Singletrack Separate Starts, the Fate of World Trail Majors, and Is Hardrock “Cooked”? (Long Run Archives #34)
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Jan 7, 2026 The hosts tackle whether Hardrock is 'cooked' and discuss lottery issues and transparency in race selections. They explore the merits of separate starts at races like UTMB and how it influences race dynamics. With the World Trail Majors losing two races, they delve into its purpose and the potential for exciting matchups and sponsorship strategies. The conversation also highlights innovative training technology and data, along with personal race preferences, to paint a vivid picture of the evolving trail running landscape.
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Create Golden Tickets For Hardrock
- Alyssa recommends a golden-ticket race series to provide fairer, performance-based access to Hardrock.
Separate Starts Could Change Atmosphere
- Ruth Croft argued a separate women's start at UTMB would change atmosphere and might leave women alone on course until men caught them.
Separate Starts May Force Pack Tactics
- Alyssa notes women rarely race in packs historically, so separate starts might accelerate pack tactics and change racing psychology.