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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Oct 2, 2025 · 1 hr 43 min
Recapping World Champs + THE MAMMOTH (Long Run Archives #31)
Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt return to the show, sharing insights from the World Trail Championships in Canfranc, highlights from the inaugural year at The Mammoth, and their favorite internet finds of the week. 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/) Additional Links: 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
Sep 29, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
Jeff Garmire Breaks Appalachian Trail FKT, Beats Joe McConaughy’s Legendary Record (Sunday Conversation)
Earlier this month, Jeff Garmire set a new self-supported fastest known time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail: 45 days, 8 hours, 37 minutes. He shaved more than three hours off Joe McConaughy’s 2017 mark—long regarded as one of the most impressive endurance feats in ultrarunning. With that context, I was excited to have Jeff on the podcast to unpack the experience. We cover the essentials—gear, logistics, nutrition, training—but also go deeper. Jeff shares his background and motivations, and we explore the financial and sponsorship side of attempting something that requires stepping away from the rest of your life for nearly seven weeks. 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/) Additional Links: Follow Jeff on Instagram, Podcast, Trevor Project Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Sep 6, 2025 · 1 hr 35 min
UTMB Recap, Trail Running Agents, FKT Scene Updates (Long Run Archives #30)
In this edition of the Long Run Archives, we talk about the rise of agents in ultra-trail running, our takeaways from UTMB week, the increasing allure of the fastest known time scene, our dream co-hosts on this show, and some cool tech that has arrived at Singletrack HQ (spoiler alert: Tymewear). Chapters 00:00 The Role of Agents in Athletics 20:40 The Mahoosuc Traverse, personal projects vs racing 38:38 UTMB Highlights and Stats 01:07:58 The Appalachian Trail 01:14:04 Influences and Inspirations in Ultra Running 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 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/) Additional Links: Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Sep 5, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Tom Evans | 2025 UTMB Champion (Interview)
Tom Evans joins the show fresh off his victory at the 2025 UTMB. 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 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/) Additional Links: Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Aug 31, 2025 · 31 min
Ruth Croft | 2025 UTMB Champion (Interview)
Ruth Croft joins the show fresh off her victory at the 2025 UTMB. With this win, she completed the trifecta of finals victories (adding to her titles at CCC and OCC). In this conversation, we briefly reflect on the race but also take some time to explore her background and the transformative decisions she’s made to reach this moment. 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 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/) Additional Links: Follow Ruth on Instagram, Strava Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Aug 27, 2025 · 1 hr 28 min
Hillary Gerardi on Life in Chamonix, Skyrunning, and the Art of Risk in the Mountains
Hillary Gerardi joins us in our Chamonix studio during UTMB week for a wide-ranging conversation. We talk about her skyrunning career, setting a FKT on Mont Blanc, the modern history of the Chamonix valley, differences between French and American culture, and the risks, uncertainties, and small windows of opportunity that define some of her most memorable mountain projects. 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 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/) Additional Links: Follow Hillary on Instagram, Strava Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Aug 27, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Anton Krupicka Talks UTMB, Skyrunning, and Backyard Projects (Sunday Conversation)
Anton Krupicka returns to the show in person at our Chamonix studio, where we dive into his history with UTMB, his new role at La Sportiva, skyrunning, the Grand Teton, and the increasing appeal of backyard endurance projects. 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 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/) Additional Links: Follow Anton on Instagram, Strava, Substack Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Aug 26, 2025 · 2 hr 23 min
Michael Versteeg | Reflections On The Soul Of Ultrarunning, Pt 2 (Sunday Conversation)
Michael Versteeg is racing UTMB on Friday. We hosted him for a long-form conversation at our Chamonix studio and somehow didn’t spend much time talking about that fact at all. Instead, we covered topics like public lands, the Barkley Marathons, building houses, his deep connection to Cocodona, following curiosity wherever it leads, and the importance of checking obsession. Enjoy! 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 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/) Additional Links: Follow Michael on Instagram, Blog Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Aug 25, 2025 · 32 min
