The US Trail Running Conference is the gathering place for the people who make trail running possible. Its mission is to strengthen the trail running ecosystem in a focused, community-driven conference for educating, collaborating, and growing the sport responsibly.

Ultrarunning standout Sally McRae and longtime Western States 100 race director Craig Thornley have been tapped as keynote speakers for this year’s U.S. Trail Running Conference, set for November 5-7 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The pairing brings together two of the sport’s most recognizable voices—McRae known for her outspoken advocacy and storytelling within the ultra community, Thornley for 14 years shaping one of trail running’s most storied races—giving this year’s gathering of race directors, industry stakeholders and brands a marquee draw to headline the three-day event.

Thornley has been the steward of Western States 100—the sport’s oldest and most storied 100-miler—for over a decade, and has logged more than 100 ultras of his own, including 18 finishes at 100 miles. McRae has built one of the most recognizable careers in the sport, from a Moab 240 win and the Triple Crown of 200s to two top-10 finishes at Western States, all while becoming one of ultrarunning’s most sought-after voices on resilience and mental toughness through her book, “Choose Strong,” her podcast, and her coaching.

At the USTRC, Sally and Craig will sit down together for a keynote conversation on Leadership with Purpose—what it actually looks like to lead when things get hard, whether that’s 70 miles into a 100-mile race, at the helm of the sport’s most iconic event, or in the middle of a season that just isn’t going your way. This is a rare chance to hear two people who’ve spent decades in this sport, from very different vantage points, talk candidly about grit, decision-making, and what it means to lead with heart.

The US Trail Running Conference is the premier gathering for the trail and ultrarunning community, a place where race directors, brands, athletes, media, and outdoor industry leaders come together to connect, learn, and shape the future of the sport.

Founded by Terry Chiplin and long recognized as a hub for education and collaboration within trail running, the conference enters an exciting new chapter under UltraSignup’s stewardship. The goal is to honor the incredible foundation Chiplin built while expanding the event’s reach, elevating the experience, and helping grow the trail running ecosystem for years to come.

More Info: Register for the 2026 US Trail Running Conference

Speaker Spotlights

Olivia Affuso, PhD, FACSM
Director of Strategic Leadership Initiatives, Council on Black Health & Hellbender 100 Board Member

Session: Medical Guidelines for Every Size Race

Olivia is the Director of Strategic Leadership Initiatives for the Council on Black Health and a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, where her research focuses on preventing chronic disease in women through physical activity.

She also serves on the board of the Run828 Foundation, host of the Hellbender 100, and brings a deeply personal connection to the sport alongside her scientific expertise as an experienced ultrarunner and outdoor enthusiast.

Olivia will be moderating Medical Guidelines for Every Size Race at the 2026 USTRC, a practical, candid conversation designed to help race directors of all experience levels build the right medical protocols for their events.

Alex Staten, DHSc, ATC
Evaluation Manager, UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation

Session: The Future of Public Lands and Trail Running

Alex is an Evaluation Manager at the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation, holding a doctorate in Health Science with a concentration in global health.

As a Diné and Mexican ultrarunner, running has been a way for Alex to connect to her culture and define her purpose—a purpose that has deepened through her work as a Rising Hearts Advocate Athlete and co-leader of her local Trail Sisters group.

Alex will be joining the panel for The Future of Public Lands & Trail Running at the 2026 USTRC, adding a voice that reminds us why protecting access to public lands is an act of equity as much as it is advocacy.

Carrie Baris
Race Director, Hellbender 100

Session: Medical Guidelines for Every Size Race

Carrie is the Race Director of Hellbender 100, co-Race Director of The Firefly Run, and organizer of several smaller races near Asheville, North Carolina, bringing a breadth of real-world race directing experience that speaks to directors of every kind.

She serves on the board of the Run828 Foundation, which supports trail maintenance, children’s running programs, and recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene, and leads North Carolina Mountain Trail Runners and her local Trail Sisters chapter as a certified crosscut sawyer.

Carrie will be joining the panel for Medical Guidelines for Every Size Race at the 2026 USTRC, bringing exactly the kind of perspective the title calls for.

Yolanda López Haugabook
Co-Founder, Sin Miedo Trail Runners

Session: Building a More Inclusive Race Community

Yolanda is the Co-Founder of Sin Miedo, a BIPOC trail running community built on the premise that everyone deserves to feel like they belong in the outdoors, equipping first-time trail runners with the knowledge, relationships, and support needed to become lifelong participants in outdoor recreation.

She is also the founder of YoFit, a trauma-informed wellness practice rooted in the belief that removing barriers, internal or external, helps people move more freely through their lives and communities.

Yolanda will be joining the panel for Building a More Inclusive Race Community at the 2026 USTRC, an honest, inspiring conversation about what it really takes to open the trails to runners of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds.

For a complete list of speakers and panels, visit the US Trail Running Conference site.

Presenting Sponsor: Marathon Printing

Marathon Printing is returning as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2026 US Trail Running Conference. Marathon Printing has been a fixture in the running industry for more than three decades. Founded in 1989 in Oregon, the company built its reputation on producing high-quality race bibs, signage, wristbands, and event materials for races of all sizes, from local 5Ks to major marathons. Now led by Ryan Zirk, the third generation of family ownership, Marathon Printing remains a small, hands-on operation known for personal service, fast turnaround, and a genuine passion for the sport.

