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.
Why Did We Sign Up For That Race?
There are countless reasons to register for a trail race, which one of these speaks to you?
Brendan Leonard
March 17, 2025
The Two Types of Runners
How do runners deal with boogers while running? No judgment here (just keep your germs to yourself)!
Brendan Leonard
February 17, 2025
Life of an Ultrarunner
According to Semi-Rad, the life of an ultrarunner is divided into two eras: the "before times," and the inevitable moment when they stop making your favorite shoe.
Brendan Leonard
January 21, 2025
I ____ running in winter because I _____.
Got mixed feelings about running in the winter? You're not alone.
Brendan Leonard
December 16, 2024
How are we planning on ‘staying fit’ during the holidays?
Anyone else in for the 22-miler? 🙋🏼♀️🙋🏻🙋🏾♂️ Meet ya down the block. 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: Be Bold, Start Cold RELATED: What 2025 movie title best describes our last race?
Brendan Leonard
November 19, 2024
Where is the “middle of the pack”?
Whether you're wolf #6 or mid-pack is a state of mind, welcome to the wild wonderful world of ultrarunning where everyone is a rock star no matter what your UltraSignup rank is.
Brendan Leonard
October 14, 2024
“That’s A Fun Race”
We know you've all said it. "That's a fun race." But what did YOU mean by it? Comment on this article, our latest from Semi-Rad.
Brendan Leonard
September 16, 2024
What’s in the pain cave?
We can help you find a race to explore your pain cave. While you're in there you might get the Krabby Patty Secret Formula from SpongeBob.
Brendan Leonard
August 13, 2024
How are we applying the lessons we learn from running ultramarathons?
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: Be Bold, Start Cold RELATED: What 2025 movie title best describes our last race?
Brendan Leonard
July 16, 2024
Bad Advice for Ultramarathon Runners
In Brendan Leonard's latest for UltraSignup News, the man known as Semi-Rad, shares Bad Advice for Ultramarathon Runners.
Brendan Leonard
June 18, 2024