Singletrack

Finn Melanson
  • 4.9 (947)
  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. 1D AGO

    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

  2. MAR 2

    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

  3. FEB 26

    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

  4. FEB 23

    A 100-Mile World Record, Satisfy Apparel Drama + Maine’s New 200 (Singletrack News)

    In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, Ashley Paulson runs 12:19 at the Jackpot 100 to set a new 100-mile world record, averaging 7:34 pace and continuing the rapid evolution of speed at the distance. We discuss the course dynamics, surface differences from Tunnel Hill, and what this means for the future of flat-course ultras. We also unpack a very public dispute in the performance apparel space after Satisfy founder Brice Partouche shared private messages accusing emerging brand Currently of copying product designs. Where’s the line between inspiration and imitation, and are there winners in a social-media-fueled fallout? Elsewhere, ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut with trail crossover athletes Cam Smith and Ana Gibson narrowly missing the podium, Golden Trail doubles down on global expansion and broadcast ambitions, and Gorge Waterfalls releases the full breakdown of its $75,000 prize purse. Plus: a new 200-miler called the Maine Moose Ultra is announced for 2027 with significant local backing, Desert Rats expands access through the North American Para Trail Summit, and the skyrunning season begins. 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

    28 min

  5. FEB 17

    Hans Troyer Delivers, Molly Seidel’s Wild Debut + Historic Women’s Race (Black Canyon Recap)

    What a wild weekend in the Arizona desert. Brett Hornig and Leah Yingling return to the show to break down everything that unfolded at the 2026 Black Canyon 100K. We dive into course-record performances from Hans Troyer and Jennifer Lichter, Anne Flower’s front-running strength, Anthony Costales’ return to form, the drama of Molly Seidel’s 100K debut, and one of the deepest Golden Ticket distributions in recent memory. Timestamps: 00:00 Opening + On-the-Ground Experience (Livestream, Aid Stations, 50K PR)04:34 “Course Records Are Contagious” - Women’s Race Explodes06:47 Anne Flower’s No-Cooling Strategy + Heat Management Debate10:18 Is This the Most Competitive Women’s Western States Field Ever?11:14 Hans Troyer’s Course Record + Race Dynamics13:06 Golden Ticket Chaos in the Men’s Field16:20 Depth vs. Density - Are Fields Actually Getting Tighter?16:47 Split Analysis: Men vs. Women Slowdown Percentages22:49 Molly Seidel’s Mid-Race Mistakes + “Controlled Micro Fade”26:49 Is Gloriana - Deep Canyon the Most Dangerous Section?29:50 “Random Ballers” + No Intimidation at the Start Line33:59 How Many Guys Could’ve Run Sub-7:30?36:07 Fantasy Picks + Predictions (Sub-8 Call)37:33 Underrated Performances: Tracen Knopp, Hans’ Next-Gen Status43:00 Tara Dower Interview + Emotional Finish Line Moments49:39 Anthony Costales Is Back50:47 Francesco Puppi’s Fall + What It Means for Western States53:29 Gear Talk + 50K Pace Explosion55:29 Golden Ticket Impact on Western States 202658:28 Who Still Needs a Ticket? (Chianti / Canyons)1:00:10 Final Thoughts - Media, Molly’s Impact, The Women’s Depth 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 5m

  6. FEB 16

    Golden Tickets Decided at Tarawera + Black Canyon, February Barkley Shocks the Sport (Singletrack News)

    In one of the most action-packed weekends of ultrarunning in recent memory, we followed Tarawera, Black Canyon, and the Barkley Marathons as they unfolded simultaneously. Jeff Colt joins the show to break it all down. We also cover the PTRA’s advisory vote on pacing at championship-level races, crowdfunded prize purses, Outside Interactive’s profitability, the 603 Endurance sale to Marathon Sports, Mount to Coast’s pro team announcement, and Broken Arrow’s Trail Futures initiative. Timestamps: 00:00 Black Canyon 100K + 50K Highlights04:04 Tarawera 102K Insights08:06 Barkley Marathons Update12:08 Crowdfunded Prize Purse Initiative15:54 Pacer Vote and Its Implications19:58 Outside Interactive's Profitability23:57 603 Endurance Acquisition25:46 Mount to Coast Team Announcement 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

    29 min

  7. FEB 10

    2026 Black Canyon 100K Preview | Analysis, Storylines, Predictions

    Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at this year’s Black Canyon 100K. Timestamps: 02:12 Black Canyon 100K Storylines05:35 Training Strategies and Race Day Tactics10:13 Course Characteristics, Projected Weather Conditions 19:06 Race Execution and Aid Station Strategies35:33 Women's Field Analysis58:40  Men's Field Analysis01:27:06 Final Thoughts and Race Day Responsibilities 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/)  Additional Links: Follow Leah on Instagram,  Strava, TwitterFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

    1h 43m

  8. FEB 9

    UTMB’s Utah Expansion, Prize Purse Rush, and Global Series Shakeups (Singletrack News)

    This is the February 9th, 2026 edition of Singletrack News. Timestamps: 01:28 Golden Trail World Series Schedule Announcement05:44 Sky Running Series Announcement09:17 Tarawera 102K12:54 New UTMB Race at Snowbasin17:25 David Goggins signs up for Cocodona19:31 Debate on Pacer-Free Golden Tickets22:41 Diadorra's Sub Four Mile Challenge Announcement25:33 Prize Money News27:56 Open Athlete Manager role at The Feed30:58 Courtney Dauwalter to Naak33:56 Jennifer Lichter, Adam Merry, Meg McKenzie moves36:20 Bear Tags and Silver Tickets38:45 Opportunities for Involvement in Trail Running Organizations Partners: Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)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/)Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)Support the show

    45 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
947 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Finn Melanson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    445
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Singletrack
  • Show Website
    Singletrack

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