Trail Running

Getting off the Beaten Path

Race Reports, Route Recommendations, & Gear Guides

Welcome to the wild world of trail running, where the pavement ends and the real adventure begins—along with the rocks, roots, and the occasional wildlife encounter.

Man and woman in trail running gear standing together over the red buttes of Kachina Point. — **Wilderness Loop Trail**
Petrified Forest NP

Man and woman running along Georgia Pass in the Silverheels 100k — **Silverheels Trail Runs**
100k race in the Colorado Rockies

Woman drinking from a hydration pack in the desert. — **Trail Running Gear**
What you (don’t) need

Trail Running

After limping out of the woods with a skinned knee and blurry vision from dehydration for the umpteenth time, some might ask what is the appeal of trail running? It’s hard, you can get injured, or even lost. But it is the challenge, the chest-bursting exertion, the wild surprises, and the faint hint of danger that makes trail running so appealing. Dodging roots, climbing hills, and occasionally getting lost—that makes every run an adventure. Plus, those post-run views and the sense of accomplishment? Totally worth the extra laundry.

Gearing up

Discover when trail running gear is essential and when it’s a waste of money. From shoes and hydration packs to rain jackets and socks, find out what you really need for your next trail adventure

Pink and tan Salomon Speed Cross 5 GTX trail running shoes. — **Trail Running Gear**
When you actually need it

Ultra Marathon Running

Race Reports

Let’s talk ultramarathons—the races where the real challenge is convincing yourself that signing up wasn’t a terrible mistake. Unlike road races, where speed is king, ultras are all about enduring long distances, gnarly terrain, and the inevitable mental meltdown at mile 40. In our race reports, we break down the ups, downs, and why-did-I-do-this moments from each event. You’ll get practical insights into pacing, nutrition, and the real MVP of ultrarunning: mental toughness.

Man looking out over Jefferson Lake in Colorado. — **Silverheels 100k**
65 miles in the Colorado Rockies

Woman trail running through a blooming briar. — **Chilhowee Mountain Ultra Marathon**
50k in Southeast Tennessee

Running to the finish line of the Stump Jump 50k, hand in hand. — **Stump Jump 50k**
Rocky climbs outside Chattanooga, Tennessee

Man and a woman standing on a rock in a lake — **Long Hunter Trail Runs**
50k outside Nashville, Tennessee

Woman pushing against a truck to stretch her calf muscle. — Training for my first ultra

Training for Ultras

Everyone’s training journey looks a little different, and ours have been full of surprises as we prepare for new distances and terrains. From building endurance for ultras to learning how to stay upright on technical trails, we share what worked, what didn’t, and how we adapted along the way.

Man running along the Colorado Trail outside Como, Colorado. — Training for my first 100k

Long Hunter Trail Runs

Our 1st 50k Ultramarathon

The Long Hunter 50k is a 31-mile trail race at Long Hunter State Park, just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. In mid-October 2023, the Roam Lab crew packs their drop bags and grabs cameras to capture the race from beginning to end as they participate in their first-ever ultra marathon.