Abby Hall Interview (2025 UTMB Week)
Fresh off a transformative victory at Western States earlier this summer, Abby Hall returns to the show ahead of UTMB. We discuss her decision to take on the sport's de facto 100-mile world championship, the afterglow winning one of ultrarunning's biggest races, her relentless pursuit of excellence at the sharp end of competition, and - of course - the importance of curating the perfect playlist for the journey around the rooftop of Europe. 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 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/) Additional Links: Follow Abby on Instagram, Strava Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Aug 25, 2025 · 26 min
Lucy Bartholomew Interview (2025 UTMB Week)
Lucy Bartholomew has been a model of consistency at UTMB in recent years, steadily raising her game as women’s ultrarunning enters a new era of performance. In this conversation, we cover a wide range of topics—from one of the most exciting 100-milers in her backyard (the GPT100), to her experience crewing Ryan Sandes at the Cocodona 250, to Salomon’s High Performance System, and her own process for chasing the next level in Chamonix. 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 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/) Additional Links: Follow Lucy on Instagram, Strava Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Aug 25, 2025 · 41 min
Max Jolliffe Interview (2025 UTMB Week)
Max Jolliffe is in Chamonix—and that was all the excuse we needed to sit down for a chat at our Chamonix studio. In this conversation, we reflect on our shared experiences at the Cocodona 250, look ahead to our reunion at The Mammoth next month, talk about playing the content game, and discuss the outlook for a professional career in ultrarunning. 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 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/) Additional Links: Follow Max on Instagram, Youtube, and Strava Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Aug 24, 2025 · 50 min
Katie Schide Interview (2025 UTMB Week)
For the first time since 2017, Katie Schide will not be racing of the UTMB World Series final events. Instead, she's set to represent Team USA at the Long Trail World Championships in Canfranc, Spain next month. It felt like the perfect moment to catch up. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about her recent results at Hardrock and Sierre-Zinal, her history with stage racing, the prospect of elite-only race fields, her career progression, and the unique allure of Vermont's Long Trail. 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 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/) Additional Links: Follow Katie on Instagram and Strava Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Aug 23, 2025 · 42 min
Ben Dhiman Interview (2025 UTMB Week)
Ben Dhiman returns to the show ahead of ultra-trail running's de facto 100 mile championship, Ultra-Trail Du Mont Blanc (UTMB). Fresh off a course record at Lavredo and an impressive multi-year stretch in the sport, he arrives in Chamonix as one of the most intriguing contenders in the field. In this conversation, we dive into his nomadic background, training philosophy, and whether his third attempt at UTMB will finally be the breakthrough on the sport's biggest stage. 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 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/) Additional Links: Follow Ben on Instagram, Substack, and Strava Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Aug 22, 2025 · 57 min
Tom Evans Interview (2025 UTMB Week)
Tom Evans returns to the show for a wide-ranging conversation on his return to Ultra-Trail Du Mont Blanc (UTMB), the joys of fatherhood, his favorite events on the UK trail running circuit, and the long-term development of ultrarunning as a professional sport. 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 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/) Additional Links: Follow Tom on Instagram, Strava Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Aug 22, 2025 · 36 min
Dani Moreno Interview (2025 UTMB Week)
Dani Moreno returns to the show ahead of the 2025 CCC, taking place next Friday in Chamonix, France. We discuss her philosophy of boldness, the landmark performances that could push the sport forward, and the mentality required to line up at high-caliber races in the UTMB World Series. 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 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/) Additional Links: Follow Dani on Instagram, Strava, SubHub Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and Patreon Support the show
Aug 3, 2025 · 26 min
Wild Race Experiments + Players' Tribune for Pro Ultrarunning?
