Culture

Move over, resolutions. Here are all the bad habits our editors at Trail Runner are hanging onto in 2023.

Courtney Dauwalter on why sometimes not obsessing over the FKT leads to success

These three groups are leading a movement providing more female runners the community and mentorship to overcome barriers in the ultra running spaces.

Sonny Peart founded Black Trail Runners in 2020, to build a community of runners who felt safe and seen. This May, they’re launching the UK's first-ever trail race organized by Black runners.

Running and composing music require a similar problem-solving area of the brain, so it might not be a coincidence that there’s crossover

The UK-based trail runner just raised the bar on one of the UK’s gnarliest routes.

Kelly Bruno is an activist for adaptive sports and refuses to be defined by her disability

When racial diversity, age, and experience intersects in running, the result is a wellspring of insight and contribution. These veteran runners have made running central to their lives and identities.

Trail running is growing and professionalizing. Here’s what the influx of cash means for the future of trail running. 

From road races to mountain ultramarathons, many events now offer resources to support new mothers in pursuit of their goals. Here’s the latest.

Forget weight loss. Throw out advice on how to “optimize” your life. This year, we want to keep things simple.

Curious what's trending? Here were the five most popular Trail Runner articles last month.

A Fastest Known Time panel voted on the top 5 most impressive women's performances of 2022. Here's what won.

A Fastest Known Time panel voted on the top 5 most impressive men's performances of 2022. Here's what won.

We’ve done the math. Crunched the numbers. Here are the ten most popular Trail Runner articles on culture and community we published in 2022.

A Native runner reflects on land acknowledgments before races and in daily life

Trail Runner’s editorial staff highlights some of the best moments of the year

We’re asking thirty-one elite runners and visionaries thirty-one rapid fire questions. What makes them tick? Up next, Zoë Rom.

From Bill Murray to hip hop icons, trail shoes and apparel is catching fire on some of the biggest stages. Here’s a look behind the crossover trend.

Climbing legend Alex Honnold is embracing more time on the trails as he challenges himself with new link-ups and endurance events.

Eric Spector, 75, on chasing his ultrarunning dreams and how running helps him live life to the fullest.

More users. Resource extraction. Climate change. The plain-old passage of time. Between it all, trails can be damaged or even disappear – so there’s never been a better or more urgent time to do trail work.

These five coaches want to increase equity and representation on the trails.

How winter road running brings one writer closer to nature. 

And her world-record attempt won’t stop until she reaches Melbourne at 150 marathons

Curious what's trending? Here were the five most popular Trail Runner articles last month.

This diagnostic tool promotes fatphobia, which can cause more health problems than extra weight, and is rooted in racism. It's time to throw it away.

Check out Trail Runner magazine's author page.

Deep in the throes of the post-race blues, one writer found herself craving a creative craft.

A good cry can be therapeutic and can even better connect you with others. Let’s stop shaming it.

After announcing that this year's Ironman World Championship race was her last, the fan favorite wasted no time making her mark on the ultrarunning scene, placing fifth at the Javelina Jundred 100-mile trail race last weekend.

Leon Sparks, 44, was trying to summit three mountains in one trek when he tumbled down Colorado’s El Diente Peak

Curious what's trending? Here were the five most popular Trail Runner articles last month.

Your guide to voting on national, state, and local levels this November

The 27-year-old former Navy SEAL may be one of the most gifted runners on the planet. Good thing he doesn’t want to race—yet.

A lifelong hiker and runner, Julie jumped into ultrarunning two years ago. Shining Rock marks her first unsupported FKT.

The death of Hilaree Nelson highlights a double standard that still exists with mothers in the adventure world

The best way to find your next pair of running shoes is to shop locally

In the second installment of The Backyard Stories, we travel to California’s Central Valley to talk with Kimo Laughlin about this family’s small orchard, sinking aquifers, and how to live a life of agriculture and adventure.

Every fall, the prevalence of hunting where I live in Vermont forces me to shift from running trails to dirt roads. I’ve learned to love the change of pace – and to stay safe.

