Singletrack

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Ben Dhiman returns to the show ahead of ultra-trail running's de facto 100 mile championship, Ultra-Trail Du Mont Blanc (UTMB). Fresh off a course record at Lavredo and an impressive multi-year stretch in the sport, he arrives in Chamonix as one of the most intriguing contenders in the field. In this conversation, we dive into his nomadic background, training philosophy, and whether his third attempt at UTMB will finally be the breakthrough on the sport's biggest stage.

Partners:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Tom Evans returns to the show for a wide-ranging conversation on his return to Ultra-Trail Du Mont Blanc (UTMB), the joys of fatherhood, his favorite events on the UK trail running circuit, and the long-term development of ultrarunning as a professional sport. 

Partners:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Dani Moreno returns to the show ahead of the 2025 CCC, taking place next Friday in Chamonix, France. We discuss her philosophy of boldness, the landmark performances that could push the sport forward, and the mentality required to line up at high-caliber races in the UTMB World Series.

Partners:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

In this clip from the latest edition of the Long Run Archives on the Singletrack Podcast, Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Jeff Colt discuss new angles on races like Western States and Hardrock, "course record pace", and a new media opportunity in the works for pro ultrarunners.

Partners:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

In this clip from the latest edition of the Long Run Archives on the Singletrack Podcast, Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Jeff Colt discuss a fascinating hypothetical scenario: If you were starting a brand-new ultrarunning company (whether shoes, gear, nutrition, or anything else), and every athlete in the market was a free agent, which four would you prioritize adding to your team, and why? 

The trio explores the spectrum from pure performance athletes to influential figures—and the hybrids who bridge both worlds—as th...

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Andrew Drummond returns to the Singletrack Podcast, this time to recount his latest adventure: setting a Fastest Known Time on the White Mountains Direttissima, one of New England's iconic multi-day routes. 

We explore the aesthetics of the route, what inspired him to return after his previous attempts in 2016 and 2024, his strategies around gear, nutrition, rest, and the execution that led to his new record. 

Additionally, we discuss the New England trail running scene, John Kelly's recent Appalachian Trail activity, the stylistic di...

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Topher Gaylord is the newly appointed President of the Western States Endurance Run—arguably the most iconic ultramarathon in the world. A seven-time WSER finisher, Topher brings decades of experience in global outdoor industry leadership and a deep well of insight from more than 75 ultramarathons run across the globe.

In this conversation, we discuss:

– The direction he wants to steer Western States in
– His views on the Golden Ticket Series and how it’s evolving
– How he processed recent con...

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

In this live pre-race episode of the Singletrack Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Scott Jurek back to the show—recorded in-person from our studio in Olympic Valley, CA, just days before the 2025 Western States 100.

For many, Scott needs no introduction. A seven-time winner of Western States, bestselling author, and true icon of the sport, his impact on trail and ultrarunning is undeniable. But this conversation goes far beyond race results and podiums.

We explore the evolution of the Western States 100, how...

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Jim Walmsley returns to the Singletrack Podcast for a live, in-person conversation from our Olympic Valley, CA studio during Western States week—only this time, he’s not lining up to race.

In this exclusive interview, Jim opens up about his decision to bow out of the 2025 Western States 100, offering insight into what went into that choice and where his mind and body are at as one of the most iconic runners in the sport. Whether it’s lingering fatigue, long-term goals, or a stra...

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Abby Hall joins the Singletrack Podcast crew in our Auburn, CA, studio to recap her victory at the 2025 Western States 100. 

Partners:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Caleb Olson joins the Singletrack Podcast crew in our Auburn, CA, studio to recap his victory at the 2025 Western States 100. 

Partners:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Des Linden joins us live in Olympic Valley the week before the 2025 Western States 100 for a wide-ranging conversation about her deepening relationship with the trail and ultrarunning scene.

In this episode, we dig into Des's recent adventures off-road — from training with Ruth Croft in New Zealand, to participating in the Western States Training Camp last month, to her pacing duties this year for Joe McConaughy. With each step into the trail world, Des seems to be signaling that this chapter of her career is...

