Rest Day | Katie Schide & Germain Grangier Return to On, Warner Brothers Discovery Partners with Golden Trail & Recent Race Results
Apr 21, 2025
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Dive into the latest buzz in trail running as Katie Schide and Germain Grangier make their comeback with a familiar brand. Explore the exciting partnership between the Golden Trail World Series and Warner Bros. Discovery, reshaping how audiences engage with the sport. Highlights from recent races showcase emerging talents and touching community stories. Plus, get pumped for major upcoming events like the Madeira Island Ultra Trail and the Great Wall race. This is not just about running; it's a celebration of resilience and camaraderie!
Katie Schide and Germain Grangier's return to On Running illustrates the evolving dynamics of athlete-brand relationships in trail running.
The broadcast partnership between Golden Trail World Series and Warner Brothers Discovery aims to increase trail running's visibility and spectator appeal.
Recent competitive trail races, including Gorge Waterfalls and Desert Rats, highlight the emerging talent and intensity in shorter race formats.
Deep dives
Major Free Agency Moves in Trail Running
The recent free agency period brought significant changes with Katie Scheid and Germain Granger's surprising switch to On Running, marking a notable moment in the trail running community. Their return to a brand they previously left reflects the evolution of On's product quality, as they were confident in their performance gear this time around. Additionally, Jonathan Albin re-signed with The North Face, reinforcing the brand's commitment to the sport, even as it experiences a turnaround phase. The discussions around these moves highlight how athlete brand relationships play a crucial role in their careers and overall brand dynamics.
Broadcast Deal and Olympic Aspirations
A recently announced broadcast distribution deal between the Golden Trail World Series and Warner Brothers Discovery signifies a pivotal step towards increasing the visibility of trail running. This partnership aims to make the sport more appealing for a broader audience and possibly pave the way for its inclusion in the Olympics by 2032. The deal highlights the importance of creating a spectator-friendly format that may alter traditional race structures to fit media consumption preferences. The potential Olympic involvement brings excitement but also raises questions about the authenticity of the sport being represented.
MK Sullivan's Pregnancy Deferral and Abby Hall's Golden Ticket
MK Sullivan announced her pregnancy, which allows her to defer her entry into Western States, resulting in Abby Hall receiving the golden ticket for the race. This unique situation showcases the supportive nature within the community, as both athletes expressed enthusiasm for one another’s journeys. Abby's previous near-misses at securing a ticket have created a story of perseverance, and now with this opportunity, she aims to perform at her best against a competitive field. The importance of ensuring gender equality within the golden ticket system was highlighted, making sure opportunities are equitable for both men and women.
Exciting Race Results from Recent Events
Recent trail races such as the Gorge Waterfalls and Desert Rats showcased fantastic performances, with Adam Peterman setting a record at the Gorge Waterfalls 50K and Shea Aquilano achieving a convincing win in the women's division. Competitors from various disciplines are making a mark in trail running, with the emergence of athletes like Tara Dower, who combine ultramarathon strengths with shorter distances. In the Desert Rats race, a notable performance was seen from Alison Baca, who impressed with another notable finish as she continues to establish her ascent in the trail running scene. These events underlined the growing competitiveness and depth of talent across different race formats.
The Golden Trail World Series and Shaping the Sport's Future
The Golden Trail World Series has rapidly become the go-to series for shorter trail races, attracting top talent and creating intense competition among brands. As this series consolidates the best athletes in short-distance racing, it draws attention away from traditional longer races, which sometimes struggle to maintain competitive fields. The excitement surrounding the Golden Trail events reflects a shift in trail running dynamics, where athletes aim for high-intensity, exciting formats. Overall, this series' growth and the resulting brand investments may help shape the future of trail racing as a whole.