In this clip from the latest edition of the Long Run Archives on the Singletrack Podcast, Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Jeff Colt discuss new angles on races like Western States and Hardrock, "course record pace", and a new media opportunity in the works for pro ultrarunners. 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 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/) Additional Links: 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
Aug 1, 2025 · 16 min
Drafting The Ultrarunning Dream Team
In this clip from the latest edition of the Long Run Archives on the Singletrack Podcast, Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Jeff Colt discuss a fascinating hypothetical scenario: If you were starting a brand-new ultrarunning company (whether shoes, gear, nutrition, or anything else), and every athlete in the market was a free agent, which four would you prioritize adding to your team, and why? The trio explores the spectrum from pure performance athletes to influential figures—and the hybrids who bridge both worlds—as they build their dream rosters featuring familiar names such as Courtney Dauwalter, Katie Schide, Lucy Bartholomew, Jamil Coury, and Billy Yang. 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 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/) Additional Links: 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
Jul 19, 2025 · 1 hr 50 min
Andrew Drummond on the White Mountains Direttissima FKT (Sunday Conversation)
Andrew Drummond returns to the Singletrack Podcast, this time to recount his latest adventure: setting a Fastest Known Time on the White Mountains Direttissima, one of New England's iconic multi-day routes. We explore the aesthetics of the route, what inspired him to return after his previous attempts in 2016 and 2024, his strategies around gear, nutrition, rest, and the execution that led to his new record. Additionally, we discuss the New England trail running scene, John Kelly's recent Appalachian Trail activity, the stylistic differences between supported and unsupported FKTs, and the segment challenges sponsored by Run The Whites. It's always great catching up with Andrew—hope you enjoy the conversation! Timestamps: 00:00 Reconnecting After Three Years 09:06 White Mountains Direttissima 20:48 Gear Evolution and Preparation for the Route 45:30 Mental and Physical Challenges of Multi-Day Hiking 52:29 Personality Types in Multi-Day Adventures 01:01:40 Training for Multi-Day Efforts 01:14:46 Kilian Jornet's Potential Impact on the Northeast 01:17:29 Shifts in FKT Strategies on the Appalachian Trail 01:41:21 Underappreciated Routes in the White Mountains 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 (https://www.gorewear.com/) 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/) Additional Links: Follow Andrew on Instagram, YouTube, White Mountain Ski Co Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Support the show
Jul 18, 2025 · 1 hr 50 min
Western States in Transition? What’s Next for the Iconic 100-Miler (Topher Gaylord Interview)
Topher Gaylord is the newly appointed President of the Western States Endurance Run—arguably the most iconic ultramarathon in the world. A seven-time WSER finisher, Topher brings decades of experience in global outdoor industry leadership and a deep well of insight from more than 75 ultramarathons run across the globe. In this conversation, we discuss: – The direction he wants to steer Western States in – His views on the Golden Ticket Series and how it’s evolving – How he processed recent controversies with UTMB – The tension between commercialization and community in trail running – What excites him most about the future of the sport We also talk about his upcoming keynote at TrailCon and how he plans to honor the rich legacy of WSER while preparing it for what’s next. 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 to get 30% off your purchase. Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase. Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Additional Links: Follow Leah on Instagram, Strava, Twitter Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Support the show
Jul 9, 2025 · 2 hr 4 min
Scott Jurek on Racing, Retirement, and What Comes Next (Sunday Conversation)
In this live pre-race episode of the Singletrack Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Scott Jurek back to the show—recorded in-person from our studio in Olympic Valley, CA, just days before the 2025 Western States 100. For many, Scott needs no introduction. A seven-time winner of Western States, bestselling author, and true icon of the sport, his impact on trail and ultrarunning is undeniable. But this conversation goes far beyond race results and podiums. We explore the evolution of the Western States 100, how the atmosphere, competition, and culture of the race have changed since his last win here in 2005, and what he notices most when returning to the event now as a mentor, supporter, and observer. Scott also opens up about his day-to-day life in the sport today—how he stays involved, what his professional pursuits look like post-competition, and what’s still fueling his fire. Plus, we revisit some of the emotional terrain we covered in our 2024 conversation: athletic identity, the process of letting go, and how to maintain joy and purpose in the sport long after your competitive peak. 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 to get 30% off your purchase. Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase. Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Additional Links: Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Support the show