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.

Jeff Browning Out of Hospital, Remains in France Recovering After Heart Attack During TDS Race

Here's how you can contribute to the GoFundMe campaign to help the Browning family offset medical bills.

UltraSignup

September 3, 2026

Why women trail runners are crushing it right now

There have been great women trail runners for years, but here are some reasons this summer has been so extraordinary.

Allison Mercer

August 10, 2026

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