In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, Kilian Jornet announces he’ll attempt the Western States–UTMB double in 2026, reviving a strategy some thought was fading from elite playbooks.

We also examine Ironman’s decision to ban in-race content creation, including smart glasses, GoPros, and phones. Is this about safety, competitive fairness, or the beginning of a broader shift in endurance sports culture? Could trail running follow?

Elsewhere, we break down Abby Levine’s analysis of the Western States 2026 field - including the surprising stat about back-to-back women’s champions, the depth emerging from Golden Ticket races like Black Canyon and CCC, and what still remains up for grabs at Chianti and Canyons.

Plus:

• Chuckanut announces a first-ever livestream in partnership with Mountain Outpost
• Transgrancanaria preview
• Nike ACG’s experimental “smallest backyard ultra” activation in Milan
• ITRA’s 2025 Women in Trail Running participation report
• Aravaipa launches The Cutoff film tour
• UTMB postpones its Puerto Vallarta event following regional unrest

Partners:

• Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
• Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)

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In this episode, Max King reflects on his experience at the Barkley Marathons and why he now views it as a multi-year project rather than a one-off attempt. He breaks down the realities of navigation, collaboration, foot care, cold exposure, and the mental calculus required to decide whether to continue deeper into the course.

In the second half of the conversation, Max discusses where he sits in his career at 45, how his relationship with competition has evolved, and what it means to keep racing while letting go of certain expectations. He talks about durability, motivation, adapting training as an aging athlete, shifting sponsorship dynamics, and the balance between performance and adventure.

Partners:

• Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
• Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)
• Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/)

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In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, Ashley Paulson runs 12:19 at the Jackpot 100 to set a new 100-mile world record, averaging 7:34 pace and continuing the rapid evolution of speed at the distance. We discuss the course dynamics, surface differences from Tunnel Hill, and what this means for the future of flat-course ultras.

We also unpack a very public dispute in the performance apparel space after Satisfy founder Brice Partouche shared private messages accusing emerging brand Currently of copying product designs. Where’s the line between inspiration and imitation, and are there winners in a social-media-fueled fallout?

Elsewhere, ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut with trail crossover athletes Cam Smith and Ana Gibson narrowly missing the podium, Golden Trail doubles down on global expansion and broadcast ambitions, and Gorge Waterfalls releases the full breakdown of its $75,000 prize purse.

Plus: a new 200-miler called the Maine Moose Ultra is announced for 2027 with significant local backing, Desert Rats expands access through the North American Para Trail Summit, and the skyrunning season begins.

Partners:

• Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
• Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)

Support the show