TRAIL RUNNING GOES
UNDERSTANDING THE TRAIL RUNNER
Six things run retailers need to know about today’s trail runners. / By Danny Smith
Tom Matlack is a trail running enthusiast. The Boston area resident regularly pounds out miles on local trails, participates in trail races and, admittedly, purchases more gear than necessary for his adventures. He also sees a “booming” trail running culture, albeit one continuing to fly under the radar.
“There’s a lot more going on here than most people know,” Matlack says of the trail running world.
So, Matlack teamed with fellow trail running devotee and business pro, Mikey Yablong, to investigate the nation’s current trail running scene. The duo’s resulting State of Trail Running Report provides, in Matlack’s words, “a 360-degree view of the average trail runner and all the ways they’re consuming and participating in this marketplace.”
The report’s quantitative component includes a hefty survey of 2010 trail running respondents representing diverse age groups, genders, income levels and regions across the U.S. The survey dives into the respondents’ history with the sport, their habits and investments in gear, events and more. (In one notable move, the co-authors excluded elite runners and those who spent over $1000 on events, an effort
“to normalize the results and more accurately reflect the average trail runner.”)
The survey results deliver an interesting portrait of contemporary trail runners – who they are, what they value and what they
purchase – and demonstrate the compelling business opportunity for brands and run specialty shops alike to connect with a dedicated, largely affluent and growing consumer group.
The majority of trail runners come from demographic groups that businesses highly prize.
Most trail runners – 57 percent, in fact – sit between the ages of 35-54. Thirty percent are 35-44 years old, while 27 percent are 45-55 years old. Those are two attractive demographics to businesses, as those age demos represent more established lives and mid-to-late career earners with disposable income. To that point, nearly half of trail runners earn six figures and more than two-thirds hold a college degree.
The Run Specialty Takeaway: Trail runners have cash to spend, so tapping into this market in strategic ways positions run shops to curry favor with an attractive consumer segment.
Though trail runners skew suburban and rural, don’t sleep on the urbanites. Trail runners generally live closer to nature. Most (46 percent) live in suburban communities, while 30 percent live in rural areas. Still, that means about one in four trail runners reside in an
Photo: Kevin Bessat on Unsplash
Understanding the Trail Runner (continued)
urban environment. Though they might complete their trail runs close to home, as some major cities do offer great trail running options within their city limits, many might travel to trailheads at suburban or rural destinations to log miles.
The Run Specialty Takeaway: Run shops in urban environments might eschew carrying any trail product, getting involved in trail races or promoting group trail runs. And understandably, trail running might seem an odd fit in many dense urban environments. City residents, however, have not written off trail running, according to Matlack and Yablong’s report. Run shops can be a resource to help urbanites discover local trails while stores can also contribute to building a lively trail running community through events, programming and group runs.
Trail runners embrace the activity. By and large, trail runners are committed to their craft. Three in five, in fact, have been traversing the trails for more than six years. Yet more, half of trail runners log at least five runs each week. On the racing front, 43 percent of trail runners signed up for at least five races in 2023, a hearty signal of their commitment to the sport. Moreover, trail runners spent an average of $465-$613 on events in 2023.
The Run Specialty Takeaway: Given their devotion to the activity, trail runners can be frequent and returning customers. Those two ingredients can play a positive role in store performance and demonstrate their potential value to run shops.
Trail runners love their shoes. With more advanced midsole
technology offering peppy rides and terrain-specific shoes meeting runners’ varied needs, the trail running footwear category has evolved from blasé, utilitarian options. Today, a diverse assortment of compelling models exists, and trail runners are here for the innovation. The average trail runner purchases one-to-three shoes each year at an average cost of $140, with Hoka, Altra and Saucony being the three most favored brands among trail runners.
The Run Specialty Takeaway: Yes, there are more trail running footwear options than ever before, which makes purchasing the right mix of styles an increasingly tall task for run shops. However, strategic footwear buying from established and ascendant brands can enhance a running store’s specialty edge, especially since trail running footwear is not as accessible in
the brick-and-mortar marketplace as road footwear.
Trail runners are not shy about buying apparel.
Compared to their road running counterparts, trail runners show a greater penchant for investing in apparel from trailoriented brands like Patagonia, Smartwool and Salomon. In 2023, for example, 97 percent of trail runners purchased apparel, with the average annual spend on apparel hovering around $370.
The Run Specialty Takeaway: Apparel has long been a tough category for many run shops, but trail runners have the potential to boost those figures as they seek high-quality, performance-driven apparel capable of enduring tough conditions.
Trail runners invest in essentials. Trail runners tend to spread their dollars around multiple categories, opting for hats,
hydration products, weatherproof outerwear, nutritional items and more to deliver comfort across challenging terrains and long distances. In 2023, 93 percent of trail runners purchased trail running gear, with an average annual spend of $337-$421. Half of trail runners own a hydration pack, while hats and sunglasses are other popular products. On the nutrition front, 75 percent of trail runners use specific ontrail nutrition, while three in five buy pre- or post-run supplements to support performance and recovery. Thirty percent of trail runners spend at least $400 each year on nutrition products alone.
The Run Specialty Takeaway: One way for running stores to boost profitability is to sell more to existing customers — and trail runners are especially ripe to purchase more goods, whether it’s items like packable jackets, Merino socks, handheld bottles or recovery drinks. n
Trail runners are indeed a unique breed, making it even more important for run retailers to understand what makes them run.
Photo: Brian Erickson on Unsplash
Comparing Road & Trail
Coros study finds runners are more similar than you would think.
Looking to answer the age-old question of how trail runners differ from road runners – beyond the obvious that one group dodges traffic while the other takes on tough terrain – sports technology company Coros recently dove into the data to see what they could find. That data might surprise retailers, brands and the runners themselves.
Yes, road runners and trail runners may appear to be part of two different worlds. From training grounds to gear choices, each has its own traditions — but Coros wanted to find out, are they really as different as we think?
Despite their differences they found striking similarities between the two groups. From daily habits to training volume and even physiological markers, road and trail runners often are more similar than many think. There is one defining characteristic, however, that distinctly separates these two groups and shapes the way they train, race and perform.
For this study, a “Road Runner” is a Coros user who completes more than half of their activities as a “Run” activity. Similarly, “Trail Runners” are users with more than 50 percent of their activities being trail runs.
EARLY RISERS
Coros found both groups of runners tend to avoid sleeping in, making sure they have enough daylight to squeeze in their training runs. (Figure 1) Trail runners tend to wake up around 6:38 a.m., just one minute earlier than road runners at 6:39 a.m. They also get nearly identical sleep, with trail runners squeezing in just a few extra minutes (seven hours, 22 minutes versus seven hours, 18 minutes).
A COMMON BEAT
One thing all runners have in common is their resting heart rate. Coros measures it first thing in the morning — before they
even roll out of bed. For most runners, that magic number is 55 BPM. In fact, they’re nearly twice as likely to clock in at 55 than any other number.
SKIPPING THE MIDDAY RUN
When it comes to training timing, both groups prefer morning and evening runs. (Figure 2) Road runners typically are out for an earlier start, with 24 percent of all runs beginning between 6 and 9 a.m. Trail runners are about two hours behind, with 26 percent running between 8 and 11 a.m.
In the evening, both groups follow a similar pattern, with 26 percent of road and 24 percent of trail runners heading out between 4 and 7 p.m. And both groups steer clear of lunchtime runs. Whether due to work schedules, heat or a full stomach, only nine percent of road runners and 12 percent of trail runners depart between noon and 2 p.m.
