Singletrack

Rachel Entrekin, professional ultrarunner and recent Chianti 120K podium finisher. She recounts the dramatic late-race surge that decided the win. She describes racing shoulder-to-shoulder with elite competitors and why Chianti’s relentless climbs and tech terrain demand constant gear and pace shifts. She also discusses a fueling breakthrough with gels and gear choices that helped her sustain speed.

Race recaps from Chianti, Chuckanut and Big Alto with Golden Tickets reshuffling the Western States field. A last-minute Dauwalter vs Entrekin showdown and tight women’s pack racing make headlines. A Boulder “Trail House” program aims to bridge college runners into pro life. Tales include a broken-wrist FKT finish, a hardcore multi-day challenge, and a preview of the brutal Arizona Monster 300.

James Elson, founder of Centurion Running and UK race director, shares behind-the-scenes views of race economics and logistics. He discusses why some expedition races struggle, scaling limits for technical courses, impacts of large events like UTMB on safety and local communities, and how organisers balance portfolios, pricing, no-shows and volunteer math. He urges support for local indies while weighing UTMB’s pros and cons.

A shock in UK trail running after a major race organiser stops trading, putting iconic point-to-point events at risk. Confusion over UTMB’s new FloSports simulcast and reassurance that live streams stay free. A look at UTMB’s 2026 broadcast lineup and notable omissions. Debuts and previews from Big Alta, Chianti Golden Ticket contenders, Tenerife kickoff, and Nike’s ultrarunner research residency.

Jeff Colt, trail running journalist who breaks down races and controversies, and Brett Hornig, commentator known for sharp race analysis, dig into backyard ultra callouts and what makes that format unique. They debate whether elite trail runners tell compelling stories and unpack major race controversies like Snowdonia’s course change and JFK 50 funding threats. Fast-paced takes and a playful overreaction/underreaction round keep it lively.

Brett Hornig, host of the Conversational Pace channel and running gear reviewer, interviews Finn about his LA Marathon PR and training choices. They talk marathon-specific workouts, fueling strategies, cooling tactics, no-watch racing, race-day gear, and how road marathon work might transfer to ultras. The conversation also teases future Conversational Pace content focusing more on road racing.

Controversy over a late Ultra-Trail Snowdonia course change that cuts 2,000m of climbing after the race sold out. The historic JFK 50 faces a funding crisis and possible relocation after hotel-tax support vanished. Kilian Jornet’s 2026 race plans get a preview. Close finishes, misrouted runners, brutal Transgrancanaria weather, new race formats, and rising prize money round out the headlines.

Kilian Korth, a Colorado pro ultrarunner known for winning Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200 and Moab 240, shares his No Limits mindset. He debates whether 200-mile races deserve legitimacy, compares competition depth to classic events, and digs into sleep, pacing, logistics and how growing fields and influencers shape the discipline.

Kilian Jornet planning a Western States–UTMB double in 2026 sparks debate about feasibility and elite tactics. Ironman’s new ban on in-race filming raises questions about safety, fairness, and culture in endurance sports. Analysis of Western States field depth and Golden Ticket influence highlights shifting competitive dynamics. Plus previews of Transgrancanaria, Chuckanut’s first livestream, and a report on women’s trail running participation.

Max King, elite trail and ultrarunner with adventure-racing roots, reflects on treating the Barkley Marathons as a multi-year project. He talks navigation quirks, the value of collaboration versus solo tactics, foot-care and cold-exposure lessons, and how his priorities and sponsorships have shifted at 45 while chasing durability and adventure.