Pro Runners vs Influencers: Who’s Really Shaping Trail Running?

In this solo episode of the Free Outside Show, I dive into something I’ve been thinking about (and living through) for a while—the difference between pro runners and influencers in the trail running world. Who actually drives the sport forward? Who sells the shoes? And where do we go from here?

I break down how pros validate performance and products, while influencers excel at storytelling and getting people off the couch. I explore why brands struggle to invest in athlete content and what we need to do better—like athlete-influencer integration, content allowances in contracts, and actually showing the personalities behind the podiums.

This episode has hot takes, real examples (no brand shade, I swear), and maybe even a solution to the future of sponsorships in outdoor sports. Whether you're a runner, creator, or just someone trying to figure out how to get that elusive gear deal—this one’s for you.

Brought to you by:

Garage Grown Gear, CS Instant Coffee, and Janji.com

Chapters

00:00 Runners vs Influencers: An Introduction

00:49 Defining Pro Runners and Influencers

03:10 The Workload of Pro Runners

05:54 The Role of Influencers in Trail Running

09:06 Finding the Middle Ground

11:57 The Importance of Brand Storytelling

14:52 Investing in Athlete Content Creation

17:45 Building Trust in the Running Community

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