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

We’re live in Olympic Valley, CA for a special Western States Week edition of Long Run Archives, with pro trail runner Hayden Hawks joining regular co-hosts Brett Hornig, Jeff Colt, and Finn Melanson in the Singletrack Podcast studio for a wide-ranging, spirited conversation on the state of trail and ultrarunning, as well as Hayden's status in the sport.

Partners:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Marianne Hogan is one of the fiercest and most resilient athletes in the world of ultra-trail running. With podium finishes at both Western States and UTMB, she’s already proven she can perform on the sport’s biggest stages. But that elusive win — that signature victory — still hangs just out of reach.

Live from our Olympic Valley studio in the week leading up to the 2025 Western States 100, Marianne sits down to talk about her ongoing pursuit of greatness in a sport where comebacks are ofte...

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

In this special live episode of the Singletrack Podcast, we sit down with Abby Hall in our Olympic Valley studio just days before the 2025 Western States 100. Abby’s path back to the start line of this iconic race is anything but typical—and it’s a story of resilience, determination, and a little bit of fate.

After enduring a traumatic injury in 2023 that sidelined her from the sport she loves, Abby made a courageous return to racing at UTMB last summer before chasing golden...

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at this year’s women's field at the Western States 100. With big names like Katie Schide (2024 Champion) and Courtney Dauwalter (2023 Champion) not returning, the fight for the win is wide open. Tune in as we break it all down and get you hyped for race day. 

Partners:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Rod Farvard joins the Singletrack Podcast live from our Olympic Valley, CA studio during Western States race week to discuss what it really takes to compete at the highest level in trail and ultrarunning—and why he may be the biggest threat to the Western States crown in 2025.

In 2024, Rod turned heads by going toe-to-toe with one of the sport’s greatest athletes, Jim Walmsley, at the Western States 100. His fearless front-running and relentless pace put him on the radar of fans and comp...

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Note - we had audio issues during parts of this episode. Working to resolve those ahead of our remaining shows this week. Thanks for your patience!

Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, Jeff Colt and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at this year’s Cocodona 250.

Partners:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Dylan Bowman returns to the Singletrack Podcast for a wide-ranging, in-person conversation from our Olympic Valley, CA studio just days before the 2025 Western States 100.

As the founder of Freetrail and a key figure behind TrailCon, Dylan has spent the last few years shaping the conversation around what trail and ultrarunning can—and should—become. In this episode, we dive deep into the evolution of the sport, how media and storytelling are influencing the culture, and what role platforms like Freetrail play in that tran...

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Sally McRae joins the Singletrack Podcast live from our Olympic Valley, CA studio in the days leading up to the 2025 Western States 100 for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation.

In this episode, we explore what it really takes to go pro in trail and ultrarunning—beyond the podiums, Strava segments, and sponsorship deals. Sally shares the lesser-told story of building a sustainable career in the sport, from early sacrifices to developing her voice as both an athlete and a creator. As one of the fe...

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Jeff Colt and Mike McMonagle join Finn Melanson on the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives. In this episode, the trio reflects on the latest lineup changes at the Western States 100, the current status of Unbreakable 2, the influence of BPN's Backyard Ultra, and the impact of the Wilderness Act.

Timestamps:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Joey Berriatua joins Finn Melanson on the Singletrack Podcast to reflect on his time with Tinman Elite, share his journey through the professional running scene, and explore why trail running might be his future path.

Related Episodes:

Timestamps:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Brett Hornig and Mike McMonagle join Finn Melanson on the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives. In this episode, the trio reflects on a retroactive controversy surrounding a runner's time penalty (instead of DQ) at this year's Black Canyon 100K, the majesty of UTMB Snowdonia, the sustainability of pro ultrarunning, and whether there will be a "next venue" for the Mike-Finn-Brett ultra rivalry.

Timestamps:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt join Finn Melanson on the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives. In this episode, the trio reflects on the evolving media landscape in ultrarunning, using the wildly popular Cocodona 250 as a case study to examine its impact on race organizers, athletes, and fans. They also share personal takeaways and recap the key storylines from this year’s event. Finally, the conversation explores the (hypothetical) emergence of teams built specifically to win marquee races, speculates on the fu...

