RUNSPIRITED

From Western States course records to the Hardrock women's showdown and Barkley predictions, here are 12 ultra running storylines defining 2026.

Celebrating the 25 most inspirational men ultra runners of 2025, from Jim Walmsley's world championship to Kilian Jornet's States of Elevation to Ludovic Pommeret's impressive Hardrock repeat.

The 2025 Western States race was an epic showdown, with first-time winners on both the men's and women's sides. There were many story lines before the big day, and now there are many more. Here are some questions in the aftermath of the race.

The top ultra running stories of 2025 will include top performances likely by Jim Walmsley, Courtney Dauwalter, Katie Schide and others.

The most inspirational men ultra runners include those who broke a historic course record at Leadville, an unknown winning UTMB and others.

The top 10 trail and ultra running stories on RunSpirited include coaching tips, lighting for runners and an elite athlete's historic race.

The Western States and Hardrock lotteries created stacked men's and women's fields, as well as lots of interesting story lines to follow.

Teddy Bross had a unique view of David Roche as he set the Leadville 100-miler course record as his pacer for the final 38 miles.

Austin Meyer is an accomplished documentary filmmaker and storyteller as well as an ultra runner who has won several races.

Jim Walmsley, Zach Miller, Adam Peterman and Tyler Green are among the most inspirational men ultra runners for their achievements in 2023.