Singletrack

In this episode, Centurion Running founder James Elson joins the show to unpack one of the most complex moments in trail running right now.
We examine the collapse of high-profile events like Dragon’s Back and what it reveals about the economics of modern race organization - including rising operational costs, participant trends, and why certain race formats may no longer be sustainable. James also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how race directors actually think about pricing, no-show rates, and business viability. 
In the second half of the conversation, we turn to UTMB and its growing influence on the sport. We discuss the tradeoffs between scale and safety, the risks of removing qualification standards, and whether the current growth model is aligned with the long-term health of trail running. We also explore who is ultimately responsible for runner preparedness, the role of media and culture in shaping expectations, and whether UTMB is, for now, still a net positive for the sport.

Partners:
Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made
Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains 
Janji - premium trail running apparel
Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order 
Kodiak Cakes - my favorite oatmeal and pancakes 
Support the show

In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, we break down a major development in the UK trail running scene after Ourea Events - the organizers behind races like Dragon’s Back, Cape Wrath Ultra, and the Northern Traverse - announced they are ceasing trading, putting several iconic races in jeopardy and leaving athletes uncertain about the future of some of the sport’s most ambitious point-to-point events.
We also discuss confusion surrounding UTMB’s new broadcast partnership with FloSports. After speculation online that UTMB races could move behind a paywall, organizers clarified that the UTMB livestream will remain free, with FloSports serving as a simulcast partner in the United States.
Elsewhere, we dig into UTMB’s 2026 live broadcast schedule, which includes 10 races across the World Series - but notably excludes Golden Ticket events like Chianti and Canyons.
We also cover:
UTMB CEO Fabrice Perrin raising concerns about “ambush marketing” in trail running
The debut of the Big Alta 100K in Marin Headlands
Previewing the Chianti by UTMB Golden Ticket battle
Courtney Dauwalter lining up at Tenerife Blue Trail as an early season test
Nike recruiting ultrarunners for a 15-week research residency at the Nike Sports Research Lab
And our content picks of the week, including a conversation between Harry Styles and Haruki Murakami on how running fuels creativity

Partners:
Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made
Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains 
Janji - premium trail running apparel
Kodiak Cakes - my favorite oatmeal and pancakes 
Support the show

In this edition of Long Run Archives, Finn Melanson is joined by Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt for a wide-ranging conversation about some of the biggest debates circulating in trail and ultrarunning right now.

We begin with a viral moment from the sport: Charlie Lawrence being called out to run a backyard ultra. Could a 100K record holder actually threaten the backyard ultra world record, or is the discipline too specialized for that kind of crossover? The group discusses what determines success in the backyard format and why the event continues to fascinate runners across disciplines.

Next, we explore a provocative question making the rounds online: are elite trail runners boring? Are influencers better storytellers than professional athletes, or is that narrative missing the point? Along the way we discuss historical tensions between performance and storytelling in the sport and what audiences actually respond to.

In the second half of the episode, we unpack two recent race controversies:

• Ultra Trail Snowdonia’s major course change after registration opened
• The possibility that the historic JFK 50 Mile could move from its traditional course due to funding disputes

What responsibility do race organizers have when circumstances force major changes after runners have already committed?

Finally, we play a round of Overreaction / Underreaction, reacting to statements like:

• Molly Seidel is already a Western States podium contender
• Jen Lichter could enter the top echelon of the sport with a Western States win
• Crowdfunded prize purses may surpass traditional race payouts
• Kilian Jornet could still win both Western States and UTMB in the same season

Partners:
Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made
Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains 
Janji - premium trail running apparel
Kodiak Cakes - my favorite oatmeal and pancakes 
Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order 
Support the show

This is a crossover episode from Conversational Pace. Brett Hornig interviews me about my LA Marathon experience + we speculate a bit in the second half about the future of CP. 
Partners:
Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made
Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains 
Janji - premium trail running apparel
Kodiak Cakes - my favorite oatmeal and pancakes 
Support the show

In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, controversy erupts around the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia 100K after organizers announced a major course change - which removes roughly 2,000 meters of climbing from the originally advertised route - after the race had already sold out. 
We also discuss the uncertain future of the historic JFK 50 Mile, which could relocate from Washington County, Maryland, for the first time in more than 60 years after the county ended hotel-tax funding that traditionally covered police and medical services. 
Elsewhere, we break down Kilian Jornet’s 2026 season preview, including his plans to race Sierre-Zinal, Western States, and UTMB, and what he said about the training stimulus from last year’s States of Elevation project.
We also cover:
A chaotic finish at the USATF Half Marathon Championships after lead runners were sent off course
The Los Angeles Marathon, where the men’s race came down to 0.18 seconds at the line
Speedgoat by UTMB adding a new uphill race
Transgrancanaria, where Jon Albon and Henriette Albon claimed victories in brutal weather
Lotti Brinks and Sean Riedel winning Way Too Cool 50K
New athlete signings - Hunter Leninger (Only Fans) and Tessa Chesser (Merrell)
Hayden Hawks’ pivot to Canyons 100K and what it could mean for Western States
Cirque Series teasing a new championship format
Prize money across major trail series surpassing €1.15 million
Plus, we share our favorite content from the week, including Francesco Puppi’s latest vlog about his background, training philosophy, and upcoming projects.

Partners:
Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)
Support the show