MILEAGE MATCH-UP
Road runners hit the pavement for an average of 4.4 miles per run, lacing up 4.3
times a week. (Figure 3) Trail runners go longer – six miles per run – but a little less often at 3.8 times per week. While trail runners tend to run more miles per week on average, the top one percent of each group are about the same; you’re just as likely to find a trail runner who runs 50 miles per week as you are a road runner.
HITTING THEIR PEAK
When it comes to aerobic fitness, trail runners tend to push higher, with an average Base Fitness of 135 compared to 108 for road runners. There is also more variation in fitness for trail runners, with a 24 percent wider range of fitness values compared to road runners.
WEATHER OR NOT
Seasonal trends also play a role — trail runners hit their peak in August, benefiting from long summer training blocks in the mountains. Road runners, on the other hand, peak most often in September, aligning with fall marathon season. (Figure 4) During the winter months, road runners tend to maintain fitness, while trail runners see a more noticeable drop-off, possibly due to seasonal conditions limiting trail access.
THE MAJOR DIFFERENCE
The biggest difference between road and trail runners? Their attitude toward indoor training. Road runners log more than four times as many treadmill sessions per year as trail runners — averaging 13.3 sessions annually compared to just 3.2. For road runners, the treadmill offers a reliable escape from bad weather and slick streets. Trail runners? They’d rather face the elements than swap dirt for a moving belt.
Together On the Run
Road and trail runners may have their differences, but at their core they’re far more similar than it may seem. Their habits, training volume and even heart rate align in ways that might surprise many retailers. And despite the extreme difference training environments, these two communities are equally dedicated to achieving their goals. n
Figure 1 Sleep Times
Figure 2 Run Start Times
Figure 3 Total Miles Run
Figure 4 Favorite Months
Change Is Coming
Four big stories that will impact run and outdoor specialty retailers in 2025 and beyond. / By
Change can be both an opportunity and a threat. And 2025 promises a little of each for outdoor stores. Based on conversations with retailers, brand executives and thought leaders, here are the four major issues that will drive the outdoor business in 2025 and the foreseeable future.
1. CORE VS. CASUAL
Outdoor and running stores have traditionally done a great job serving the core consumer, but changing behaviors and participation trends are pointing to growth opportunities with a more casual outdoor enthusiast. According to recently released data from the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), here is what the new casual outdoor consumer looks like:
• The casual consumer now represents 40 percent of the overall market.
• Most of them started experiencing the outdoors in 2020 or later.
• This segment of the market is 55 percent female; 30 percent are POC.
• The two largest age segments are under 24-years-old and over 55.
• The casual consumer is a dilettante. They participate in one to five activities anywhere from four to 24 times a year.
• Older participants gravitate to wildlife viewing, birding and or fishing.
• They are not interested in high-tech gear, perfecting skill sets or setting speed records.
This consumer and their dollars are up for grabs — and because they are “new” to the category their shopping habits and store preferences are not ingrained.
2. GLAMPING IS A REAL THING
Hardcore enthusiasts may roll their eyes at this idea, but smart money is investing in this category, which is expected to hit $1.3 billion in annual revenues by 2029,
according to Arizton Research.
Last year, Utah-based Yonder Escalante, updated its name to Ofland (meaning “of the land”) to honor its goal of helping guests connect with the outdoors. Guests staying at Ofland can choose from a variety of experiences — from full camping to glamping in cabins resembling traditional hotel rooms to campsites, where you can set up a tent and cook for yourself. And the more bougie outdoor person can stay in a deluxe cabin with a private bath.
Amenities include a pool and hot tub, ideal for relaxing and recovering from challenging hikes, while an outdoor lodge has fire pits, ample seating and complimentary coffee and baked goods daily. There are
also laundry facilities on the property so guests can pack light. Pets are welcome, too.
The most outlandish activity at Ofland is a drive-in theater filled with vintage cars — each features a functional radio and a heater for colder nights. Guests can select a car of their choice and watch classic movies every night of the week. A vintage Airstream offers free popcorn and other classic movie snacks for purchase.
Ofland plans to open additional Glamping sites throughout the country.
Marriott International has also made a major investment in Glamping. Late last year, Marriott acquired Postcard Cabins, which has 29 locations across the United States with more than 1200 cabins. Each
Marcus Wolff
The casual outdoor and run specialty customer now represents 40 percent of the overall market.
Helping Runners RECOVER BETTER™ Serving Run Specialty Since 1991
Change Is Coming (continued)
Glampsite is located within a three-hour drive of a major city, providing easy access for outdoor enthusiasts. When Marriott plugs Postcard into its reservation system and begins promoting the option to its millions of domestic and international members, the hospitality chain can drive major growth in this activity.
3. BRICK AND MORTAR BUILD UP
Big brands and retailers are doubling down on physical locations. Here is a quick summary of the planned store openings we know about for 2025:
• Boot Barn will open 60 new stores.
• Birkenstock will increase its store count by 20 from its current number of 67.
• Salomon, which opened a NYC pop up this past year, will open five branded stores in 2025.
• Academy Sports + Outdoors will increase its fleet by 25 stores, bringing its total to 323.
• And Dick’s Sporting Goods plans to open 15 new House of Sport locations in 2025, bringing the total number of House of Sport locations to 35 by the end of the year. Dick’s House of Sport stores are about 100,000square feet and combine retail with experiences like climbing walls, golf bays, and multi-sport cages.
For specialty stores, this will mean increased competition from well-financed general sports players and increased brand awareness
from branded players such as Vuori and Birkenstock.
4.
TERRIFYING TARIFFS
This is an extremely fluid situation, as President Trump has on and off promised to increase tariffs on goods coming into the United States, especially from China, Mexico and Canada. Speculation is that he is rattling his saber as a negotiating tool on issues such as immigration and IP protection.
Most major trade associations have already spoken out against this proposed plan, especially on categories such as footwear and apparel that are already subject to tariffs five times as high as other categories.
If enacted in some form down the road, tariffs on outdoor gear, apparel and footwear could
increase prices for retailers and consumers, which could slow the U.S. economy at a time when the rate of inflation is slowing down.
Of course, one of the longterm goals of tariffs is to encourage more domestic manufacturing. And a recent article in Gear Junkie pointed out that “American brands already producing here will have a strategic advantage if their competitors have to raise prices for gear made across the Pacific Ocean.” n
This article originally appeared in Trailheads, a publication of the new Switchback Spring trade show, June 16-18, 2025 in Nashville, TN. For more: https://www.switchbackevent. com/trailheads/
Glamping is a real thing that is bringing more people to the outdoors, while full-line retailers and brands are upping their brick-and-mortar game to reach serious and casual consumers as well. Specialty retailers need to tailor their product mix and merchandising to compete with this changing retail reality.
The
Trail Running Issue
Breaking Barriers
RIDC’s 2025 ‘Freedom to Run: Back Outside’ case study selects trail team.
With the ambitious goal of breaking down barriers to trail running, the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) recently selected a team of runners for its “2025 Freedom to Run: Back Outside” case study.
Selected from 275 submissions, 14 new trail runners have been added to the RIDC family as part of the initiative, taking their first steps onto the trail with RIDC and joining a growing movement to break barriers and open up new pathways for more runners to experience trail running. While RIDC has hosted trail running panels and supported individual runners in the past, this marks its first dedicated cohort — and a deeper commitment to building long-term access to trails.
