From the Trail
Guides, gear, and stories from the trail running world.
Gear
The Best Hydration Vests for Ultrarunning in 2026
March 27, 2026·6 min read
A tested guide to the best hydration vests for ultra marathons and long trail races — from lightweight racing vests to high-capacity mountain packs.
Race Guides
Racing Western States: The Complete Preparation Guide
March 27, 2026·7 min read
Everything you need to prepare for the Western States 100 — course strategy, essential gear, heat training, crew logistics, and what first-timers need to know.
Race Guides
The Best Trail Races for Your First Ultra
February 10, 2026·4 min read
A thoughtful guide to choosing your first ultra marathon — what to look for in a course, how to evaluate difficulty, and five races worth considering.
Race Guides
The Hardest 100-Mile Races in the World
February 5, 2026·3 min read
A look at the 100-mile races that push even the strongest ultra runners to their limits — what makes them brutal, and what draws people back.
Training
How to Read an Elevation Profile (And Why It Matters More Than Distance)
January 28, 2026·3 min read
Elevation profiles reveal the true character of a trail race. Learn to read the shape of a course and understand what it means for your race day experience.