The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman What Trail Running Can Learn From Other Sports | TrailCon Live Panel
Nov 3, 2025
This engaging panel features Amie Engebritsen, a professional skier known for her storytelling; Steve DeKoker, a global sports marketing leader; and Adrian Ballinger, a professional alpinist. They delve into how trail running can learn from other sports. Amie discusses redefining success beyond wins, while Steve emphasizes authentic athlete-brand collaborations. Adrian shares insights on guiding and the importance of stewardship in the growing trail running scene. They explore storytelling and how to create stars in the sport, all while preserving its community spirit.
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Keep The Door Open
- Preserve a welcoming 'bring-what-you-have' vibe to lower barriers and retain newcomers.
- Keep event formats and categories approachable to maintain inclusivity.
Accessibility Fuels Community Growth
- Trail running nails accessibility with a low barrier: shoes and a trail let almost anyone participate.
- That openness creates mass participation and strong community momentum around events.
Scalability Threatens Trail Culture
- Scalability is the core challenge: trails can't hold unlimited participants like city marathons.
- Growth risks diluting trail culture unless the community teaches stewardship and expectations.