RIDC is focusing on increasing access to and participation in trail running by addressing key challenges identified in its research — everything from gear and safety to accessibility and technology. The Freedom to Run program is a direct response to its findings that many people in its communities are eager to try trail running, but face systemic obstacles that make the sport feel out of reach
Sacramento, CA; Karla Estudillo Fuentes, Atlanta, GA; Jerri Kriz, Tracy, CA; Eduardo Villanueva, Brooklyn, NY; Sam Soundarajan, Minneapolis, MN; Romona Kelly, Belmont, NC; Kat Phan, Brooklyn, NY; Blake Tucker, Chicago, IL; ElisabethMonique Tossa, Burnsville, MN; Richard
me to run trails, but I wasn’t sure where to start,” Kriz says. “I am excited to learn about what it takes to run trails and discover something new about myself.”
Another new trail runner, is Eduardo Villanueva, of Brooklyn, NY, who says he grew up a heavy-set kid and always felt that running was out of reach. He echoes those sentiments after going through his own challenges during COVID. “I needed a radical change and when a running challenge popped up at work I gave it a shot,” he explains. “Now I’m chasing a new kind of challenge — trail running and pushing for diversity. Trails feel like the right next step.”
Bui, Dallas, TX; Barbara Reyes, Austin, TX; Maribel Garcia, Los Angeles, CA; and Antoine Haugabook, Nashville, TN.
Adding to the experience are the program’s coaches: Athena Farias, Becky Croft, Jared Ervin, and Yasmin Boayke. Training has officially started, with all eyes on the finish line: a trail run or race this Fall that, according to RIDC, marks not just the end of a training cycle, but the beginning of new possibilities for these runners, and for the industry as a whole. n
The 2015 team includes Gabe Marrero, Old Hickory, TN; Kayla Caughell,
A typical participant is Jerri Kriz, of Tracy, CA, a wife, mother and caregiver with a background in teaching and volunteering. “Running has led me to new experiences and curiosities — it awakened a desire in
For more on the runners: https://www. runningdiversity.com/blog/meet-the-runners-freedom-to-run-back-outside-2025
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The Trail Running Issue
Who’s Running Trails ... And Why It Matters
UltraSignup provides an inside look at the changing nature of trail running in 2025.
Trail running has come a long way since the pandemic-era surge that brought a wave of new athletes to the trails. In the years since 2020, the sport has not only rebounded — it has professionalized and globalized
at a rapid pace. International race series such as the Golden Trail World Series, the Merrell Skyrunner World Series, the World Trail Majors and UTMB have expanded their reach, attracting young, ambitious elites, increasing livestream viewership and
drawing sponsorships from both endemic and mainstream brands. The front of the pack has never had more visibility.
But while the spotlight has shifted toward elite competition and global broadcasts, it’s essential not to lose sight of what
Boulder trails.
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Who’s Running Trails
makes trail running unique — it remains a participation-driven sport. The weekend warrior at a small-town 25K, the first-time 50-miler taking selfies at the summit — these runners are the heart of the sport.
They may not land on podiums or race with media crews in tow, but they represent the largest share of participants and their collective influence is significant. Their spending habits, brand loyalty and appetite for connection through racing, volunteering and community events are what sustain
the ecosystem.
That’s the encouraging part. The trail running audience in the U.S. continues to grow, not just in size, but in enthusiasm as well. New runners are joining local races, signing up for run clubs, buying gear and looking for brands that reflect their values and aspirations.
From our vantage point at UltraSignup, we’ve seen firsthand how this growth is reshaping the sport. What follows is a closer look at who these runners are, where they’re going, and what their choices
mean for the future of trail running.
A Trail Race For Everyone
When most people think of running races, they imagine the world’s big-city marathons or a neighborhood 10K. Their mental map is shaped by road and track events, where distances are standardized, times are precise and terrain is predictable.
Trail running operates under a different logic. Even the definition of a “50K” can be more conceptual than exact,
depending on the course, it might be 29 miles, or 34. And that’s part of the appeal. The terrain, the elevation, the weather and the dynamics of the trail matter as much as the distance itself.
Despite the “ultra” reputa tion, more than half of the races on UltraSignup are actually shorter than ultramarathon dis tance. Sub-ultra events continue to serve as a vibrant and essen tial part of the trail running ecosystem. These shorter races provide crucial entry points for newcomers, allow seasoned athletes to race more frequently and keep the sport accessible to those who may not have the time or inclination to train for 100 miles.
At the same time, trail run ning continues to innovate. Fixed-time and backyard-style formats, where runners com plete loops for a set duration or until only one remains, are gaining traction. These events, often held in front-country or urban-adjacent areas, offer a different kind of appeal: psychological endurance, com munity spirit and accessibility. In fact, in 2024, 8.6 percent of all finishers on UltraSignup participated in one of these looped or timed events, a number that continues to rise.
Meanwhile, the far end of the endurance spectrum is experiencing its own boom. The 200-mile race is no longer an outlier and it’s increasingly viewed as the new benchmark in ultrarunning ambition. Registrations for 200-plus mile events grew 114 percent yearover-year in 2024 and the 2026 edition of the Cocodona 250 sold out within eight minutes. What was once a fringe
Marin Headlands – a legendary trail running destination. Photo by Tony DiPasquale
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Who’s Running Trails (continued)
Men still make up the majority of trail runners, accounting for just over 60 percent of all participants. But women are quietly gaining ground, year over year. In 2024, women represented 39.6 percent of all race entries, a modest increase from previous years.
and relentless optimism have become a blueprint for aspiring ultrarunners.
That influence is evident in the data. Participation in races between 26.3 and 50 miles rose by 42 percent in 2024, while events between 50 and 100 miles saw a 77 percent jump. It’s a clear sign that the appetite for long-distance trail running is growing, not just at the elite level, but across the broader participant base.
ground for storytelling, whether that’s capturing the euphoria of a first-time 50K finisher, Golden Hour at a premier event or the intimacy of encouraging words exchanged between competitors at mile 187.
entries, a modest increase from previous years and just under the record-setting 41.3 percent peak during the pandemicfueled running boom in 2020.
curiosity has become a proving ground for runners looking to test the limits of human endurance. These events are drawing athletes motivated not just by competition, but by a desire for deep, transformative experience and adventure.
Of course, most runners aren’t quite ready for 200 miles of sleep deprivation and problem-solving. But many are inspired by those who are. Social media has helped elevate figures like Andrew Glaze, whose prolific racing
For race organizers and run specialty retailers, this evolution presents multiple opportunities. Shorter races and looped events can engage local communities and lower logistical barriers, particularly in regions without alpine terrain. At the same time, the rising demand for 200-mile races points to a maturing audience eager for bigger, bolder challenges. For brands, this divergence in format means designing gear that can handle both the minimalism of a 10K and the durability required for multi-day efforts.
For marketers and media professionals, it offers fertile
Trail running is expanding in every direction. The real challenge now is keeping pace with its evolution and making sure the media and storytelling is animated by the same heartbeat and spirit of adventure that brought runners to the start line.
Who’s Showing Up
Trail and ultrarunning participation is slowly but meaningfully shifting, according to UltraSignup’s 2024 data, offering valuable insights for race organizers, brands, and service providers aiming to better understand and serve this growing community.
Men still make up the majority of trail runners, accounting for just over 60 percent of all participants. But women are quietly gaining ground, year over year. In 2024, women represented 39.6 percent of all race
This upward trend is most visible in sub-ultra distances, where female participation now nearly matches male participation, 46.8 percent versus 53.2 percent, respectively. These shorter trail events serve as an important entry point for women, suggesting that investing in beginner-friendly formats, mentorship programs or women-focused community initiatives could yield long-term returns in both participation and brand engagement.
