Singletrack

Finn Melanson

Singletrack is a podcast covering the professional trail and ultrarunning scene.

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493 episodes
Updated July 21

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Episodes493

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January 23 · 1 hr 26 min
Is Mental Toughness Overrated? What Really Wins in Ultrarunning (Long Run Archives #36)
In this edition of Long Run Archives, we talk about: Arlen Glick’s departure from Craft Sportswear, whether mental toughness is often overstated, and that physical fitness is what truly wins races, the idea of "super-domestiques" in ultra, Ben Dhiman vs the Boulder Boys, and media narratives around 200-mile "specialists". Chapters: 00:00 — Arlen Glick’s Departure from Craft 06:57 — Could Ultrarunning Ever Have a Smut TV Series? 23:03 — Is Mental Toughness Overrated in Ultrarunning? 29:56 — Mental Warfare and Training Philosophy 32:45 — Community Support as a Competitive Advantage 35:39 — Training Partners: Breakthrough or Burnout? 39:20 — Pacing Ethics and Team Tactics in Ultrarunning 53:39 — Ben Dhiman vs. the Boulder Boys 1:03:30 — What Makes a 200-Mile Specialist? 1:13:30 — Media Narratives, Visibility, and Performance Metrics Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) Additional Links: Arlen Glick Strava Post Follow Jeff on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Coaching Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
January 16 · 1 hr 16 min
Did the Ultrarunner of the Year Rankings Get It Right? (Long Run Archives #35)
Brett Hornig and Mike McMonagle join the show to reflect on the 2025 Ultrarunner of the Year and Trail Runner of the Year rankings, plus some way-too-early hype for our showdown at this year's Bear 100. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) Additional Links: Follow Mike on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Coaching Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
January 15 · 1 hr 11 min
The State of Singletrack: What 2025 Taught Us and What Comes Next
In this annual State of Singletrack episode, Finn Melanson sits down with longtime collaborator Scott Hickenlooper to reflect on where Singletrack has been, what defined 2025 from multiple angles, and how the business, media projects, and personal priorities are evolving heading into 2026. The conversation covers why the State of Singletrack format exists, how Finn thinks about transparency and building in public, and what listening habits and creative influences shaped the show over the past year. Finn looks back on the biggest accomplishments of 2025, including the release of Singletrack’s first feature-length film The Finisher and the launch of Twisted Fork Trail Festival, while also addressing where things fell short, from missed product ideas to community initiatives that never fully materialized. The episode examines the realities of building a trail running media company, including the fragility of sponsorship-driven business models, how partnerships are structured, and why diversification through events and race coverage has become essential. Finn and Scott also discuss the growth of Singletrack’s YouTube channel, the challenges of sustaining that momentum, and open questions around future video projects and personal storytelling. Looking ahead, Finn shares what excites him most about 2026, including Jules Campanelli joining Singletrack full-time, upcoming race directing responsibilities, coverage plans for major events, and his own racing focus on Scout Mountain 100 and the Bear 100. The episode closes with audience questions, reflections on how Finn’s perspective on the sport has changed, advice for aspiring creators and athletes, and a look at dream interviews that remain at the top of the wish list. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/) Support the show
January 13 · 1 hr 18 min
Rachel Entrekin on How 200-Mile Racing Has Changed (Sunday Conversation)
Rachel Entrekin joins the show to discuss how 200 mile racing strategy has changed, what it now takes to compete at the front of the sport, and her transition to being a full time professional in the sport. Timestamps: 01:15 Burrito League, community running, and doing silly things for fun 06:30 Transitioning to life as a full-time professional runner 12:00 Recovery, sleep, and why high mileage feels different now 15:30 Training and connecting with other 200-mile athletes 19:30 Confidence, humility, and learning to own performance 23:00 Trash talk, entertainment, and race build-up narratives 27:00 Cocodona 250 dynamics and racing alone at the front 32:00 Gender categories and competitiveness in 200-mile racing 36:00 Why conservative racing no longer works 41:00 Tactical lessons learned from Mammoth 200 45:00 What it will take to win future 200-mile races 49:00 Advice for athletes debuting at the 200-mile distance 56:00 Studying live streams and learning from the sport 1:01:00 Vibe-based racing versus optimization 1:06:30 Longevity, visibility, and a late-career breakthrough 1:10:00 Old-school racing culture and the Plain 100 Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) Additional Links: Follow Rachel on Instagram, Strava Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Support the show
