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.
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
Grounded, Calm and Consistent, Lauren Jones Has Found Success on Hospital Floors and Mountain Trails
Lauren Jones’ story is particularly compelling because she has built her progression as a trail runner alongside a demanding career.
Allison Mercer
April 25, 2026
Jamil Coury’s New Obsession
Jamil Coury, ultrarunning’s perpetual innovator, has created a platform that might inspire your running.
Sarah Lavender Smith
April 21, 2026
10 Great New Running Books of 2026
Like springtime itself, the latest crop of running books reflects a sense of renewal, offering fresh perspectives and stories to carry runners into the next stretch of the year.
UltraSignup
April 14, 2026
Life is an Ultra: Amanda Basham has Learned How to Juggle a Busy Life
Ultrarunner Amanda Basham talks about finding time to train, balancing family life, and a diagnosis of early perimenopause.
Ashley Arnold
March 20, 2026
13 Great Women’s Trail Running Events to Put on Your Calendar
Women's participation in trail and ultra events has been slowly but steadily increasing — and the numbers, for once, actually back that up. According to UltraSignup's own 2024 data, women represented 39.6 percent of all race entries, up from previous years and approaching the 41.3 percent peak set during the pandemic running boom. At sub-ultra…
Zoë Rom
March 6, 2026