The Buzz

Molly Seidel, Olympic marathon bronze medalist and elite distance runner, discusses her journey from the road to trails after overcoming injury. She candidly shares the pressure of dropping out of the NYC Marathon, critiques the culture of pain in endurance sports, and reflects on her identity outside of running. Molly dives into the technical challenges of trail running, her goals for the Black Canyon race, and the importance of integrity in sports amid doping concerns. With honesty and humor, she reveals her exciting new chapter in ultra running.

This week on The Buzz, Buzz Burrell sits down in Moab, fresh off the finish of the Moab 240, with newly crowned Triple Crown champion Kilian Korth. In a season that redefined what's possible in ultrarunning, Kilian swept the 200-mile series, Tahoe, Bigfoot, and Moab, setting a new cumulative record and proving that success is built on years of setbacks. He opens up about how pulmonary edema, DNFs, and near-collapse moments became the foundation for his breakout year, why he prioritizes rest and recovery over mileage, and how a six-minute dirt nap can reboot the brain mid-race. From efficient aid-station strategy to fueling exclusively on simple sugars for nearly 60 hours, Kilian breaks down the methodical mindset behind running 200s fast—and the humility it takes to get there. He and Buzz talk sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and the mental games required to stay focused through multiple nights on foot. Plus, Kilian reveals his plans for 2026: the Cocodona 250 and a shot at the Colorado Trail FKT. Whether you're dreaming of your first 100 or fascinated by the world of multi-day racing, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, efficiency, and the art of going long.

Kilian Jornet, a world-class mountain and ultra runner, shares insights from his incredible journey of tackling 72 U.S. 14ers in just 31 days. He details the physical and mental challenges he faced, the intricacies of planning such an ambitious project, and how running with locals enriched his experience. Kilian also reflects on the differences between European and American mountain cultures, the vital importance of public land access, and the enduring connection he feels to nature across the globe.

In this episode of The Buzz, Buzz Burrell sits down with ultrarunning icon and race director Candice Burt, the woman who put 200-mile races on the map. From founding the Triple Crown of 200s to tackling self-supported FKT attempts on Colorado's infamous Nolan's 14, Candice has redefined what "too far" really means. They talk about what it takes to stay awake and moving for days on end, the psychology of pushing beyond comfort, and why even the most seasoned athletes need to respect the line between adventure and danger. Candice opens up about her 200-day streak of running 50Ks, the creation of the Arizona Monster 300, and what she's learned from organizing and rescuing runners in some of the toughest races on Earth. Together, Buzz and Candice explore how sleep, fear, and risk shape performance, and why the most meaningful endurance challenges aren't just about suffering, but about self-reliance, courage, and curiosity. Thanks to Arc'teryx for supporting The Buzz!

Public lands are where we run, where our races unfold, and where many of us feel most at home. But what happens when those protections are rolled back? In this episode of The Buzz, Buzz Burrell talks with Kat Baker, Executive Director of Runners for Public Lands, about the fight to keep 58 million acres of Forest Service land under the Roadless Rule, why iconic races like Western States, Wasatch, and Hardrock depend on these protections, and how runners can step up as stewards. Kat shares how RPL is rallying race directors, mapping where courses overlap with roadless areas, and helping runners become partners for land managers under strain. We also explore what runners can learn from climbers and other outdoor groups who've earned their seat at the advocacy table. If you've ever laced up on a forest trail, this conversation is for you. Public lands aren't guaranteed, they're a gift we all share responsibility for. 🔗 Learn more and join RPL: runnersforpubliclands.org 📅 September 28 is National Public Lands Day - free admission to all U.S. National Parks. This episode of The Buzz is presented by Arc'teryx, supporting stewardship and access to the places we run.

At this year's UTMB, it wasn't just about who won, it was about what the event has become. In this episode of The Buzz, host Buzz Burrell talks with longtime running journalist Brian Metzler about the transformation of UTMB Week into the sport's most competitive race series, biggest trade show, and all-out cultural festival. From Jim Walmsley's sprint finish at OCC, to Courtney Dauwalter's gritty 10th-place finish at UTMB, to Ruth Croft's commanding win, Buzz and Brian break down the racing itself before zooming out to ask what all the brand activations, media attention, and 175 million livestream views mean for the future of trail running. Thanks to Arc'teryx for supporting the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the rest of the UltraSignup Podcast Network. The Trailhead with Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard brings humor, heart, and a love of running culture to every episode, and Between Two Pines offers offbeat, laugh-out-loud conversations with Dom Grossman and Andy Pearson. And now, both The Buzz and The Trailhead are on YouTube, so you can listen on the run or watch from home.