Non-binary representation, while still minimal, is slowly being tracked. Only a small percentage of events currently offer a non-binary division, but where it is available, participation is measurable, ranging from 0.02 percent to 0.06 percent depending on race format. For organizers, offering inclusive registration options not only signals alignment with consumer values but may also drive engagement among younger, more diverse runners seeking community and belonging.
Age demographics offer equally rich insights. While the median age across all participants is 40, the age distribution varies significantly by race type and distance. Runners aged 30 to 39 make up the largest age group overall, followed closely by those aged 40 to 49, indicating that trail running continues to appeal most to those in their prime working and parenting years — individuals with both disposable income and a growing interest in health, nature and challenge-based recreation. Shorter races skew younger.
In 5K events, runners under the age of 20 represent a striking 18 percent of participants. Meanwhile, the 20–29 age group favors milestone formats — including half-marathons, marathons and 50Ks, and shows a notable affinity for Backyard Ultras, where they comprise over 18 percent of the field.
These findings suggest an appetite for unconventional endurance formats among younger athletes, especially those seeking communitydriven or mentally engaging race experiences. For brands looking to reach Gen Z and younger Millennials, formats like the Backyard Ultra could be a powerful entry point. At the opposite end of the spectrum, athletes aged 40 to 49 dominate 200-mile events, which demand substantial time, training and financial commitment. These are not casual participants — they represent a high-value segment for gear brands, coaching platforms and destination race organizers, who can tailor premium offerings to meet their needs.
Even runners aged 70 and up are making a mark. While they tend to favor shorter distances (3.31 percent of all 5K runners fall into this age group), they are also showing up in longer formats like 24-hour events, where they comprise 3.46 percent of participants. This points to the sport’s remarkable longevity and inclusive appeal — and the potential to support older athletes through recovery products, social initiatives and age-adjusted competition categories.
In short, the trail running demographic is expanding — not just in numbers, but in
diversity of age, gender and race preferences. For stakeholders across the industry, from race directors to apparel makers, these shifts offer a clear call: the future of trail running will be shaped by inclusivity, flexibility and format innovation.
Geographic Trends Matter
Trail running in the U.S. is no longer confined to a handful of well-known mountain towns or coastal enclaves. In 2024, more than 38 percent of trail runners registered for events outside of their home state, according to UltraSignup data, a clear sign that the sport is becoming increasingly mobile and geographically diverse.
This shift carries meaningful implications for race organizers, destination marketers and gear brands alike, as the profile of the trail runner continues to evolve beyond traditional regional strongholds.
Unsurprisingly, California continues to host the largest share of events at 11 percent, followed by Washington (6.5 percent), Oregon (4.75 percent), and Colorado (4 percent). These states benefit from a combination of abundant trail infrastructure, established trail running communities and natural terrain that lends itself to endurance racing.
However, other regions are gaining ground. Pennsylvania (4.8 percent), Georgia (4.75 percent) and New York (4 percent) now rank among the top states for trail events, suggesting that the East and Southeast are important centers of trail running activity. Meanwhile, states such as Arkansas, Mississippi and South Dakota remain largely untapped, with
minimal event representation and the potential for future growth.
This broader geographic spread underscores the increasing importance of destination racing. With nearly four in 10 runners traveling across state lines to compete, events that offer a compelling combination of location, experience and community are more likely to draw national attention.
For race directors and local tourism boards, there is a clear opportunity to position trail events as travel-worthy experiences, particularly in regions that offer access to public lands, scenic trails and small-town charm.
For gear and apparel companies, regional differences in climate and terrain present an opportunity for more targeted engagement. Waterproof gear and technical layering systems may resonate with Pacific Northwest runners, while desert regions demand lightweight, breathable fabrics and hydration-focused solutions. Pop-up retail experiences or product demos at high-participation events in key states could serve as effective touchpoints for brand discovery.
Perhaps most notably, the growth of fixed-time and looped events signals an expansion of the sport’s geographic and logistical possibilities. These formats, often held in parks or on accessible terrain, require less elevation and remote access, making them viable in regions that lack the vertical terrain traditionally associated with trail ultras.
For race organizers, this presents a path to expand trail participation in regions with
While the median age across all participants is 40, the age distribution varies significantly by race type and distance. Runners aged 30 to 39 make up the largest age group overall, followed closely by those aged 40 to 49.
fewer natural elevation features or where land access is limited.
A Growing Trail Footprint
In short, trail running’s geographic footprint is growing and, with it, the opportunities to serve a more dispersed, travelready and diverse community of runners.
For stakeholders across the industry, from event producers to product developers, recognizing and responding to these regional trends will be key to reaching the next generation of trail athletes. n
About UltraSignup
UltraSignup is a marketplace for discovering, registering and managing trail running events across the United States, offering services like registration hosting, result tracking, runner rankings, race marketing and media. With a mission to promote the spirit of trail running and outdoor adventure, UltraSignup connects trail runners with races, brands, resources and one another.
Founded in 2009, runners can use UltraSignup.com to discover and choose from more than 5000 races.
Engaging Trail Runners
Five tips for reaching out to your trail running community. / By
Marcus Wolff
Over the past decade, Nashville’s population has grown by a whopping 21 percent and an influx of young, active adults has boosted the local trail-running community.
“We have a really good trail running scene here,” says Jason Thienel, owner of Cumberland Transit, a Nashville outdoor specialty store that’s embraced runners. Since he knows a lot about the trail running business, we asked Thienel and a few run specialty retailers to share tips on how dealers can effectively engage their local trail running community.
1. HOST GROUP RUNS REGULARLY
For Cumberland Transit, group runs play a key role in building relationships with local trail runners, says Thienel, adding that hosting them regularly is essential. Every Monday night, the store’s trail running group – the Crazy Owls – gathers at nearby Percy Warner Park.
“It’s important to be consistent to build a following,” says Thienel, noting that when he launched the running group he had no idea how many people would attend. “Now it’s become people’s regular Monday workout and when the weather’s nice we might get 20 to 30 people.”
2. APPOINT LEADERS FOR TRAIL RUNNING OUTREACH
Designate a leader to oversee group gatherings, advises Lee Wilson, owner of Nashville Running Company. “Trail running can be intimidating,” he says, explaining that a group leader with social skills – whether it’s a shop employee or local enthusiast – can make newcomers feel welcome and comfortable.
A leader with knowledge of local trails can also steer beginner runners toward appropriate paths and pace groups to suit their abilities. With your store staff, appoint
someone to communicate with local runners regularly through social media and email.
3. EMPHASIZE LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES
“It’s really important to foster a group that employs trail ethics,” says Thienel, explaining that a group leader should teach proper trail etiquette and Leave No Trace principles.
“I want our group to benefit the park,” he says, noting that good behavior reduces impact on trails. Also, when runners practice proper etiquette, other user groups and park officials view trail runners favorably.
4. DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS
Bell’s Reserve, a private recreation area near Nashville, contacted Cumberland Transit for ideas on promoting the Reserve. Cumberland Transit and Nashville Running Company partnered with Hoka to host a fun run and product demo at the site.
While the Reserve got publicity, the retailers received kudos for introducing people to new trails. Plus, Hoka benefitted by promoting its new Speedgoat 6 shoe. Thanks to partnerships, it was a win for everyone involved.
