Singletrack

Alyssa Clark, professional ultrarunner, coach, and trail-running writer, joins a lively roundup of mountain racing news. They unpack the Moab 240 cancellation, Ben Dhiman’s search for a coach, and Jim Walmsley’s mysterious October race tease. Also ahead: Big’s Backyard strategy, standout FKTs, Diagonale des Fous, ultrarunning’s “Big Four,” sweatproof glitter, and an AI smart ring.

Alyssa Clark, an ultrarunner, coach, and writer, joins the conversation from Paris. They scheme about Courtney Dauwalter’s 2027 ambitions, unpack Hardrock’s lottery and Jasmin Paris’s interest, and preview Mammoth 200, Kodiak, Défi des Couleurs, and the Moab 240 Triple Crown showdown. They also explore extreme treadmill training, Dakota Jones’s Great Salt Lake project, and trail running’s rise at Paris Fashion Week.

Joe McConaughy, an ultrarunner, coach, and record-setting trail athlete, recounts his 64-hour John Muir Trail effort and the strategy that helped him surpass François D’Haene. He revisits failed attempts, hallucinations, and the eerie “third man factor.” The conversation explores altitude, sleep deprivation, crew logistics, fueling, the JMT’s toughest terrain, and how fast the record might ultimately go.

Alyssa Clark, an ultrarunner, coach, and trail-running writer, joins a wide-ranging news roundup. They spotlight Mammoth Trailfest, a 13-year-old’s podium, Kristin Johnson’s Bear 100 record, and Joe McConaughy’s JMT comeback. They also explore fresh FKTs, UTMB’s 2027 qualification changes, game theory in race selection, and Brett Maune’s bold approach to chasing records.

Ian Corless, British trail-running photographer, writer, and Talk Ultra creator, returns for a sweeping conversation on trail running’s evolution. They explore Run Rabbit Run’s $100K prize, UTMB’s global influence, skyrunning’s limits, media access, doping, athlete sustainability, and the sport’s shift toward Formula One-style professionalism. Corless also reflects on Kilian Jornet, legendary pioneers, and the pivotal year 2012.

Alyssa Clark joins a deep dive into Katharina Hartmuth’s Tor des Géants course-record masterpiece and Meg Eckert’s astonishing 636-mile six-day world record. The conversation also covers record-breaking performances at Run Rabbit Run, Barkley Fall Classic drama, Salomon’s Ironman partnership, and Western States’ 2027 reroute. Plus, a high-altitude Mammoth 200 preview and tributes to two athletes lost in the mountains.

Brett Hornig, a trail ultrarunner, coach, and analyst, and Jeff Colt, a professional ultrarunner and commentator, unpack Run Rabbit Run’s startling $100,000 winner’s purse. They debate Mike McKnight’s BPC-157 admission, Dakota Jones’s critique of Ben Dhiman’s UTMB recap, and whether champions need to be relatable. They also spotlight Western States qualifiers, Shelby Houlihan’s Skechers deal, On’s soccer ambitions, a self-supported PCT record, and endurance racing’s least glamorous victory.

Will Peterson, a trail ultrarunner, FKT enthusiast, and podcaster, breaks down the legendary Tor des Géants. They explore its brutal 330-kilometer alpine course, weather risks, sleep strategies, gear, aid-station tactics, and the physical and mental demands of three nights in the mountains. Peterson and Finn Melanson assess the stacked women’s and men’s fields, controversial storylines, American hopes, and their race-winning predictions.

Ben Dhiman, professional ultrarunner and 2026 UTMB champion, returns after his landmark victory. He revisits his record-setting race, pack dynamics, aggressive pacing, nutrition, and lightning-fast aid stations. Ben also opens up about high-volume training, strength work, family life, professional ambitions, his Indian, Sikh, and Kenyan heritage, and why winning still leaves deeper questions unresolved.

Caleb Olson, a pro ultrarunner with podiums at Western States and UTMB, reflects on his recent 3rd place at UTMB. He talks race execution, pacing and split strategy. He recounts a midrace stomach scare, night-running tactics and the climactic chase to the finish. He also discusses season planning, recovery and his renewed drive to go after a win.