Moderate alcohol consumption can bring joy to people who are able to enjoy it responsibly. And what’s the point of trail running – or anything else – if we aren’t experiencing joy?

For World Mental Health Day, this short film follows one runner’s journey of accomplishments and setbacks in feeling comfortable in his own body.

A last-minute change of plans left one Colorado elite athlete seeking a partner for the grueling 8-day TransAlpine Run. She found her on a mountain. Wearing heels.

This trail running bird lover shares a unique perspective on autumnal raptor migration.

On October 10th, Trail Runner and Rising Hearts are celebrating Indigenous excellence in running with a panel of leading Indigenous athletes, scientists, and artists.

Curious what's trending? Here were the five most popular Trail Runner articles published last month.

The two adventurers that fell in love with each other, then the legendary line linking 14 of Colorado’s highest peaks.

The Backyard Stories is a new podcast and written column following athletes and local food advocates who are deeply investing in their home ecosystems - their backyards.

Learning to adapt training and mindset through Alaskan winters

Our running goes through seasons. Embracing general fitness over peak performance takes an attitude adjustment.

Working towards better balance might actually be what is keeping you from finding passion in life and potential in running. Instead of seeking balance, practice integrating who you already are with what matters most to you.

Everyone has a Why. Our motivations are as varied as our backgrounds, and these passions are what powers adventures big and small.

Trails don’t maintain themselves. Here’s what trail work is and why you should consider volunteering, even if it isn’t required.

Women tend to play down their accomplishments. Here’s why ultrarunner Sally McRae wants that to change.

Team USA hauled in a lot of medals at World Snowshoe Championships in Argentina

Ultrarunning, why? The Diversity of Motivations and Experiences in Ultrarunners

Curious what's trending? Here were the five most popular Trail Runner articles published last month.

It’s an unfortunate tragedy, but, many argue, high-mountain adventure can never be completely free of risk

UTMB is a brutally challenging race, but the race-week hype, world-class competition, and global party vibes have a way of making every runner feel special

Two improvising trail runners on making it up as you go

Dogs may be the perfect running partners: They're always ready to go, they eagerly keep pace, and they never complain about being tired. But not every dog is built for running. The ideal jogging companion is low-maintenance and obedient, with energy and endurance.

In episode one of Peaks Project from Black Diamond, Richardson and Boulder community members share why this mountain is so special to them.

Wild and crazy running adventures on the Colorado pack-burro racing circuit

Long COVID can affect anyone, and women runners are no exception. Often, the experience of a runner with long COVID is one of isolation alongside the physical symptoms.

The biggest climate change legislation ever has just cleared the senate. Here’s why trail runners should care.

One woman marks seven years of sobriety by attempting to run the Grand Canyon’s 47-mile Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim trail run in one push. It all sounded great and symbolic. In theory. 

A marooned writer discovers herself while running the trails of Vashon Island, Washington.

Hawley is lucky that his awkward run didn’t end in injury.

How repeated failure, patience, and reverence led this runner to complete one of Colorado’s most demanding mountain challenges. 

Virginia’s Bob Gaylord had a serious lean as he crossed the finish of the Massanutten Mountain Trail 100 with no time to spare.

From Florida to Colorado, trails can look many different ways. Let's expand what "trail running" really means.

Jane Herzog doesn’t want to be an inspiration. She just wants to be a runner by any means necessary. 

Michael Mitchell is unafraid to express his glittery self on the trail. 

Many athletes enjoy running because of its therapeutic properties. But what about when running itself becomes a source of stress?

We all hope that we'll be able to run forever. But in some cases, it really is time to hang up your shoes for good.

A volunteer in Switzerland shares how she connects to those seeking asylum

In Boston, running the marathon is the easy part. It's getting to the starting line that's a process.

Indigenous runners are drawing attention to the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives with education and events this May.

Running injuries suck. Wallowing and grieving is a completely logical response, but often there’s something more complex under the surface.

In an effort to end violence against female runners, Adidas and its new partners are launching an education program for men.