Trail running is growing fast, but is it actually scaling? If you’ve ever felt like the sport looks bigger than it is, or struggled to follow it as a fan, this episode breaks down why. This is for runners and industry insiders trying to understand what’s really happening beneath the surface of trail running’s growth.

Josh unpacks the difference between participation and fandom, why brand investment is propping up the pro layer, and what’s missing for the sport to become something people actually follow. Western States and UTMB become the proving ground for a bigger question that could define the future of trail running.

This one’s for the runners who love the sport and want to understand where it’s actually headed.

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Topics / Timestamps

00:11 - The Illusion of Growth in Trail Running
02:05 - Understanding the Growth of Trail Running
03:33 - The Emergence of Fandom in Sports
06:58 - The Disconnect Between Fans and Athletes
08:18 - The Evolution of Running Culture
10:38 - The Importance of Fandom in Sports

Resources / Links

Related Episodes

Presented by Kiprun.

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Borderlands explores trail running through culture, media, and the forces shaping it.

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The Problem With Professional Trail and Ultra Running