5. KEEP IT SOCIAL
Thienel and Wilson agree that camaraderie is more important than competition during a trail running gathering. “It’s a very social run for us,” says Thienel. “No one’s trying to get their PR.”
After a run, groups head to a brewery or sports bar, says Wilson, noting, “Trail runners are typically a burgers and beer chill crowd that likes to hang out.” n
This article originally appeared in Trailheads, a publication of the new Switchback Spring trade show, June 16-18, 2025 in Nashville, TN. For more: https:// www.switchbackevent.com/trailheads/
Group runs and local partnerships are two of the keys to developing a loyal trail running community.
, elastically, to the downward and lateral forces of a runner’s contact with, and push-off from, the ground. , or buffering reaction within the structure of the shoe can be felt up through the joints and skeletal frame of the wearer.
Power Tread’s layered disc technology provides a unique, forward, aft, and lateral cushioning advantage not provided by industry standard foam, or air-soled shoes.
Run With the Neigh-bors
A new Bluegrass 5K race teams horses and trail runners for a unique charity event. / By
Sarah E. Coleman
Central Kentucky is renowned for its incredible terrain — as well as for its bourbon and basketball. It’s where rolling hills boast limestone soils covered in Kentucky Bluegrass — and where some of the best horses in the world graze.
These hills – and the effort it takes to run up them – are incredible training grounds for both human and equine athletes. So it was only natural that a new race now allows both two- and four-legged competitors to run over the Kentucky Horse Park, home to some of the most hallowed ground of horse sport. It’s called the Lexington Equine Medical Group Hunter Pace and 5K (LEMG 5K).
The LEMG 5K will be held on September 6 in Lexington, KY, when runners will be led by two horseback riders over a mowed course of varying terrain. Even better, runners will be encouraged to run through water and jump the horse jumps, same as their equine counterparts. And after the 5K is completed, runners are welcome to a meet their hooved leaders while horseand-rider teams will tackle the same course. Runners are encouraged to stay and watch.
“The LEMG 5K is ‘Pure Kentucky,’” explains Bob Baney, owner of Race Rise, which oversees the race. “Runners traverse the Kentucky Horse Park’s world-renowned cross-country course, allowing them to experience terrain like the champion show horses and riders do at famous events like the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event.
“I orchestrate over 60 races each year in Central Kentucky and this one really stands out for the scenery and one-of-akind nature of the course,” he adds.
This unique race is the brainchild of Dr. Rocky Mason, founding partner of Lexington Equine Medical Group, an allambulatory equine veterinary practice based in Lexington. An avid runner and rider,
Dr. Mason knew there were many other horse owners like him who enjoyed seeing the countryside while running as much as from riding. He decided to combine his two passions to create this inaugural event — and to donate the funds raised to an organization he is deeply dedicated to: the Kentucky Horse Council.
“I try to run even when work takes me away from Kentucky,” says Dr. Mason. “Each time I travel and then come home and run, I’m reminded of how incredible our state really is — we get to run past grazing horses, foals playing in the fields and some of the most legendary horse farms in the world.
“I wanted to create an event that capitalized on this incredible place I call home, but knew it needed to be as unique as our home state — and offer prizes that align with our equestrian roots.”
Thus the idea for the Lexington Equine Medical Group 5K was born.
“As a runner who has been involved in the thoroughbred [racehorse] industry for most of my life, I have to say that racing doesn’t get much better for me than the Lexington Equine Medical Hunter Pace
and 5K at the Park,” points out participant Sara Wiley. “This race has some of the best awards I’ve seen — custom buckles for the overall male and female winners, quality horse-show ribbons for top age-group finishers, and a super-soft performance shirt for all participants.
“This exceptional race also supports a crucial organization for Kentucky’s equine community: The Kentucky Horse Council, which offers key educational resources, emergency aid and community outreach statewide,” she adds.
A former Kentucky Horse Council board member, Dr. Mason has helped expand the welfare and support services offered by the charity and he’s seen first-hand the good work the organization does. By donating proceeds from the weekend’s events to the nonprofit, Dr. Mason helps ensure Kentucky horses – and the people who love them – have somewhere to turn when times get tough. n
lexingtonequinemedical.com/ hunter-pace-5k
kentuckyhorse.org
Photo: Ruby Cline-Eaton
Down from the Mountain The Trail Running Issue
Five mountain-oriented brands generating attention in the trail running space.
/
By Danny Smith
The trail running footwear game, once largely dominated by utilitarian and beefy options, is more dynamic than ever, spurred by a diverse and innovative collection of performance running brands who have taken different paths into the category.
Some footwear enterprises – Nike, Adidas, Saucony and Brooks among them – were pure road running brands for decades before leveraging their extensive shoe-building knowledge to concoct footwear for the trails.
Others developed trail and road footwear simultaneously in their formative years. Brands like Hoka, Altra and On all drew inspiration from their mountainous birthplaces to unveil compelling trail models alongside performance footwear for the road.
And there are some who weren’t into running at all, but rather mountain brands who made their names in skiing or climbing gear for decades before pursuing possibilities in the trail running market. Coming down from the mountain, companies like Salomon, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Lowa and Rossignol have become growing forces in run specialty shops around the world and the U.S. by combining their extensive experience in designing outdoor gear with an adventurous spirit and distinct perspective.
LA SPORTIVA
Origins: Nearly 100 years ago, Narciso Delladio first started creating rugged mountain boots to navigate the steep slopes of the Val di Fiemme in Italy. That helped La Sportiva establish a reputation for building high-performance footwear for the mountains and empowered its push into categories such as technical climbing shoes and mountaineering boots.
Hitting the Trails: La Sportiva moved into the trail running market in the late 1990s amid swelling consumer desire
A growing number of brands who established themselves with mountain gear, including La Sportiva, are making headway in the run specialty marketplace with trail running footwear.
42% of runners look to store staff runners look to store for advice for
Down from the Mountain (continued)
for trail footwear blending the grip, protection and precision of mountaineering boots with the speed and agility of running shoes. Company leadership viewed trail running as a natural extension of its mountain footwear expertise and yet another way to build compelling products for mountain exploration.
Today’s Top Sellers: Now in its third iteration, the Bushido remains La Sportiva’s bestselling trail running shoe. Known for its aggressive traction, secure fit and stability on technical trails, the Bushido III has earned a loyal following among serious mountain runners around the world.
The Future: La Sportiva launched the Prodigio Pro in the spring, billing the new model as a super shoe for the mountains. This fall, La Sportiva will introduce a sister shoe, the Prodigio Max – its most cushioned shoe ever. La Sportiva athletes are plotting wild adventures, too, led by Tyler Andrews’ daring attempt to capture the FKT on Everest. Andrews plans to use a La Sportiva trail shoe for at least the lower half of Everest.
“There’s a reason so many climbers are trail runners and vice versa. Both sports are about pushing into untamed zones where there are no guarantees, just the chance to test yourself, move through the unknown and come back changed. That’s the energy that’s always driven La Sportiva, and it’s why we’re so excited about where trail running is headed next.”
— Michael Genauer, director of product and planning
Salomon has been in the trail running footwear game for about two decades and continues to expand its performance run lineup with trail shoes as well as models for the road and gravel.
SALOMON
Origins: The Salomon brand established itself in mountain sports with its first innovation, ski edges, from the Salomon family shop in 1947. It later excelled in the winter sports category in bindings, boots, skis and snowboards.
