Singletrack

After setting a course record at 2025 Javelina Jundred, Tara Dower joins the Singletrack Podcast to talk about the strategy behind perhaps her biggest win yet — and how she’s using it to fuel a Western States comeback in 2026.Partners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)Additional Links:Follow Tara on Instagram, YoutubeFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Finn Melanson and Brett Hornig share their observations from all the racing action at yesterday’s Javelina Jundred. They discuss Tara Dower’s massive course-record performance, how all three men’s podium finishers — Will Murray, David Roche, and Canyon Woodward — shattered the previous marks, and what it all means for the Western States 100 Golden Ticket Series. They also analyze this year’s livestream numbers, highlight their favorite racing moments, and explore how the 2025 edition of Javelina might redefine what’s possible on the desert course.Partners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)Additional Links:Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at this year’s Javelina Jundred.Partners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)Additional Links:Follow Leah on Instagram,  Strava, TwitterFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Trail running is growing fast — but is the money for athlete deals keeping up? In this episode, athlete agent Kelly Newlon returns to the show to unpack the latest economics behind athlete-brand partnerships in 2025. From $10K rookie contracts to six-figure base deals, Kelly breaks down who’s getting paid, why it’s finally improving for pros, and which brands and races hold the most weight in negotiations.We cover:How athlete compensation has shifted in the last two yearsWhat brands actually value — and why some athletes still get left outThe rise of non-endemic deals (cars, banks, healthcare)If you’ve always been curious about what “contract season” really looks like in trail running, this is a great look inside.Additional Episodes:#355 - Tara Dower Signs Ground-Breaking Deal with Altra (Our Analysis)#135 - Kelly Newlon | Real Athlete Diets, Crewing FKT Projects, Athlete Sponsorship ThoughtsPartners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)Events:Register for the 2026 Buffalo RunRegister for 2026 Twisted Fork Trail FestivalAdditional Links:Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and PatreonFollow Kelly on Instagram, Website, LinkedInSupport the show

Jeff Colt, an experienced trail and endurance runner, joins Brett Hornig, a trail running commentator, to unpack the highlights from the World Trail Championships and the inaugural Mammoth event. They analyze dominant performances and discuss how different terrains influence racing strategies. The duo critiques the live coverage of the championships and offers perspectives on team tactics and selection challenges. They also highlight standout athletes like Rachel Entrican and delve into Mammoth's strong media presence, showcasing how storytelling elevates races.

Jeff Garmire, an endurance athlete and podcaster, recently smashed the self-supported Appalachian Trail FKT, completing it in just 45 days, 8 hours, and 37 minutes. He shares insights on the mental and physical costs of such a feat, along with his training and sponsorship challenges. Jeff discusses the balance between enjoyment and suffering on long trails, his strategies for nutrition and sleep, and the emotional discoveries he made along the way. Notably, he raised over $35,000 for the Trevor Project, highlighting his commitment to mental health initiatives.

Discover the rise of agents revolutionizing ultra trail running and the evolving dynamics of athlete representation. Get the latest scoop on the exciting UTMB highlights and the allure of the Fastest Known Time scene. Dive into the challenges of balancing traditional racing with FKTs, while exploring innovative training techniques and gear. Hear personal stories from the Mahoosuc Traverse and the transformative experiences from the Appalachian Trail. Plus, enjoy a playful take on the use of poles and fueling strategies in the thrilling world of trail running.

Tom Evans, the 2025 UTMB Champion, shares his insights on conquering extreme fatigue and soreness after rigorous races. He dives into altitude training, revealing how genetics and environment shape optimal strategies. Nutrition takes center stage as he emphasizes personalized fueling approaches and the importance of carbs for endurance. Mental ease and enjoyment in racing are discussed, highlighting the joy of running and preparation. Evans also shares race tactics, focusing on pacing, hydration, and the strategic use of supplements for peak performance.

Ruth Croft, the Professional trail and ultra runner, recently crowned the 2025 UTMB champion, shares her journey to success. She reflects on the challenges of managing post-race chaos and the resilience shaped by her upbringing in remote New Zealand. Ruth discusses the joy of natural running surfaces compared to synthetic tracks and the importance of mindfulness in daily life. She also emphasizes structured training, personal intuition, and the support of the running community in overcoming the mental and physical trials of ultra running.

Hillary Gerardi, a skyrunner and alpinist based in Chamonix, shares her thrilling journey of racing and risks in the mountains. She discusses her record-setting feat on Mont Blanc and the cultural contrasts between skyrunning in Europe and America. Hillary dives into her experiences navigating visa challenges in France and the emotional growth that ensued. The conversation reflects on community building through running, the intricate connection to Chamonix's history, and how athletes can advocate for societal change while enjoying nature's beauty.