Curiosity, community and childish nonsense: The Chicago race director redefining the ultra running experience
Ally Gregory of CUSS Running brings fun, inclusivity, and a magician to Chicago's trails. Meet the non-binary race director behind the city's most joyful ultras.
The 'Way Too Cool' Western States 2026: 10 takeaways from the historic 100-miler
The 2026 Western States 100 may go down as the "Way Too Cool" Western States edition. Unusually cool temperatures fueled an unprecedented day of fast running: both course records fell, and on the men's side, four runners went under the previous mark. Here are the top 10 takeaways from the historic 2026 Western States.
How to become a trail race director, according to someone who created 12 races without a plan
Shalini Bhajjan stumbled into race directing, made every wrong turn, and built 12 trail ultras in St. Louis.
Her best advice? "Don't replicate someone else's blueprint. Be the person who brings the weird, the wonderful, and the unexpected."
Western States preview 2026: Andy Jones-Wilkins breaks down the most competitive fields in race history
Expert analyst Andy Jones-Wilkins gives his 2026 Western States preview, breaking down the men's and women's fields, course conditions, poles, and course record chances.
10 reasons why ultra runners need speed work (even if you’re not chasing fast)
Here are 10 reasons why ultra runners need speed work, even if you’re not chasing fast. Among them: speed work powers your VO2max, builds mental toughness, helps masters runners thrive and more.
Delivering East Coast trail and ultra running adventures
Runners experience community, challenge and adventure thanks to race director David Compton and his team who deliver East Coast trail and ultra running events.
Best 100-mile races for first-timers: A runner's guide to your debut 100
From the Hennepin Hundred to Rio del Lago — ultra runner and running coach Henry Howard picks the 12 best beginner-friendly 100-mile races in the U.S, with dates, course types, and firsthand race experience.
How to go from 5K runner to Palmetto Ultras race director
Kayla Fitzgerald stepped in to save Charleston's ultra running scene and built Palmetto Ultras into a thriving series of trail races. “Our mission is to inspire everyone to embrace the trails, push seasoned runners to new heights and cultivate lasting bonds in our community,” she says.
Women's History Month spotlight: Race director Angie Lake is changing trail running for women
Meet Angie Lake, co-RD of Wild Woman Trail Runs — the team behind America's first all-women's trail marathon. She's building bold, inclusive spaces and popularizing trail running for women.
10 incredible women ultra runners you’ve never heard of — until now
Ultra running has a visibility problem when it comes to women. Not because women aren't doing incredible things. But because those incredible things often go unreported. Here are 10 world record holders, community builders, advocates, history-makers for Women's History Month.
