Brian Metzler
Director of Media at UltraSignup
Brian Metzler was the founding editor of Trail Runner magazine, has written for Runner's World, Outside, and Sports Illustrated, and is the author “Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes” (2019) and “Trail Running Illustrated” (2021). He has raced just about every distance from 100 meters to 100 miles, but he’s most eager to share stories about his experiences burro racing in Colorado and riding trains to trail runs in Chamonix.
8 Hot Takes From a Transformative Week in Chamonix
Brian Metzler has been to every UTMB week since 2010, and in this piece he shares his 8 hot takes from a transformative week of trail running in Chamonix.
Brian Metzler
September 2, 2025
10 Things You Need to Know About UTMB Week
Welcome to UTMB week! It’s the biggest international trail running event of the year, featuring eight races culminating in the venerable Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB).
Brian Metzler
August 26, 2025
How We Can All Take Inspiration from Kilian Jornet
Kilian Jornet is not like the rest of us. In fact, he’s not like anyone at all. He’s living his best life, trail racing, mountaineering, and embellishing the primal existence of his youth.
Brian Metzler
August 11, 2025
Opinion: Beware the Trail Running Industrial Complex
Veteran trail running journalist Brian Metzler examines the rapid commercialization of the sport and asks whether the growing industry is enhancing or eroding its grassroots soul.
Brian Metzler
July 8, 2025
Opinion: This is the Biggest Moment in American Trail Running.
Trail running industry veteran Brian Metzler shares his perspective about the biggest week in trail running.
Brian Metzler
June 17, 2025
Opinion: What does Cocodona mean for the rest of us?
This year’s Cocodona raised the bar — again! Is a 250-mile trail running race on your bucket list, too?
Brian Metzler
May 13, 2025
Opinion: Trail Running Isn’t Broken, But These Changes Could Help Fix It
Trail running is evolving fast—more expensive shoes, more global attention. Here are five things Brian Metzler would love to see emerge in the coming years.
Brian Metzler
April 8, 2025
D’Haene returns to Hardrock with new priorities
Francois D'Haene might be the best ultra-distance mountain runner in the world. But all-out racing isn’t his first priority.
Brian Metzler
July 10, 2022
The Morning After Western States 2022
Brian Metzler reflects on WSER 2022 and how the essence of Western States 100 comes alive after the sun rises again.
Brian Metzler
June 27, 2022
Don’t get FOMO about the twinkle of carbon-fiber plates on the trails
While appreciating new running shoe technology and benefits, Brian Metzler says there's no reason to chase the carbon-fiber rainbow.
Brian Metzler
May 20, 2022