Culture
Trail running is bigger than any one runner. Trailhead’s Culture section tells the stories of the people who make the sport everything that it is, the people at the heart of trail running culture. Read on for runner spotlights, race stories, and everyday humans showing up at to volunteer, pace, race, and support one another around the world. From first-time 5K finishers to people like Mike Smith stacking over 250 100-miler finishes, this is where the trail community lives on the page. Brought to you by UltraSignup.
Find your people, find your race.
Search trail races, ultramarathons, and community events near you on ultrasignup.com — from 5K charity runs to 300-mile epics.
Slowing Down to Immerse in the Landscape
Instead of trying to conquer the trail, take time to fully immerse in the landscape around it.
Ashley Arnold
July 6, 2026
The Thrill and Gratitude of Finishing DFL at the Tahoe 200
Ekta Basu, a business executive and mother from Cupertino, California, has been running trails for more than 15 years, but last year she committed to the audacious goal of running the Tahoe 200. This is her story.
Ekta Basu
July 1, 2026
Broken Arrow Skyrace: A Euro-Style American Adventure
How the founders of the Broken Arrow Skyrace infused Euro-style trail racing DNA to create the ultimate U.S. trail running festival.
Doug Mayer
June 22, 2026
How Brian Morrison’s 2006 Heartbreak Became a Gift
Brian Morrison wrote a candid book and got closure 20 years after his near-miss at Western States.
Brian Metzler
June 18, 2026
Yep, You Are a Runner. Even When You’re Not Running.
Never question whether or not you are a runner. If you run, you are a runner. Even when you're not actually running.
Zoë Rom
June 11, 2026
The Importance of Identifying and Lowering Barriers for Women in Trail Running
Inspired to identify and lower the barriers to entry for women in trail running, I sent out a survey that got some stunning results.
Lauren Klein
May 26, 2026
The Wit and Wisdom of Mike Smith, One of the World’s Most Prolific 100-Mile Runners
Mike Smith is one of the most prolific 100-mile runners in the world with 251 finishes to his credit. Here's what he's learned along the way.
Dan England
May 19, 2026
10 to 100: A Program To Guide More Women into 100-Milers
Tara Warren has run some of the most difficult 100-mile trail races in the U.S. Now she wants to help guide more women into 100-milers.
Ashley Arnold
May 11, 2026
After Running 100 milers in every state, Rich Tenaglia is Inspired to Run for a Good Cause
Rich Tenaglia became the first person to complete a 100-mile run in all 50 states, but this spring he’s focused on running for something bigger.
Brian Metzler
May 1, 2026
Back of the Pack Runners are the Backbone of Ultrarunning
Running at the back of the pack is no easy task. But those who have the courage to keep moving, amid fatigue, pain, myriad challenges, and the unknown make this sport uniquely special.
Dan England
April 28, 2026