Hitting the Trails: After designing footwear for adventure racing in the 1990s, Salomon entered the trail running space in the early 2000s with key silhouettes like the Speedcross, XA and XT franchises.
Today’s Top Sellers: Among Salomon’s current trail lineup, the Genesis and Thundercross lead the pack, though brand leadership is encouraged by accelerating buzz coming from the company’s pinnacle athleteinfluenced S/LAB category, including models such as the S/LAB Genesis, S/LAB Pulsar 4 and S/LAB Ultra Glide.
The Future: With intention and investment, Salomon is pushing for a deeper presence in the U.S. trail running market. The French brand is the title sponsor of this June’s Broken Arrow Sky Race in Lake Tahoe and has increasingly thrown its force behind trail running dynamo Courtney Dauwalter, including debuting a Dauwalterthemed edition of the S/LAB Genesis alongside Shortney long shorts. Of additional note, Salomon has also maneuvered into the road and gravel categories, most notably with a pair of well-received recent releases in the Aero Glide 3 and its Aero Glide 3 GRVL sister shoe.
“It’s no surprise that trail running is booming and more runners are either approaching the activity and the sport or deepening their
relationship within. I’m most excited for how more runners will identify with the trail running community as that definition expands and evolves. Brands like Salomon have an opportunity, and responsibility, to help the everyday athlete flourish within trail running by connecting to the ethos, the impact, the ambition, the experience, the stories and the style.”
—Drew Hartman, sports and community marketing manager
SCARPA
Origins: SCARPA (Società Calzaturiera Asolana Riunita Pedemontana Anonima, which means Associated Shoe Manufacturing Company of
the Asolo Mountain Area), has manufactured mountain boots and hiking footwear from its production facilities in northern Italy for nearly 90 years. In North America, the brand first established recognition in telemark and backcountry skiing as well as climbing.
Hitting the Trails: SCARPA entered the trail running category about 15 years ago, fueled by brand loyalists’ growing interest in lighter, faster footwear. Over the last five years, though, SCARPA has invested increased time and energy into the trail running category amid rising participation in the sport.
Today’s Top Sellers: The Golden Gate 2, SCARPA’s entrant into the swelling
door-to-trail footwear niche, has been the brand’s most recent best seller, while the eco-friendly Spin Planet has resonated as well with its blend of sustainable materials and quality performance features.
The Future: Powered by input from its athlete team and trail running enthusiasts, SCARPA recently introduced the Ribelle Run 2, its most technically advanced shoe for technical and rugged terrain, as well as the Spin Ultra 2, a model many SCARPA athletes will be sporting at the Western States Endurance Run and Hardrock 100 this summer.
“We are excited to bring loyal SCARPA customers
SCARPA has intensified its investment in the trail running category over recent years, launching new models and offering updated models like the Golden Gate 2 (pictured).
Down from the Mountain (continued)
the same experience and performance in trail running as they have become accustomed to in our more well-known categories. It’s exciting to be able to both offer existing customers outstanding products in a newer category and to expose new customers to a brand like ours that has such a heritage in authentic mountain footwear.”
— Mark Mathews, VP–sales
ROSSIGNOL
Origins: Founded in 1907, Rossignol gained its notoriety in the ski and snowboard categories, manufacturing everything from skis and boards to boots, bindings, Nordic ski gear, apparel, helmets, packs and eyewear.
Hitting the Trails: Rossignol is new to the trail running marketplace – like really new. inspired by its motto – “For the Mountains, and a Mountain for All” – the brand debuted its first two trail running models, the Vezor and Venosk, in early 2025. At last summer’s UTMB, numerous racers wore the Vezor, which generated early intrigue for Rossignol’s debut trail running styles.
Today’s Top Sellers: Given its approachable $140 price tag and versatility, the Venosk has emerged as Rossignol’s best seller. And yet, the Vezor, Rossignol’s most technical shoe, has earned strong early accolades from athletes and media testers while helping to elevate Rossignol’s profile in a competitive space.
The Future: At UTMB later this summer, Rossignol will highlight its next big drop, the Vercors, a high-cushioned shoe
The latest mountain brand to enter the trail running space, Rossignol introduced the Vezor (pictured) earlier this year. Numerous athletes wore the Vezor at last year’s UTMB.
for longer distances slated to be released next spring. Rossignol also plans to continue building upon its apparel collection for runners, a category it began investing in last year.
“Rossignol has built a reputation over nearly 120 years as a leader in mountain sports equipment, so [trail running] is a really logical next step for the brand in a very adjacent category. We’ll obviously have to earn our place by making great product, but we feel that the heritage of mountain running that surrounds the Rossignol global headquarters in SaintJean-de-Moirans, France, and our U.S. headquarters in Park City, UT, combined with the fact that so many of our athletes and employees are avid trail runners, gives us an edge to speak to the category from an authentic place.”
— Evan Pengelly, Nordic and trail run category manager
LOWA
Origins: Founded in 1923 by a Bavarian cobbler named Lorenz Wagner, Lowa built its reputation across the 20th century on hiking and backpacking footwear, though it also pioneered innovations in ski boots. (One interesting historical note: Wagner was replaced as the mayor of Jetzendorf, Germany, in 1933 due to his lack of loyalty to the Third Reich. Later during World War II, his factory was forced to make footwear for the German military.)
Hitting the Trails: With the marketplace clamoring for lighter, more agile trail
footwear, Lowa debuted its first trail running shoes in 2023, eager to connect with a fastmoving demographic not being served by the brand’s traditional hiking boots.
Today’s Top Sellers: Lowa hit the market with three silhouettes – the speedy Citux, a daily workhorse called the Amplux and the long distance-oriented Fortux. The Fortux has established itself as Lowa’s starlet,
a versatile all-rounder for long runs and light hiking.
The Future: Lowa is continuing to grow its trail running footwear catalog with new styles like the Madrix and updated models like the Amplux 2. The brand is also offering wear test opportunities at local trail races and sponsoring TrailCon, the trail running industry conference happening later this month in Olympic Valley, CA.
“We see tremendous potential in trail, not only to deepen relationships with existing customers by becoming their second or third Lowa purchase, but also to expand our reach to a younger, more athletic audience. It’s an exciting long-term opportunity that brings both strong sales potential and increased brand visibility.” — Peter Sachs, GM n
In the same year it celebrated its 100th anniversary, Lowa released its first collection of trail running footwear. The brand continues to evolve its lineup, adding new models and updating existing styles from its collection.
Ambling On the AT
A running and walking dispatch from the Appalachian Trail. / By
Tom Griffen
To get a first-hand account of what it is like out on the trail, Running Insight turned to frequent contributor and Running Event speaker Tom Griffen, who is taking on another portion of the Appalachian Trail this summer. Griffen, who once walked across the entire United States, provides his insight into what hikers and trail runners need to tackle the AT.
I am an Appalachian Trail section thru-hiker. That means that I am walking the trail’s 2197.4 miles between Georgia and Maine in chunks, rather than knock it all out in one fell swoop.
I’ve got a buddy who, for the past 25 years, has been section hiking the AT for a week or two at a time. This summer he plans to wrap up his lengthy endeavor with a summit of Mt. Katahdin, the trail’s northern terminus. When I asked him what he’ll do when he’s finished, he said, “Oh, I dunno. Probably just start it over.”
This trail is like that. It’s magnetic. The closer you get to it, the more it occupies your mind, your time and, ultimately, every ounce of your very being. And when you finally do get on it, no matter your physical or mental readiness for it, proper assimilation can take a few days, if not longer.
