00:40 Buzz and Zoë chat about how they connect with nature through trail running, and why all trail runners should think of themselves as environmentalists.

6:48 Zoë interviews Luis Benitez, an environmental leader in the outdoor industry and a passionate advocate for sustainability and environmental stewardship, who has summited Mt. Everest six times. As the first-ever Director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and , Luis brings a unique perspective on the intersection of outdoor recreation, environmental responsibility, and community impact and how all trail runners can be environmentalists.

33:37 Buzz interviews ultra legend Clare Gallagher about how approach to environmental stewardship, and how she finds meaning in her connection to nature offline and on the trails. They dive into her recent race in Bhutan, and how that has shaped her perspective on environmental storytelling and ultrarunning.

It’s the end of 2024, and we’re wrapping up the year with a deep dive into the biggest trends, moments, and milestones in trail running. Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell share their top highlights from the year, including record-breaking performances, evolving race formats, and bold predictions for 2025. Joined by UltraSignup’s Head of Data, Matt Abbott, this episode explores the stories behind the stats and how they’re shaping the sport we love. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or just hitting the trails, there’s something here for you.

Chapters:

• [00:00] – Welcome to the Trailhead: Reflecting on the biggest moments of 2024
• [01:22] – Super Shoes in Trail Running: Hype vs. Reality
• [2:06] – The Launch of the World Trail Majors: What It Means for the Sport
• [4:26] – Tara Dower’s Appalachian Trail Record and Other Standout Performances
• [19:50] – Breaking Down Trail Running Demographics with Matt Abbott: Who’s Running and Why?
• [24:42] – The Rise of Backyard Ultras and the Boom in 200+ Mile Races
• [34:05] – Women in Trail Running: Participation Trends and Media Narratives
• [46:39] - Is there a trail running hype bubble?
• [49:43] – UltraSignup CEO David Callahan talks about the growth of trail running
• [55:07] – The growth of run clubs
• [1:02:23]- What sustainable growth looks like for the trail community
  
  Thanks to Our Sponsor:
  Join us for the inaugural Utah 115 by Grand to Grand Ultra, May 16–18, 2025, in stunning Kanab, Utah. Choose from 115- and 50-mile distances in one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. Use code TRAILHEAD10 at checkout for 10% off registration.

Connect With Us:
Have questions or ideas for the show? Email us at trailhead@ultrasignup.com. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share the episode with your trail running crew. Thanks for meeting us at The Trailhead!

1:00 Zoë and Buzz discuss the technological and cultural shifts that have led to the trail running livestream boom and debate what its impact will be on the sport.

6:04 Buzz interviews Aravaipa Running founder Jamil Coury. They discuss how Mountain Outpost is leading the way with livestreams and why he decided to buy Ultrarunning magazine. They also discuss how the sport has changed and how Jamil’s love of bringing new people into the sport inspires him to keep pushing boundaries with event coverage.

28:06 Zoë interviews writer and researcher Leigh Cowart, author of Hurts So Good: The Culture of Pain on Purpose, about the psychology that drives people to seek out uncomfortable experiences intentionally. They dive into how Leigh’s trip to Big’s Backyard Ultra inspired them to write about ultrarunners and what they learned about pain from hanging out with ultra athletes.