

Your Diet Sucks by Zoë Rom

Your Diet Sucks

94 Listeners