RUNSPIRITED

Runners experience community, challenge and adventure thanks to race director David Compton and his team who deliver East Coast trail and ultra running events.

By Henry Howard I have been a fan of HOKA trail shoes for a good number of years and miles. The Speedgoats and Challengers have long had a home in my rotation depending on the terrain. But earlier this spring, I spent time in the new HOKA Zinal 3, accumulating more than 30 miles on dirt trails. (Note: I usually run 50 miles in shoes before writing a review but an injury has sidelined me.) I can honestly say this shoe has earned a spot alongside the Speedgoats and Challengers.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Navajo ultra runner DeShawna Joe thinks about the worst day of her life every time she wants to quit a race. In 2025, that mindset carried her through the Grand Slam of 200s —four races of more than 200 miles each, totaling over 800 miles of mountain trails.