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Tom Hooper joins the show to publicly announce and analyze the men's and women's long trail teams that will represent the USA at the World Trail Championships in Canfranc, Spain, this September.

Timestamps:

Partners:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at this year’s Cocodona 250.

Timestamps:

Partners:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

This is a crossover podcast from the Conversational Pace YouTube channel (hosted by my good friend, Brett Hornig) in which we talk about my gear, nutrition, and overall strategy for the 2025 Cocodona 250.

Timestamps:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Brett Hornig and Leah Yingling return to the Singletrack Podcast to preview the final golden ticket chase for the 2025 Western States 100 at this weekend’s Canyons 100K in Auburn, CA.

Six golden tickets are up for grabs, with standout athletes like Marianne Hogan, Anthony Costales, Hannes Namberger, Katie Asmuth, and Erin Clark adding serious depth to the competition.

They discuss recent administrative updates surrounding the event—including its new status as a "super" golden ticket race, the lack of a live stre...

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt return to the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives.

Timestamps:

Partners:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Drew Darby and Rob Fisher join the show to unpack the making of The Finisher, our new documentary chronicling Jasmin Paris’ historic completion of the 2024 Barkley Marathons. We reflect on the creative process, the unique storytelling challenges of the Barkley, and what we learned along the way.

Timestamps:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

John Kelly returns to the Singletrack Podcast, this time to reflect on the 2025 Barkley Marathons and the insights he has gained from the notorious event over the past decade. He then dives into announcing and discussing his plans to attempt the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail later this year.

Timestamps:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

We've got another classic edition of the Long Run Archives on deck, but it's been a minute. We've been fully immersed in all things Barkley Marathons, working hard to bring a few key projects to the finish line.

Two big shoutouts here:

First, The Finisher, a long-form documentary about Jasmin Paris’ three-year journey to become the first female finisher at the Barkley. Huge credit and gratitude to Jules Campanelli, Drew Darby, and Rob Fisher, who worked tirelessly to bring this piece to...

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

In this episode, I'm joined by ultrarunning filmmaker Dylan Harris for a special conversation.

Dylan is the director of an upcoming film called "The Chase", which tells the story of the epic six-way battle for victory at the 2024 Cocodona 250, featuring Jeff Browning, Harry Subertas, Michael Versteeg, Joe McConaughy, Arlen Glick, and Michael McKnight. We've had almost all of these guys on the pod before — some of my favorite characters in the sport — and it was incredible to see how this film captured the uniq...

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Finn Melanson and Brett Hornig convene for another edition of the Long Run Archives. They talk about business ideas for trail running, the rise of breathing sensors in training and racing contexts, Grand Slam Track, the continued golden ticket chase at Tarawera, the final year of Pine to Palm, and the Barkley Marathons.

Timestamps:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Caleb Olson returns to the show to discuss his dominant win at the Transgrancanaria Classic this past weekend. We dive into his conscious transition in racing style from hunter to race leader, the pack dynamics with Jon Albon and Josh Wade, the unique challenges of the TGC course, whether he feels different after such a significant career victory, and what might be next for him in 2025.

Timestamps:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt return to the show to recap highlights and takeaways from the Black Canyon 100K and 50K races in Arizona this past weekend. We talk about the rise of the 50K, "race shapers", evidence for high-carb failures, gear takeaways, moving the women's start before the men's race, and top performances from the likes of Seth Ruhling, Riley Brady, Tara Dower, and Will Murray.

Timestamps:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Tara Dower returns to the show to talk about life after setting the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail, re-signing with Altra, building a high-performance team to support her ultrarunning goals, the Black Canyon 100K experience, and her outlook on this year’s Western States 100.

Timestamps

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

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:

Partners:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Brett Hornig and David Roche return to the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives.

Timestamps:

Partners:

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Jamil Coury joins the show to talk about the reasons behind his renewed passion for running, some inner workings of the Cocodona 250, various eras of Aravaipa Running, and his relatively recent acquisition of Ultrarunning Magazine.

Timestamps:

Partners: