In this episode of the Singletrack Podcast, I chat with sport scientist and physiologist Geoff Burns to unpack one of the biggest open questions in trail running right now: why shoe technology hasn’t produced a single, decisive “Vaporfly moment” on the trails - and whether it ever will.

Geoff explains why trail running is fundamentally different from road running when it comes to performance gains. While road shoes can be optimized for straight-line efficiency on uniform surfaces, trail shoes operate in a far more complex system - one shaped by uneven terrain, gradients, stability demands, traction, weight, and constantly changing conditions

Geoff explains:

* Why super-shoe logic breaks down on trails
* The real role of foams, plates, and energy return off-road
* Why shoe tech gains often disappear on uphill, downhill, or technical terrain
* Whether trail shoes are nearing saturation—or still wide open for innovation
* How weight, traction, durability, and stability compete with pure efficiency
* Why different trail races may require entirely different “optimal” shoes
* What shoe tech might be changing in the sport

Partners:

• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• 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)
• Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/)
• deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)
• Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.

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What actually changed with David Roche’s YouTube content and why did it work when so many running vlogs and films don’t?

In this episode of the Singletrack Podcast, I’m joined by running filmmaker and YouTube creator Jeff Pelletier for a deep, behind-the-scenes conversation about how trail running content is evolving and what Roche’s Western States series revealed about the platform.

We break down why YouTube rewards long-term storytelling over one-off films, how stakes and failure can be more compelling than winning, and why personality-driven channels consistently outperform brand-owned media. Jeff explains why Roche’s rollout felt like a masterclass, how it changed expectations for branded content, and what brands, athletes, and creators still get wrong about YouTube.

We also discuss:

* Why most running brands fail on YouTube
* How narrative arcs and episodic structure drive retention
* The difference between short-form and long-form impact
* Why YouTube is becoming the new television for endurance sports
* What the next era of trail running media might look like

Partners:

• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• 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)
• Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/)
• deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)
• Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.

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Our annual Ultrarunning Year in Review is here! I'm joined by Brett Hornig and Leah Yingling to break down everything that defined the sport this year: the performances that reshaped the hierarchy, the storylines that sparked debate, and the trends that may permanently change how ultrarunning operates heading into 2026.

Topics include:

• The biggest ultrarunning storylines of 2025
• Breakout performances and unsung heroes
• The most dramatic races and moments of the year
• Comeback athletes and rookie standouts
• Surprising results that rewrote expectations
• The rise of agents, Substack, and athlete media
• Brand wins, sponsorship shifts, and product moments
• What 2025 tells us about the future of the sport

Thanks for tuning in! As always, this conversation is subjective, North American ultra-biased, and built for debate - so we want to hear from you. What did we get right - and what did we miss? What moments defined 2025 for you?

Partners:

• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• 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)
• Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/)
• deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)
• Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.

Links:

• Follow Leah on Instagram, Strava, Twitter
• Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube
• Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube

Support the show

Big news from Singletrack and Massif Running — we are the new owners and race directors of the Antelope Island Buffalo Run. Sign up here.

One of Utah’s most iconic trail races, the Buffalo Run has been a cornerstone of the Wasatch trail running community for nearly 20 years. Founded by longtime race director Jim Skaggs, the event has always been about more than racing — it’s been a spring running party, a reunion, and a race that welcomes everyone from first-timers to lifelong ultrarunners.

In this episode, Finn Melanson is joined by Singletrack producer Scott Hickenlooper to share:

* Why Singletrack/Massif Running decided to take over the Buffalo Run

* What will stay the same — and what will evolve — under new ownership

* The history and legacy of the event on Antelope Island

* Course details, races distances, and why this is one of the fastest and most unique trail races in the Mountain West

* How this fits into Singletrack’s long-term vision for trail running in Utah

Registration is officially open for 2026 Antelope Island Buffalo Run! Sign up here.

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)
• Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.

Support the show

Scott Frey of Cerebral Performance joins the show for a deep dive into the next frontier of athletic performance. Scott believes the biggest breakthroughs of the coming decade won’t come from physiology alone, but from the brain and psychological sciences - and that belief anchors this conversation.

Partners:

• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• 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)
• Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/)
• deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)
• Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.

Additional Links:

• Cerebral Performance
• Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and Patreon

Support the show

Nick Thompson joins the show to talk about use cases for AI in ultra-trail running, the concept of technology doping, urban design for run commuting, his new book The Running Ground, and some of his fairly low-key favorite races in the sport -including the Escarpment, the Twisted Branch 100K, and more.

Chapters:

• 02:00 The Intersection of AI and Ultra Running
• 05:10 Exploring the Role of Technology in Training
• 08:12 The Future of Coaching in the Age of AI
• 10:59 Urban Design and Run Commuting
• 14:08 The Impact of Analytics on Sports
• 20:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Running
• 31:44 The Complexity of Commitment in Sports
• 37:11 The Luddite Perspective on Modernity
• 38:55 Sketches of Meaningful Lives
• 43:12 Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience
• 45:54 Ambition vs. Spiritual Awakening
• 53:32 Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path Races
• 57:42 Influencing Public Figures in Ultra Running
  
  

Partners:

• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• 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)
• Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/)
• deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)
• Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.

Additional Links:

• Follow Nick on LinkedIn, The Running Ground
• Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and Patreon

Support the show

Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt return to the show to discuss the advent of the "Vertical" Backyard Ultra and recap the results at Ultra Trail Cape Town and the JFK 50, which took place this past weekend.

Partners:

• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/)
• deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)
• Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.
• Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.

Additional Links:

• Mount Ascutney Vertical Backyard, Calibre
• Follow Jeff on Instagram, Strava, Youtube
• Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Coaching
• Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and Patreon

Support the show

First up, Tim Tollefson returns to the show. In some ways, trail running is still having its “What Are We Even Doing?” moment. Through that lens, we take a look at the UTMB era, the rise of pro circuits, what the pros care about, and what happens when a grassroots sport takes bigger steps towards big-time structure. After that, I'm joined by Alyssa Clark for a roundup of trail running business news and ideation. Enjoy!

Partners:

• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/)
• deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)
• Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.
• Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.

Additional Links:

• Follow Tim on Instagram, Strava, Mammoth Trail Fest
• Follow Alyssa on Instagram, Strava, Website
• Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube

Support the show