And it’s in that crucial span of time when you’re most likely to call things into question. “Why the heck am I out here?” you’ll ask yourself as rain pummels your tent. Your gut will
wrench as you yearn for your warm and cozy bed, your clean and dry clothes and the relaxed company of familiar loved ones. You’ll march the trail’s incessant ups and downs while obsessively asking yourself, aloud perhaps, “Why the heck would anyone willingly choose to undergo such utter discomfort?”
But take heed — this is all normal. A crucial element of the trail experience is to be challenged at the core. To find yourself up against your personal edge as you ponder the depths of who you truly are. And you do this for good reason. Because in the midst this personal tumult, an owl will hoot in the distance. It’s cadence will offer a sonic meditation that will distract your thoughts and finally lull you back to the present. You’ll feel the sun on your face. Smell the sweetness of wet leaves. Hear the musical birdsong. You’ll become one with the trail. The ensuing peace that overwhelms you may even make you cry.
Fifth Time’s A Charm
As I type this I am in the throes of my fifth Appalachian Trail section hike. I took my first steps on Georgia’s Springer Mountain in 2022 and have been out here yearly since. As of today I am in northwestern New Jersey, 1308 miles north of where I started and with seven states in my rearview. It feels good to be beyond the half way point, even if common belief is that the hardest parts are yet to come. Technically this may be true, but so far every single mile of the AT has been an understated traverse. Its challenges often take me by surprise.
I began this current section where my last one left off — in Harper’s Ferry, WV, the unofficial beginning of the trail’s second half. I crossed the Potomac River and made quick work of Maryland, all the while wondering if the moniker of upcoming “Rocksylvania” will live up to
The author on the AT, sporting Hoka Stinsons, with heritage orange Superfeet inside and CEP Merino trail socks handling the rocky terrain.
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Ambling On the AT (continued)
its lore. Took me a few hours to get dirty, four days to get my head right and 11 days before I wasn’t constantly on the verge of injury. Now I regularly knock out 12 milesbefore-noon and commonly bypass town stops – including showers and belly-filling meals – to stay on the trail. I find a particular joy in staying connected to the path. In being feral.
But I am who I am — which means that while I’m out here pushing hefty miles and reveling in the sudden Appalachian thunderstorms, I’m also taking time to meet fellow hikers along the way. Frankly, without these social interactions any adventure of this sort is mostly just a grind. There’s value in solitude, but everything is more fun, more rewarding, when it’s shared with someone else.
These human exchanges, besides being uplifting, generally find us hikers swapping anecdotes about gear, trail conditions and origins of our trail names. My name, for this stretch, anyhow, has been Amble. It’s the derivative of a Latin phrase I have tattooed front and center on my thigh — solvitur ambulando. Which translates to: “All is solved by walking.”
TRAIL NAME: DONKEY
After about three hours into a day that would prove to be unseasonably warm, I came across a hiker sitting on a downed tree. He introduced himself as Donkey, a traditional thru-hiker, and I noticed that the character on his hat reflected his name. Home for him was about as
far north in New York as one can go. The closest city, he said, was Montreal.
“I’m not in any hurry,” Donkey said. “Some days I wanna walk far, other days I just want to sit here and stare at trees.” We paused our conversation as a pileated woodpecker drummed in the distance. The echoing was mirrored by another hammering from a different direction.
“How you like your shoes?” I asked. At my question, Donkey brushed a leaf off his leg. “They are Topo
— I like them.” Donkey told me he learned about them while watching the YouTube channel, Darwin onthetrail.
“Darwin says that Topo is the Altra killer — they last longer.” Donkey’s pair have been going strong for more than 700 miles. “The only thing I don’t like is their proprietary gaiters.”
Donkey brought up the burnt area we passed through the previous day. “I thought the smell was a campfire until I saw the charred wood all around,” he said. “It’s
interesting that even when the fire is extinguished it can work through the roots and pop up somewhere else.” I spent the next dozen miles pondering this phenomenon. How fire, in this case, can resemble a seed. How it might grow, unseen, until it’s good and ready to bloom.
TRAIL NAME: MOUSEKETEER
After a day of seemingly endless ridiculous ascents and descents, my legs were wobbly and my hydration stores were empty. I stopped at Furnace Creek to filter water with my Sawyer Squeeze, after which I crossed paths with a solo southbound hiker, Mouseketeer, and her packwearing dog, Vento. “aka, Tick Magnet,” she said. “He loves disappearing into the brambles.”
Mouseketeer is a New York City native and currently lives in Italy. Vento, which means “wind” in Italian, aptly describes her canine companion’s running ability. “My husband says he runs like the wind.” Mouseketeer also likes to run — told me she put in six training miles per day in advance of this hike to ensure she was ready for the trail before she arrived.
Mouseketeer became inspired to do a long walk after reading the book “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed. While researching trail options she happened upon the AT. “I was in my fifties before I even realized it existed!” she said. “Now I want to tell everyone about it!”
I hadn’t previously met
Donkey likes his Topos — 700 miles and counting this year on the AT.
many sobo hikers and told her as much. She said she prefers walking south since most others are going north. “I get to meet the most people, which is great because I am a social person.”
Mouseketeer’s fresh pair of Altra Olympuses had barely a hint of dirt on them. She’d just picked them up at Ready, Set, Run, a specialty run shop a few days north in Stroudsburg. “I’ve had these shoes about four days and I really like them,” she said. “Tricia, the owner
there, really knows her stuff.”
Mouseketeer lifted her foot to show me the sole of one.
“Sheesh, they already have some wear and tear. These Pennsylvania rocks are getting to them.”
TRAIL NAMES: AMMO AND ROADKILL
After two marathon days over wet and precarious moraines and muddy single track. After a 48-hour stretch of dodging a trail riddled with neon orange eastern newts, fresh bear scat and
a nonplussed porcupine, I landed in a town for a muchneeded shower, laundry and some serious calorie replacement. I ate two full dinners before collapsing on a hotel mattress that enveloped me like a taco.
The next morning I hit a local cafe before rejoining he trail. Walked in and saw two thru-hikers I’d been leapfrogging for the past 10 days or so — Ammo and Roadkill.
Ammo is fresh out of the Navy and passing time walking until August when he’ll begin college, and civilian life, in Knoxville. Roadkill is from Germany and currently dealing with a sidelining hip injury that’s threatening to thwart his plans to do two of America’s biggest trails this year — the AT and the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). Like me, they also arrived in town last night, albeit via shuttle, after Roadkill’s body
stopped properly cooperating. This morning they were awaiting a return call from a local chiropractor they hoped could squeeze them into his schedule and do some healing magic.
Together we three drank espresso drinks and ate the contents of the cafe’s box of baked goods. Roadkill and I reminisced about the terrific climbs and weather anomalies on the Colorado Trail. “I had no idea that a blizzard could include thunder and lightning,” I said.
Ammo shared a story about the early days of his AT adventure. Back in February in Georgia, the nightly temperatures were dipping below the rating of his sleeping bag. “I read something about sleeping with a Nalgene bottle filled with boiling water, so I gave it a shot,” he said. “But the bottle leaked, and in the middle of the night
Mousketeer and Vento the dog were inspired by Cheryl Strayed’s “Wild.”
Ammo and Roadkill take some downtime to nurse bothersome AT wounds.
Ambling On the AT (continued)
I woke up with frozen claws digging into my back.”
