Singletrack

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 
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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

In this episode, Kilian Korth joins the show to discuss the evolving competitive landscape of 200-mile ultramarathons. We examine whether performances at the distance can currently be used to judge greatness in the sport, how the depth of competition compares to more established races like Western States and UTMB, and what it will take for the discipline to gain broader legitimacy. Kilian also shares his own philosophy around pursuing ambitious goals, the “No Limits” mindset, and why he believes the 200-mile scene represents a collective experiment in testing the boundaries of human endurance.

In the second half of the conversation, we explore Kilian’s path into the sport, his recent success across multi-day races, and the realities of racing at this distance - from sleep strategy and pacing philosophy to logistics, fueling, and managing the psychological demands of moving for multiple days. We also discuss the role of competition in pushing the sport forward, the future of races like Cocodona, and how the next generation of athletes may redefine what’s possible in 200-mile racing.

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

In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, Kilian Jornet announces he’ll attempt the Western States–UTMB double in 2026, reviving a strategy some thought was fading from elite playbooks. 
We also examine Ironman’s decision to ban in-race content creation, including smart glasses, GoPros, and phones. Is this about safety, competitive fairness, or the beginning of a broader shift in endurance sports culture? Could trail running follow?
Elsewhere, we break down Abby Levine’s analysis of the Western States 2026 field - including the surprising stat about back-to-back women’s champions, the depth emerging from Golden Ticket races like Black Canyon and CCC, and what still remains up for grabs at Chianti and Canyons.
Plus:
Chuckanut announces a first-ever livestream in partnership with Mountain Outpost
Transgrancanaria preview
Nike ACG’s experimental “smallest backyard ultra” activation in Milan
ITRA’s 2025 Women in Trail Running participation report
Aravaipa launches The Cutoff film tour
UTMB postpones its Puerto Vallarta event following regional unrest

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