Semi-Rad
Trail running’s weirdest, truest cartoons. Semi-Rad is Brendan Leonard’s curated column for UltraSignup — bingo cards, hand-drawn charts, post-race surveys, race-day maps, and the kind of illustrated humor that nails what it actually feels like to train for and run an ultramarathon. New pieces post on a regular cadence, including work created exclusively for Trailhead. Brought to you by UltraSignup, the world’s leading trail running registration platform.
Recognize yourself in one of those charts?
Find your next trail race — from 5K to 200-mile — at ultrasignup.com. Then come back here and laugh about it.
Who is Semi-Rad?
Brendan Leonard is an artist, author, journalist, runner, and podcast host. Check out all of his work at semi-rad.com.
What’s on your post-race bingo card as you try to explain what happened?
Semi-Rad's Brendan Leonard offers up a useful smorgasboard of reasons your recent race didn't go as planned with this post-race bingo card.
Brendan Leonard
February 17, 2026
What Happens When You Sit Down in an Aid Station
Sitting down in an aid station in an ultra can be heavenly or deadly. It just depends on the circumstances. Find more from Brendan Leonard on Instagram @Semi_Rad and and explore his pieces curated exclusively for UltraSignup. RELATED: What’s on your post-race bingo card as you try to explain what happened? RELATED: Be Bold, Start Cold RELATED:…
Brendan Leonard
January 27, 2026
Be Bold, Start Cold
Bust out the big pack and every layer you own. It’s only a 45-minute run, but we’re not trying to freeze to death today. 🥶 Find more from Brendan Leonard on Instagram @Semi_Rad and explore his pieces curated exclusively for UltraSignup. RELATED: What’s on your post-race bingo card as you try to explain what happened? RELATED: What…
Brendan Leonard
November 18, 2025
What 2025 movie title best describes our last race?
K Pop Demon Hunters, because who among us has battled inner demons in glitter and gaiters?
Brendan Leonard
October 21, 2025
Things That Went Right in Your Big Race
If everything went right every time, where’s the fun in that? Some stories (like almost puking on your pacer’s shoes) are too good to lose.
Brendan Leonard
September 23, 2025
Why are we kinda sad all of a sudden during our run?
Ultra emotions: one minute you’re vibin’, the next you’re crying at a tree.
Brendan Leonard
August 26, 2025
What are we training for?
Anyone else in their Western States qualifying era? Find a qualifying race and do it for that .07% chance of getting in.
Brendan Leonard
June 24, 2025
Common Shapes of Race Maps
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: race directors are artists. What's your preferred style of race map?
Brendan Leonard
May 20, 2025
What are we thinking at the starting line?
“Did I lock my car? Should’ve peed again. Wait… why am I nervous? This is fun, right?” Which dot are you?
Brendan Leonard
April 21, 2025