The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman Jim Walmsley | 2025 Long Trail World Champion
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Oct 9, 2025 Join elite trail runner Jim Walmsley, a multi-time champion and the newly crowned Long Trail World Champion, as he recounts his gripping victory in Spain. He dives into his unique recovery methods and the mental strategies that define his 'clutch gene.' Discover insights on the technical challenges of the course, the dynamics of team racing, and the critical turning points that shaped his performance. Jim also shares his candid thoughts on the future of trail running, including the prospects of Olympic inclusion and his upcoming race plans.
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Early Race Tactics And Bottleneck Start
- Jim described the chaotic start: a narrow bottlenecked road and a steep first climb that split the field early.
- He and Peder pushed pace to control gaps and manage downhill risks from faster descenders.
Use Ups To Neutralize Downhill Sharks
- Control climbs to blunt downhill threats: make up time on uphills so descenders must overtake to reclaim time.
- Use teammates to share uphill work and 'control the downs' to disrupt others' fast descents.
The Kandanchu Turning Point
- Jim described the decisive stretch where he finally stretched the elastic before Kandanchu and entered the aid station looking strong.
- He used a confident 'bluff' at the aid to project control and discourage chasers.