Singletrack

Finn Melanson
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Singletrack is a podcast covering the professional trail and ultrarunning scene.

  1. 9 HR AGO

    Is UTMB Still a Net Positive for Trail Running? James Elson Weighs In (Sunday Conversation)

    In this episode, Centurion Running founder James Elson joins the show to unpack one of the most complex moments in trail running right now. We examine the collapse of high-profile events like Dragon’s Back and what it reveals about the economics of modern race organization - including rising operational costs, participant trends, and why certain race formats may no longer be sustainable. James also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how race directors actually think about pricing, no-show rates, and business viability.  In the second half of the conversation, we turn to UTMB and its growing influence on the sport. We discuss the tradeoffs between scale and safety, the risks of removing qualification standards, and whether the current growth model is aligned with the long-term health of trail running. We also explore who is ultimately responsible for runner preparedness, the role of media and culture in shaping expectations, and whether UTMB is, for now, still a net positive for the sport. Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next orderNorda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever madeRaide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains Janji - premium trail running apparelMomentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order Kodiak Cakes - my favorite oatmeal and pancakes Support the show

    1h 39m

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    UK Trail Running Shock: Ourea Events Collapse + UTMB Broadcast Confusion (Singletrack News)

    In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, we break down a major development in the UK trail running scene after Ourea Events - the organizers behind races like Dragon’s Back, Cape Wrath Ultra, and the Northern Traverse - announced they are ceasing trading, putting several iconic races in jeopardy and leaving athletes uncertain about the future of some of the sport’s most ambitious point-to-point events. We also discuss confusion surrounding UTMB’s new broadcast partnership with FloSports. After speculation online that UTMB races could move behind a paywall, organizers clarified that the UTMB livestream will remain free, with FloSports serving as a simulcast partner in the United States. Elsewhere, we dig into UTMB’s 2026 live broadcast schedule, which includes 10 races across the World Series - but notably excludes Golden Ticket events like Chianti and Canyons. We also cover: UTMB CEO Fabrice Perrin raising concerns about “ambush marketing” in trail runningThe debut of the Big Alta 100K in Marin HeadlandsPreviewing the Chianti by UTMB Golden Ticket battleCourtney Dauwalter lining up at Tenerife Blue Trail as an early season testNike recruiting ultrarunners for a 15-week research residency at the Nike Sports Research LabAnd our content picks of the week, including a conversation between Harry Styles and Haruki Murakami on how running fuels creativity Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next orderNorda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever madeRaide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains Janji - premium trail running apparelKodiak Cakes - my favorite oatmeal and pancakes Support the show

    37 min

  3. 12 MAR

    Backyard Ultra Callouts, Snowdonia Controversy & Are Elite Runners Boring? | Long Run Archives #37

    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 orderNorda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever madeRaide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains Janji - premium trail running apparelKodiak Cakes - my favorite oatmeal and pancakes Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order Support the show

    1h 36m

  4. 10 MAR

    LA Marathon Experience / Gear Recap + Future of Conversational Pace Chatter

    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 orderNorda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever madeRaide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains Janji - premium trail running apparelKodiak Cakes - my favorite oatmeal and pancakes Support the show

    1h 7m

  5. 9 MAR

    Is It Fair to Change a Race Course After Selling Out? Snowdonia Drama + JFK 50’s Future (Singletrack News)

    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 courseThe Los Angeles Marathon, where the men’s race came down to 0.18 seconds at the lineSpeedgoat by UTMB adding a new uphill raceTransgrancanaria, where Jon Albon and Henriette Albon claimed victories in brutal weatherLotti Brinks and Sean Riedel winning Way Too Cool 50KNew athlete signings - Hunter Leninger (Only Fans) and Tessa Chesser (Merrell)Hayden Hawks’ pivot to Canyons 100K and what it could mean for Western StatesCirque Series teasing a new championship formatPrize money across major trail series surpassing €1.15 millionPlus, 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

    34 min

  6. 8 MAR

    Have 200-Mile Ultras Earned Their Place in the Sport Yet? Kilian Korth Weighs In

    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

    1h 48m

  7. 2 MAR

    Is the Double Back? Kilian’s 2026 Schedule, Ironman’s Content Ban + Western States Depth (Singletrack News)

    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 OutpostTransgrancanaria previewNike ACG’s experimental “smallest backyard ultra” activation in MilanITRA’s 2025 Women in Trail Running participation reportAravaipa launches The Cutoff film tourUTMB 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

    33 min

  8. 26 FEB

    Max King Talks About Projecting The Barkley Marathons

    In this episode, Max King reflects on his experience at the Barkley Marathons and why he now views it as a multi-year project rather than a one-off attempt. He breaks down the realities of navigation, collaboration, foot care, cold exposure, and the mental calculus required to decide whether to continue deeper into the course. In the second half of the conversation, Max discusses where he sits in his career at 45, how his relationship with competition has evolved, and what it means to keep racing while letting go of certain expectations. He talks about durability, motivation, adapting training as an aging athlete, shifting sponsorship dynamics, and the balance between performance and adventure. 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)Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/)  Support the show

    1h 6m
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Hosts & Guests

About

Singletrack is a podcast covering the professional trail and ultrarunning scene.

Information

  • Creator
    Finn Melanson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    450
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Singletrack
  • Show Website
    Singletrack

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