Singletrack

In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, controversy erupts around the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia 100K after organizers announced a major course change - which removes roughly 2,000 meters of climbing from the originally advertised route - after the race had already sold out. 
We also discuss the uncertain future of the historic JFK 50 Mile, which could relocate from Washington County, Maryland, for the first time in more than 60 years after the county ended hotel-tax funding that traditionally covered police and medical services. 
Elsewhere, we break down Kilian Jornet’s 2026 season preview, including his plans to race Sierre-Zinal, Western States, and UTMB, and what he said about the training stimulus from last year’s States of Elevation project.
We also cover:
A chaotic finish at the USATF Half Marathon Championships after lead runners were sent off course
The Los Angeles Marathon, where the men’s race came down to 0.18 seconds at the line
Speedgoat by UTMB adding a new uphill race
Transgrancanaria, where Jon Albon and Henriette Albon claimed victories in brutal weather
Lotti Brinks and Sean Riedel winning Way Too Cool 50K
New athlete signings - Hunter Leninger (Only Fans) and Tessa Chesser (Merrell)
Hayden Hawks’ pivot to Canyons 100K and what it could mean for Western States
Cirque Series teasing a new championship format
Prize money across major trail series surpassing €1.15 million
Plus, we share our favorite content from the week, including Francesco Puppi’s latest vlog about his background, training philosophy, and upcoming projects.

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)
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)
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In this episode, Kilian Korth joins the show to discuss the evolving competitive landscape of 200-mile ultramarathons. We examine whether performances at the distance can currently be used to judge greatness in the sport, how the depth of competition compares to more established races like Western States and UTMB, and what it will take for the discipline to gain broader legitimacy. Kilian also shares his own philosophy around pursuing ambitious goals, the “No Limits” mindset, and why he believes the 200-mile scene represents a collective experiment in testing the boundaries of human endurance.

In the second half of the conversation, we explore Kilian’s path into the sport, his recent success across multi-day races, and the realities of racing at this distance - from sleep strategy and pacing philosophy to logistics, fueling, and managing the psychological demands of moving for multiple days. We also discuss the role of competition in pushing the sport forward, the future of races like Cocodona, and how the next generation of athletes may redefine what’s possible in 200-mile racing.

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)
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)
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In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, Kilian Jornet announces he’ll attempt the Western States–UTMB double in 2026, reviving a strategy some thought was fading from elite playbooks. 
We also examine Ironman’s decision to ban in-race content creation, including smart glasses, GoPros, and phones. Is this about safety, competitive fairness, or the beginning of a broader shift in endurance sports culture? Could trail running follow?
Elsewhere, we break down Abby Levine’s analysis of the Western States 2026 field - including the surprising stat about back-to-back women’s champions, the depth emerging from Golden Ticket races like Black Canyon and CCC, and what still remains up for grabs at Chianti and Canyons.
Plus:
Chuckanut announces a first-ever livestream in partnership with Mountain Outpost
Transgrancanaria preview
Nike ACG’s experimental “smallest backyard ultra” activation in Milan
ITRA’s 2025 Women in Trail Running participation report
Aravaipa launches The Cutoff film tour
UTMB postpones its Puerto Vallarta event following regional unrest

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)
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)
Support the show

In this episode, Max King reflects on his experience at the Barkley Marathons and why he now views it as a multi-year project rather than a one-off attempt. He breaks down the realities of navigation, collaboration, foot care, cold exposure, and the mental calculus required to decide whether to continue deeper into the course.

In the second half of the conversation, Max discusses where he sits in his career at 45, how his relationship with competition has evolved, and what it means to keep racing while letting go of certain expectations. He talks about durability, motivation, adapting training as an aging athlete, shifting sponsorship dynamics, and the balance between performance and adventure.

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)
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)
Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) 

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In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, Ashley Paulson runs 12:19 at the Jackpot 100 to set a new 100-mile world record, averaging 7:34 pace and continuing the rapid evolution of speed at the distance. We discuss the course dynamics, surface differences from Tunnel Hill, and what this means for the future of flat-course ultras.

We also unpack a very public dispute in the performance apparel space after Satisfy founder Brice Partouche shared private messages accusing emerging brand Currently of copying product designs. Where’s the line between inspiration and imitation, and are there winners in a social-media-fueled fallout?

Elsewhere, ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut with trail crossover athletes Cam Smith and Ana Gibson narrowly missing the podium, Golden Trail doubles down on global expansion and broadcast ambitions, and Gorge Waterfalls releases the full breakdown of its $75,000 prize purse.

Plus: a new 200-miler called the Maine Moose Ultra is announced for 2027 with significant local backing, Desert Rats expands access through the North American Para Trail Summit, and the skyrunning season begins.

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)
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)
Support the show