January 7 · 1 hr 28 min
Separate Starts, the Fate of World Trail Majors, and Is Hardrock “Cooked”? (Long Run Archives #34)
Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Alyssa Clark comment on some of the most pressing issues in trail running today - including whether Hardrock is “cooked,” the debate around separate starts at races like UTMB, and what the future holds for the World Trail Majors. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) Additional Links: Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Coaching Follow Alyssa on Instagram, Strava, Website Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Support the show
Dec 31, 2025 · 1 hr 34 min
Why Trail Running Still Hasn’t Had a "Vaporfly Moment" (Geoff Burns Explains)
In this episode of the Singletrack Podcast, I chat with sport scientist and physiologist Geoff Burns to unpack one of the biggest open questions in trail running right now: why shoe technology hasn’t produced a single, decisive “Vaporfly moment” on the trails - and whether it ever will. Geoff explains why trail running is fundamentally different from road running when it comes to performance gains. While road shoes can be optimized for straight-line efficiency on uniform surfaces, trail shoes operate in a far more complex system - one shaped by uneven terrain, gradients, stability demands, traction, weight, and constantly changing conditions Geoff explains: * Why super-shoe logic breaks down on trails * The real role of foams, plates, and energy return off-road * Why shoe tech gains often disappear on uphill, downhill, or technical terrain * Whether trail shoes are nearing saturation—or still wide open for innovation * How weight, traction, durability, and stability compete with pure efficiency * Why different trail races may require entirely different “optimal” shoes * What shoe tech might be changing in the sport Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase. Support the show
Dec 26, 2025 · 1 hr 35 min
How David Roche Changed Trail Running YouTube - Jeff Pelletier Explains (Sunday Conversation)
What actually changed with David Roche’s YouTube content and why did it work when so many running vlogs and films don’t? In this episode of the Singletrack Podcast, I’m joined by running filmmaker and YouTube creator Jeff Pelletier for a deep, behind-the-scenes conversation about how trail running content is evolving and what Roche’s Western States series revealed about the platform. We break down why YouTube rewards long-term storytelling over one-off films, how stakes and failure can be more compelling than winning, and why personality-driven channels consistently outperform brand-owned media. Jeff explains why Roche’s rollout felt like a masterclass, how it changed expectations for branded content, and what brands, athletes, and creators still get wrong about YouTube. We also discuss: * Why most running brands fail on YouTube * How narrative arcs and episodic structure drive retention * The difference between short-form and long-form impact * Why YouTube is becoming the new television for endurance sports * What the next era of trail running media might look like Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase. Support the show
Dec 19, 2025 · 1 hr 52 min
2025 Ultrarunning Year In Review | Awards, Highlights, Storylines, Predictions
Our annual Ultrarunning Year in Review is here! I'm joined by Brett Hornig and Leah Yingling to break down everything that defined the sport this year: the performances that reshaped the hierarchy, the storylines that sparked debate, and the trends that may permanently change how ultrarunning operates heading into 2026. Topics include: The biggest ultrarunning storylines of 2025 Breakout performances and unsung heroes The most dramatic races and moments of the year Comeback athletes and rookie standouts Surprising results that rewrote expectations The rise of agents, Substack, and athlete media Brand wins, sponsorship shifts, and product moments What 2025 tells us about the future of the sport Thanks for tuning in! As always, this conversation is subjective, North American ultra-biased, and built for debate - so we want to hear from you. What did we get right - and what did we miss? What moments defined 2025 for you? Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase. Links: Follow Leah on Instagram, Strava, Twitter Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Support the show
Dec 15, 2025 · 30 min
A Major Announcement for Singletrack (New Event!)
