Singletrack

Ultrarunning analysts Leah Yingling, known for elite race tactics, and Brett Hornig, a trail athlete and performance analyst, unpack Javelina’s photo-finish drama. They discuss Rob Mulkey’s confident breakthrough, Noah Dussault’s long-awaited breakthrough, Des Linden’s gritty 100-mile debut, and Heather Jackson’s last-mile comeback. The panel also explores an all-masters women’s podium, redemption arcs, trailflation, and how livestreams can keep up with closer racing.

Jameson Collins, Destination Trail’s operations manager and a wildland-fire risk specialist, revisits the Moab 240’s dramatic cancellation. They unpack the forecast, flash flooding, the crisis at Bridger Jack, and a complex overnight search-and-rescue evacuation. The conversation also tackles qualifiers, pacer policies, aid-station expectations, entry fees, online criticism, and how race organizers should test emergency plans before disaster strikes.

A lively tour of ultrarunning’s biggest storylines: Belgium’s controversial shared finish at Big’s, Mark Dowdle’s case for UROY, and Ryan Montgomery’s audacious 200-mile goal. The discussion also covers the Golden Trail finale in South Korea, Camille Herron’s return to Javelina, Sage Canaday’s backyard pivot, and Cameron Balzer’s transcontinental record attempt.

Professional ultrarunner and analyst Leah Yingling joins ultrarunner, coach, and analyst Brett Hornig to preview the 2026 Javelina Jundred. They assess how rain and mud could transform the usually fast course, spotlight a deep women’s field, debate whether the course record can fall, and weigh Golden Ticket contenders. Men’s predictions, dark horses, livestream appeal, and Western States implications round out the race-day forecast.

Brett Hornig, trail ultrarunner, coach, and endurance-racing analyst, joins a lively tour of ultrarunning’s biggest stories. They explore Jim Walmsley and Courtney Dauwalter’s move toward China, whether backyard ultras can rival UTMB’s reach, and the sport’s evolving media appeal. Plus, race results, Innsbruck’s World Trail Majors debut, futuristic HUD sunglasses, and Aravaipa’s new registration platform.

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.