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)
• 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