Big news from Singletrack and Massif Running — we are the new owners and race directors of the Antelope Island Buffalo Run. Sign up here. One of Utah’s most iconic trail races, the Buffalo Run has been a cornerstone of the Wasatch trail running community for nearly 20 years. Founded by longtime race director Jim Skaggs, the event has always been about more than racing — it’s been a spring running party, a reunion, and a race that welcomes everyone from first-timers to lifelong ultrarunners. In this episode, Finn Melanson is joined by Singletrack producer Scott Hickenlooper to share: * Why Singletrack/Massif Running decided to take over the Buffalo Run * What will stay the same — and what will evolve — under new ownership * The history and legacy of the event on Antelope Island * Course details, races distances, and why this is one of the fastest and most unique trail races in the Mountain West * How this fits into Singletrack’s long-term vision for trail running in Utah Registration is officially open for 2026 Antelope Island Buffalo Run! Sign up here. Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase. Support the show
Dec 13, 2025 · 1 hr 23 min
Scott Frey: Brain Training For Ultrarunning (Sunday Conversation)
Scott Frey of Cerebral Performance joins the show for a deep dive into the next frontier of athletic performance. Scott believes the biggest breakthroughs of the coming decade won’t come from physiology alone, but from the brain and psychological sciences - and that belief anchors this conversation. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase. Additional Links: Cerebral Performance Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Dec 7, 2025 · 1 hr
Nick Thompson on the AI Frontier in Ultrarunning + Technology Doping (Sunday Conversation)
Nick Thompson joins the show to talk about use cases for AI in ultra-trail running, the concept of technology doping, urban design for run commuting, his new book The Running Ground, and some of his fairly low-key favorite races in the sport -including the Escarpment, the Twisted Branch 100K, and more. Chapters: 02:00 The Intersection of AI and Ultra Running 05:10 Exploring the Role of Technology in Training 08:12 The Future of Coaching in the Age of AI 10:59 Urban Design and Run Commuting 14:08 The Impact of Analytics on Sports 20:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Running 31:44 The Complexity of Commitment in Sports 37:11 The Luddite Perspective on Modernity 38:55 Sketches of Meaningful Lives 43:12 Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience 45:54 Ambition vs. Spiritual Awakening 53:32 Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path Races 57:42 Influencing Public Figures in Ultra Running Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase. Additional Links: Follow Nick on LinkedIn, The Running Ground Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Nov 25, 2025 · 1 hr 28 min
Rise of Vertical Backyards, UTCT Fireworks + Is the 50 Mile Distance Back? (Long Run Archives #33)
Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt return to the show to discuss the advent of the "Vertical" Backyard Ultra and recap the results at Ultra Trail Cape Town and the JFK 50, which took place this past weekend. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase. Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase. Additional Links: Mount Ascutney Vertical Backyard, Calibre Follow Jeff on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Coaching Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Nov 21, 2025 · 2 hr 28 min
The UTMB Era, Power Plays, and Trail Running Business Ideas (Long Run Archives #32)
First up, Tim Tollefson returns to the show. In some ways, trail running is still having its “What Are We Even Doing?” moment. Through that lens, we take a look at the UTMB era, the rise of pro circuits, what the pros care about, and what happens when a grassroots sport takes bigger steps towards big-time structure. After that, I'm joined by Alyssa Clark for a roundup of trail running business news and ideation. Enjoy! Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase. Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase. Additional Links: Follow Tim on Instagram, Strava, Mammoth Trail Fest Follow Alyssa on Instagram, Strava, Website Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Support the show
Nov 7, 2025 · 1 hr 43 min
Jim Walmsley on the UTMB Playbook, the "Black Shorts" Idea, and the Future of Trail Running (Sunday Conversation)
Jim Walmsley returns to the Singletrack Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation. We walk down memory lane, reflect on the World Championships, dig into his insights from Western States and UTMB, riff on his idea for a “Black Shorts Series,” and explore his training theories for success in the constantly evolving world of ultra-trail running. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase. Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase. Additional Links: Follow Jim on Instagram, Strava Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Support the show
Nov 3, 2025 · 1 hr 39 min
