The Year in Trail Running and Bold Predictions for 2025

The Trailhead

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 [e-mail]. 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!