Singletrack

In this conversation, Jim Walmsley, a renowned professional ultra-trail runner, shares his insights on the transition from marathon to trail racing and the nuances of pacing in ultra events. He introduces the innovative 'Black Shorts Series,' aimed at elevating trail running's profile with team sponsorship and marquee races. Jim reflects on the evolution of the sport, the importance of managing low points during races, and his training strategies in a competitive environment. He also discusses athlete representation and the depth of the current racing field.

Will Murray joins the Singletrack Podcast fresh off his dominant, course-record victory at the 2025 Javelina Jundred.Partners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.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.Additional Links:Follow Will on StravaFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

David Roche, an elite ultrarunner and coach, shares insights from his impressive Javelina performance and explores how high-carb fueling is transforming ultrarunning. He discusses the balance between competitive racing and family life, emphasizing the role of nutrition in avoiding overtraining. Roche highlights emerging talents like Tara Dower and Will Murray, predicting they will redefine performance standards. He also reflects on the future of the sport and the evolution of training strategies, promising a thrilling direction for ultrarunning enthusiasts.

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.