Keep the Signal: Will Murray on Winning Javelina and Mastering the Mindset Game (Sunday Conversation)
Will Murray joins the Singletrack Podcast fresh off his dominant, course-record victory at the 2025 Javelina Jundred. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase. Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase. Additional Links: Follow Will on Strava Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Support the show
Nov 1, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
David Roche: The Future of Ultrarunning Is Here — and It’s Faster Than We Think (Sunday Conversation)
David Roche returns to the Singletrack Podcast fresh off his 12:18, second-place performance at the Javelina Jundred. In addition to the race report, David dives into how high-carb fueling, recovery science, and fearless pacing are rewriting what’s possible in trail and ultrarunning, why overtraining and under-fueling are essentially the same thing, how athletes like Will Murray, Canyon Woodward, and Tara Dower are redefining performance ceilings, and what the next five years of the sport might look like. Beyond the science, David opens up about aging in the sport, balancing family life with competition, and rediscovering joy in racing after the pressure of Western States. He shares lessons from his YouTube “Road to Western States” series, what he learned from stepping back, and how he and Megan Roche plan to rebuild their creative work heading into 2026. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase. Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase. Additional Links: Follow David on Instagram, Website, Youtube Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Support the show
Oct 27, 2025 · 39 min
Tara Dower on Breaking the Javelina Jundred Course Record + Her Return to Western States (Sunday Conversation)
After setting a course record at 2025 Javelina Jundred, Tara Dower joins the Singletrack Podcast to talk about the strategy behind perhaps her biggest win yet — and how she’s using it to fuel a Western States comeback in 2026. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase. Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase. Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) Additional Links: Follow Tara on Instagram, Youtube Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Support the show
Oct 27, 2025 · 37 min
2025 Javelina Jundred Recap
Finn Melanson and Brett Hornig share their observations from all the racing action at yesterday’s Javelina Jundred. They discuss Tara Dower’s massive course-record performance, how all three men’s podium finishers — Will Murray, David Roche, and Canyon Woodward — shattered the previous marks, and what it all means for the Western States 100 Golden Ticket Series. They also analyze this year’s livestream numbers, highlight their favorite racing moments, and explore how the 2025 edition of Javelina might redefine what’s possible on the desert course. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase. Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase. Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) Additional Links: Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Support the show
Oct 22, 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
2025 Javelina Jundred Preview | Analysis, Storylines, Predictions
Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at this year’s Javelina Jundred. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase. Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase. Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) Additional Links: Follow Leah on Instagram, Strava, Twitter Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Support the show
Oct 21, 2025 · 1 hr 41 min
$50K to $500K? The New Reality of Pro Trail Running Sponsorships
Trail running is growing fast — but is the money for athlete deals keeping up? In this episode, athlete agent Kelly Newlon returns to the show to unpack the latest economics behind athlete-brand partnerships in 2025. From $10K rookie contracts to six-figure base deals, Kelly breaks down who’s getting paid, why it’s finally improving for pros, and which brands and races hold the most weight in negotiations. We cover: How athlete compensation has shifted in the last two years What brands actually value — and why some athletes still get left out The rise of non-endemic deals (cars, banks, healthcare) If you’ve always been curious about what “contract season” really looks like in trail running, this is a great look inside. Additional Episodes: #355 - Tara Dower Signs Ground-Breaking Deal with Altra (Our Analysis) #135 - Kelly Newlon | Real Athlete Diets, Crewing FKT Projects, Athlete Sponsorship Thoughts Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase. Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase. Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) Events: Register for the 2026 Buffalo Run Register for 2026 Twisted Fork Trail Festival Additional Links: Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Patreon Follow Kelly on Instagram, Website, LinkedIn Support the show