Roadkill swears by his ASICS Trabuco Max 4s — he’s on his second pair for this hike and got more than 800 miles from the first pair. “ASICS are way more popular in Europe,” he said. “I think I should write to them to tell them how much I love this model — maybe they’ll sponsor a hiker or something.”
Ammo sports the Altra Olympus 6 Hike Mid GTX. He likes them fine, but he’s not pleased with their durability. He’d managed to
squeeze a lot of miles from them, but said they started showing obvious wear and tear after a few days on the trail. “You’ve been complaining about them for a long time, now,” Roadkill reminded.
Before I left, I suggested they both consider adding an insole to whatever shoes they end up wearing. “Your foot wants shape under foot,” I said. “And no shoe can really do that by itself.”
TRAIL NAMES: FLOWER POWER AND FLOPPY
At the Mohican Lodge in
New Jersey I sat with a handful of other hikers who also opted to take refuge from the rain. We sipped warm drinks, indulged in a home cooked meal and commiserated about our experiences thus far.
Floppy and Flower Power, a couple from Greenville, South Carolina, planned to complete their northbound thru hike section this year. “A big day for us is 15 miles,” they said. I asked if they knew of the Fleet Feet in their hometown. “Oh yeah!” Floppy said. “Sheila sold me my last few pairs of Altra Lone Peaks!” Flower Power chimed in. “But now we both wear Topos — they are more durable,” she said. Floppy wears the Topo Traverse and Flower Power wears the Terraventure 4. They are both astounded by the fit and feel.
Like Donkey, Floppy also doesn’t much care for the proprietary gaiter. “I like to wear Dirty Girl Gaiters — so I monkeyed with the back of the shoe and fixed it so I can keep using them,” he said. “I don’t want to give up my flashy orange flame fashion statement!”
Floppy and Flower Power said that they’ve been taking note of the music that’s been randomly popping into their heads during the hike. “There’s this riff by the Spice Girls that goes on endless loop in my head,” Flower Power said, cringing. I told them that on every long climb, the Beatles’, “I am the Walrus,” pops into my consciousness.
With that, Floppy began singing the song’s chorus and was quickly accompanied by
all the hikers in the room. “Goo-goo g’joob!” The trail is to blame for joyful moments like this.
The Importance of Gear
Gear is crucial to any big adventure. I would argue that good gear matters, but plenty of folks out here on the trail have a different perspective. Some hikers rock sandals, others wear Crocs, while others still don Army jump boots and other types of footwear that I wouldn’t dare wear back home, let alone on some of the most technical trails in the U.S. I’ve even seen barefoot folks out here, but they are less common.
The bottom line for hikers is the same as it is for runners — quality gear starts with a solid foundation of knowledge. A thing is only deemed “good” if we understand and believe that which it is meant to do.
Every day I am out here I chat with folks about gear. This is cool. But such techtalk is never as fulfilling as getting to know someone’s story. The personal connection with others will always be more important than which shoes or insoles or socks or anti-chafe products or whatever are most popular.
So whenever I get into Amble-mode, I ready my mind for these intimate human exchanges. But make no mistake, I am also always ready to talk footwear and feet and injury prevention and anatomy and biomechanics, too. Because, and very much like you, it’s simply what I do. n
Flower Power and Floppy plan to finish their northbound thru hike this year.
than
The Trail Running
A Caveman on the Run
Craft Sportswear’s new brand film with Tim Tollefson reminds that ‘Running Is in Our DNA.’
Now here’s a creative way to promote a brand and trail running — and have some fun at the same time.
Craft Sportswear, the Swedish endurance sports apparel and footwear brand, recently unveiled its new brand campaign film, called “Run. Like We’re Meant To.”
The creative part comes when Craft reminds everyone that they are all meant to run and does it by transforming ultrarunner Tim Tollefson into a caveman – and then into modern times as he ends his run in a coffee shop. The idea behind it: What happens when we go with our instincts?
That’s the theme in the film — visualizing something we’ve carried with us since ancient times. Because even though today runners use watches, gels and advanced gear, the drive behind each step is the same as it was thousands of years ago. “It’s one
of humanity’s oldest instincts,” says the company.
The fi lm, developed by the creative agency Forsman & Bodenfors, follows Tim Tollefson, professional ultra-runner and former member of the U.S. National Team, in the role of a modern caveman. It follows him on an epic run, from the wilderness to the city. It’s a humorous way to portray the feeling of freedom you get when you run.
“There’s something deeply human about running. It’s more than a sport – it’s a way to feel alive,” explains Tollefson. “Stepping into this role was both physically demanding and mentally close to my own experience of running.”
The film also reflects Craft’s belief that running should feel free and instinctive — across any surface. With a history in the road-to-trail category, Craft says it is
looking to continue to “inspire runners to move beyond limits, whether it’s on roads, trails or anything in between.”
The film was directed by Filip Nilsson and the caveman transformation was created by special effects artist Arturo Balseiro, known for films like Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy. The result is a film that isn’t about performance or specific products, but rather conveys the feeling of freedom in running.
“We wanted to make a film about why we run in the fi rst place,” says Niklas Moberg, head of brand at Craft Sportswear. “We know there’s something more to it. Something that’s felt rather than explained. And that’s exactly the feeling we wanted to capture.” n
The film is now live on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=mWbvyEPEtF0
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What’s Really Going On
Four retailers dish on how the trail category is actually doing in their stores. / By
Danny Smith
Many headlines tout the growth of trail running and rampant excitement for the category, but what are run specialty shops seeing in their hometowns? Running Insight asked four run specialty retailers about the state of trail running in their respective shops.
Sarah Priest, partner
Good Times Running Co. (Katy, TX)
“We see an ever-increasing growth of the trail running community in southeast Texas fueled by experienced urban/suburban runners seeking new off-road challenges and new-to-sport athletes who appreciate the trail running community’s welcoming energy. We’re trying to elevate awareness of trail racing opportunities through social messaging and in-store promotions while also staying at the front of the hydration, fueling and accessory needs of these off-road, endurance athletes. The challenge is how best to balance a selection of trail running footwear among a wall of road runners. As a single store location, we continue to re-evaluate style selection, ensuring we can provide two or three or more quality styles for each runner type.”
Ross McDowell, owner
Run Away Shoes (Northeast WI)
“I’m a big fan of the trails and trail shoes myself, which I think a lot of people can use, whether it’s walking the dog in winter, hiking or hitting the roads in snowy conditions. But interest in trail is still small up here in Northeast Wisconsin. Maybe 10 percent of the population will substitute a trail run for a road run and make that 15-minute drive to a trail when the road is right outside their front door. That keeps our investment in trail shoes modest — two, maybe three models at a time.”
Reneé Grant, owner
Runner’s Depot (South Florida)
“We don’t have a lot of trails in South Florida, but we do have trail runners, many of whom travel to races in the northern part of the state or beyond. We have seen an increase in trail ultramarathoners. We put on one ultramarathon ourselves in January each year and it has grown exponentially. While trail will never be a big category for us, we now carry two or three styles of trail shoes in each of our stores, which is something we have never done before.”
Jim Ewoldt, owner
Peak Performance (Omaha, NE)
“Over the past year, the trail category is basically flat. Our commitment to the category includes stocking many of its best sellers, like the Hoka Speedgoat and Altra Lone Peak, and several of the trail shoes we’ve sold recently have gone overseas, to the East Coast, the Black Hills or the Rockies rather than staying local. I believe the trail shoe you need to inventory in your store is directly correlated to the number of off-road trail options you have in your area and that trail footwear is sold best by those who use off-road trails the most.”
