The Trailhead
The Year in Trail Running and Bold Predictions for 2025
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Episode notes
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
- [05:12] – Super Shoes in Trail Running: Hype vs. Reality
- [10:28] – The Launch of the World Trail Majors: What It Means for the Sport
- [16:04] – Tara Dower’s Appalachian Trail Record and Other Standout Performances
- [22:15] – Breaking Down Trail Running Demographics with Matt Abbott: Who’s Running and Why?
- [30:48] – The Rise of Backyard Ultras and the Boom in 200+ Mile Races
- [36:22] – Fueling Trends: How Massive Calorie Intakes Are Changing Ultra Performance
- [41:37] – Women in Trail Running: Participation Trends and Media Narratives
- [48:20] – Bold Predictions for 2025: The Future of Trail Running and Public Lands
- [55:03] – Closing Thoughts: Why Steady Growth Is Good for the Sport 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 [email protected]. 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!