The US Trail Running Conference will be held November 5–7 at Music City Center. Topics at the the preeminent conference built for race directors include race sponsorships, medical guidelines for races, diversity and inclusivity in the sport, and the future of public lands.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. October 5 — As trail running continues its record growth, UltraSignup will host the 2026 US Trail Running Conference for the first time November 5–7 at Nashville’s Music City Center. The event will bring together leaders from across the sport while giving attendees an early look at the company’s newly rebuilt registration platform.
The next generation of UltraSignup will introduce a significantly improved experience for race directors and runners, with new tools designed to make managing, discovering and registering for races easier.
The US Trail Running Conference brings together the people building the future of trail running: experienced race directors, new race operators, athletes, brands and the community that lives the sport. The conference will also give registrants an early look at the new UltraSignup platform, with opportunities to demo the technology.
“Ultrasignup is the home of trail running — already the platform where runners overwhelmingly come to discover their next race, track their ranking and find all their resources,” said Jay Kelley, UltraSignup’s co-CEO alongside David Callahan. “By deeply investing in UltraSignup’s platform technology, our goal is to outpace the sport, serving race directors and runners ahead of what they need. And hosting the USTRC means the trail community can stay connected far after the finish line.”
Trail Running is Booming
Trail running is the fastest growing outdoor activity in the U.S., growing 6.6 percent in 2025 to 17.2 million participants and up 57 percent since 2019, according to the Outdoor Industry Association’s 2026 Running Report. UltraSignup is at the center of that growth, helping runners discover more than 6,500 races across North America.
Keynote Speakers, Panels and Sessions
This year’s panels and sessions will engage attendees about race sponsorships, medical guidelines for races, how to increase diversity and inclusivity in the sport, and the future of public lands. Additional topics include marketing basics for races, enhancing runner and volunteer experiences, and environmental sustainability.
- The State of the Sport (Saturday, Nov. 7, 11:15 a.m.) session will look at what UltraSignup’s registration data says about where trail and ultra running went this year. It will also include a first look at the new UltraSignup platform with a look at key features, new tools and runner interaction.
- Lazarus Lake in conversation with Paul Mellor (Friday, Nov. 6, 10:15 a.m.): The creator of the Barkley Marathons and Big’s Backyard Ultra sits down with the documentarian behind the first officially authorized film about him. That film, Lazarus Lake – The Hillbilly Scientist (2026), directed by Mellor and Luke Jarmey, screens Friday evening at 5:15 p.m.
- Craig Thornley and Sally McRae (Saturday, Nov. 7, 1:30 p.m.): The Western States 100 race director and the professional runner and author discuss leadership and succession, and what it takes to hand a race to the next person without losing what makes it work. McRae will also emcee across all three days.
Optional group runs are planned for Friday and Saturday mornings before conference sessions. UltraSignup is hosting one of its Dirt Circus community trail running events on Sunday, Nov. 8
“This year we’re welcoming a group of experienced speakers like never before — representing races from 5K to 300miles — and addressing topics incredibly important to our sport,” said Carrie Meng, USTRC Event Director. “I don’t know another forum in trail that brings together this depth of knowledge and experience.”
Community and partners
Marathon Printing returns as presenting partner. Headsweats, Leslie Jordan and AllTrails are gold partners. ATRA’s Better Together Scholarship Program, now in its third year, supported eight race directors and community organizers this year.
Registration
Full three-day registration is $350 and includes every session, daily lunch, the Thursday welcome mixer, expo access, the Endurance HQ networking app and a swag bag. Registration closes October 22. Details are at ustrailrunningconference.com.
About UltraSignup
Founded in 2009 by a trail runner for trail runners, UltraSignup is trail running’s home for race registration, results, and rankings — hosting more than 6,500 events across North America, more than any other platform in the sport. Beyond race registration, UltraSignup produces original journalism, video, and podcasts through Trailhead Media, tours the country with its Dirt Circus festival events, and stewards the U.S. Trail Running Conference. Find your next race at ultrasignup.com.
About the US Trail Running Conference
The US Trail Running Conference is a gathering for race directors, brands, athletes, media and outdoor industry leaders to learn, connect and shape the future of the sport. Learn more at ustrailrunningconference.com.
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