“Marathon Printing, Inc. is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of the UltraSignup U.S. Trail Running Conference in Nashville, Tennessee this November,” says Anthony Foster, Director of Operations. “We see ourselves not just as a vendor, but as a dedicated partner to endurance athletes and race directors alike. We’re honored to play a role in supporting and growing this incredible sport.”

For more, read the Endurance Sportswire Article: Marathon Printing, Inc. Returns as Presenting Sponsor of the U.S. Trail Running Conference

Gold Sponsors: AllTrails, Headsweats, Leslie Jordan

We’re thrilled to welcome AllTrails, Headsweats and Leslie Jordan as Gold Sponsors for this year’s US Trail Running Conference.

AllTrails is the official mapping partner and group run sponsor at the U.S. Trail Running Conference. Now the world’s largest outdoor platform, AllTrails connects over 100 million users to 500,000+ curated trails worldwide, and many race directors already see athletes relying on it to scout courses. By bringing their races onto the platform, directors can offer a more connected experience from route discovery through post-race recaps — all from a company that’s also a 1% for the Planet member committed to protecting public lands.Learn more at alltrails.com.

Headsweats, founded in 1998 by cyclist Alan Romick, got its start solving his own sweat-in-the-eyes problem and grew into a leading moisture-wicking headwear brand after a Tour de France rider’s photo brought it national attention. Now based in Boulder, Colorado, the company offers 17+ product lines across triathlon, cycling, and running, has delivered over a million hats worldwide, and continues to innovate through sustainability initiatives and partnerships like its recent collaboration with cooling-tech company Omius. Learn more at Headsweats.com

Leslie Jordan, Inc. is a woman-owned custom apparel and accessories manufacturer, founded in 1986, that has become a trusted event partner for endurance races nationwide — supplying performance apparel, bags, and finisher medals with in-house design and production. A longtime partner of the American Trail Running Association and repeat apparel sponsor of the U.S. Trail Running Conference, LJI also prioritizes sustainability through recycled materials and holds national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise. Learn more at LeslieJordan.com.

HydraPouch and Race Result join as Exhibitors

HydraPouch is on a mission to make race hydration simple, helping athletes get their drink in them, not on them, by converting a paper cup of water or sports drink into an easy-to-carry, sippable pouch at aid stations. It’s a compact and reusable product that solves a very real problem on course, and we’re glad to have them at USTRC. Learn more at hydrapouch.com.

Race Result Americas is the North American home of one of the world’s leading sports timing solutions, supporting more than 16 million timed athletes per year across 120 countries. From race numbers and event supplies to transponders and timing software, they offer a complete package for events of all sizes – and as race directors, that kind of reliability matters. Learn more at raceresult.com.

For a complete list of sponsors and exhibitors, visit the US Trail Running Conference site.

Dirt Circus Nashville – November 8!

Right after USTRC wraps, stick around for Dirt Circus Nashville on Sunday, November 8 at Vaughn’s Creek Cross Country Course in Warner Parks. It’s a free, one-day community festival from UltraSignup celebrating local trail races, run clubs, and businesses—kicking off with a casual 2.2-mile group run (loop it 2 or 3 times if you’re feeling it), followed by food, a raffle, and an expo full of local race directors, run clubs, and brands.

Register for Dirt Circus Nashville for free HERE!

Register for the US Trail Running Conference

Full Three-Day Conference Registration: $350

Access to all panels, sessions, and workshops.
A curated networking app for professional connections from Endurance HQ.
A swag bag with trail and Nashville-inspired gear.
Lunch each day, plus snacks and beverages throughout.
Evening mixers with sponsors and exhibitors.
Optional group runs.

Sponsors and Exhibitors play a key role through the vendor village, activations, and mixers. For opportunities, contact @ultrasignup.com.

ATRA’s Better Together Scholarship Program for the USTRC is back for it’s third year! Read all about the Better Together Scholarship Program. The application window closed on June 1, congratulations to all eight recipients – view the full announcement here.

US Trail Running Conference Schedule

The Conference covers three days of inspirational, educational and practical content geared towards trail race directors—including panels, presentations, and breakout sessions to share information and brainstorm ideas. The event also includes a top-level expo featuring vendors that provide products or services relevant to trail race directors.

The USTRC 2026 session lineup is still taking shape, but here’s a preview of the topics you can expect. This list is evolving, so check back for updates as we finalize the full schedule!

Topics Coming to USTRC 2026:

The Future of Public Lands and Trail Running
Recruiting and Managing Volunteers
Medical Guidelines for Every Size Race
Race Sponsors & Other Revenue Streams
Building a More Inclusive Race Community
Marketing Basics for Any Budget
Runner Experience
Storytelling & Branding
…and more!

While the full lineup isn’t finalized yet, you can expect sessions covering these themes and beyond. Stay tuned – we’ll share the complete schedule as details are confirmed!

Visit ustrailrunningconference.com for more information and registration.