Take our listener survey! What does it take to thrive at the top of ultrarunning today? In this episode of The Buzz, Buzz Burrell sits down with Jeff Mogavero, fresh off his blazing Western States debut and heading into UTMB, to talk about how training has evolved from "just running when it feels good" to heat chambers, high-carb fueling, and precision hydration. Jeff shares the story of running in 110°F rooms with his pacer "Peanut," experimenting with 150 grams of carbs per hour, and why European races feel like the Tour de France compared to the costumed chaos of U.S. aid stations. He also reflects on directing his grassroots race in Missoula, balancing community with professional ambitions, and why UTMB still "has his soul." From croissants in Chamonix to chainsaw-wielding fans at Sierre-Zinal, this is a wide-ranging conversation about what's changing, and what still grounds the sport we love. Thanks to Arc'Teryx for supporting The Buzz!

Take our listener survey! It only takes five minutes, and you help us make better podcasts. Adventure runner Fritz Sitte isn't chasing podiums, he's chasing experiences. In this episode of The Buzz, Fritz joins Buzz Burrell to share the story of his 6,400-mile, eight-month run from Cape Town to the northern tip of Africa, completed alongside his brother on a bicycle. They talk about the challenges of covering a continent without motorized support, the life lessons learned from protecting their relationship on the road, and why lowering your boundaries (and your pace) can lead to deeper cultural connections. Fritz also gives a preview of his next big project: running the length of Germany to set an FKT while raising money for refugee education, plus a possible attempt in the Atacama Desert. Along the way, they dig into the philosophy of "meaningful meaninglessness," the value of strength training for long efforts, and why you don't have to run 100K a day to make a journey run worthwhile. If you've ever dreamed about ditching the race bib for an open-ended adventure, this conversation might just convince you to take that first step. Thanks to Arc'teryx for supporting The Buzz!

Take our listener survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCgLdj8-92G_pLDxkPfuJ0-r477MzZPieRx_qlj1cmP2oybA/viewform?usp=header Trail running is evolving fast—and this episode takes you inside that transformation. Recorded live at TrailCon, host Buzz Burrell sits down with four unique voices shaping the sport: David Callahan, co-CEO of UltraSignup, on why "Tahoe Trail Week" could be America's answer to Chamonix. Shane Ohly, UK race director, on adventure, jeopardy, and the self-navigation ethos of events like the Dragon's Back. Matt Walsh, media analyst and author of the TrailMix newsletter, on the Golden Trail Series' TV deal and how athlete-driven storytelling is reshaping the narrative. Doug Mayer, author and founder of Run the Alps, with insights into the cultural quirks and traditions of European racing. From stage races without aid stations to TV-friendly "flower course" formats, this conversation dives into how trail running is growing, changing, and still finding its soul. Special thanks to Wahoo for supporting this episode—helping athletes train smarter and adventure farther. And thanks to UltraSignup for powering The Buzz. Ready for your next race? Find it at UltraSignup.com.

Be part of shaping the future of UltraSignup podcasts. Share your feedback in our quick listener survey. This episode of The Buzz is a special one. Recorded at TrailCon in Palisades Tahoe—wedged between Broken Arrow and Western States, Buzz Burrell sits down with four powerhouse women shaping the future of trail and ultrarunning. These aren't just elite athletes and insiders; they're advocates, leaders, and storytellers working to redefine what inclusion, equity, and longevity look like in the sport. Buzz chats with: Anna Frost, a pioneer of professional trail running, who reflects on the early days of sponsorship (free shoes!), standing up for equal prize money, and what it means to have longevity in the sport after motherhood. Kelly Newlon, founder of RAD Boulder and athlete agent, who breaks down how contract negotiations are evolving for women and why authenticity, not follower count, is driving the next wave of professional sponsorship. Karen Merlin, UTMB World Series comms director, who outlines UTMB's progressive policies on pregnancy, broadcast equity, and women's visibility, and why growing participation isn't just about signing up, but being invited in. Hillary Allen, trail running veteran and US team qualifier, who offers a grounded look at what elite racing means for the rest of us—and why the "core" of the sport isn't just the fastest runners, but the everyday athletes building the community from the ground up. From podium protests to pregnancy clauses, this episode goes deep on the real forces shifting the landscape of trail running, and why everyone has a role to play. Subscribe to The Buzz for real talk with the people behind the biggest shifts in our sport. New episodes drop every other Tuesday, alternating with The Trailhead with Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard. 🎙 Got feedback or a guest idea? Email Buzz at buzz@ultrasignup.com.