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.
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.
Strength training for women runners: Best exercises for every life stage
Strength training exercises are critical for women runners at every life stage. This guides offers practical advice for every life stage — hormones, pregnancy, menopause — including recommended exercises to build strength.
Strength training guide for ultra runners: Building the engine for the long haul
This strength training guide for ultra runners offers tips on how to incorporate it so you are ready to handle the demands of ultra running. Learn the best exercises for climbing power, downhill control and trail stability — from a certified running coach and experienced ultra runner.
How to find a greater purpose through race directing
Aimee Kohler, founder of The Running Kind, was on a quest to learn how to how to find a greater purpose. Now she hosts gnarly trail and ultra races in the Northeast with a mission rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and community.
