- Sub Hub Headlines
- Posts
- Sub Hub Headlines - April 2025
Sub Hub Headlines - April 2025
April 2025
Dani Emkay
April 04, 2025
WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME to the April edition of Sub Hub Headlines!
This newsletter is brought to you by
Use code SUBHUB25 at checkout to get 25% off your purchase @ NeverSecond
Use code SUBHUB20 at checkout to get 20% off your purchase @ Beekeepers Naturals
Use code SUBHUB at checkout to get $150 off your purchase @ Poseidon Bikes
Click this link to get 20% off your purchase @ Pip Viper.
🌟 Oh my goodness its starting to feel like spring and that means that trail season is off to a hot start! If you missed March’s newsletter, don’t worry, you can catch up here!
✨ PSA: If you haven’t already, be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and Instagram—don’t miss out!
🎙️ Coming soon on the pod:
Trail Tales ahead of Dani’s first race since breaking her foot in August!
Gorges Waterfalls, Golden Trail World Series and Canyons by UTMB race previews
The Scoop: Building the Sport - Prize Money, Doping Control and Live Streams by EmKay Sullivan
Trail running has come a long way since I started participating back in 2019, with more races offering money, more athletes getting paid through brand contracts, and even the introduction of doping control to some bigger events. I still think we have plenty of room for improvement, but how do we grow the sport further while also ensuring that it stays clean? In my opinion there are three important pieces to this - prize money, doping control, and live streaming of races. The majority of big races seem to be able to offer two of the three of these, but it seems rare that races are able to cover all three. So how do we decide which is most important?
Live stream at 2024 Javelina - photo cred: Ryan Thrower
Live Streams - My first experience with live streaming in trail running was at the Broken Arrow Skyrace in 2021. In the post-Covid era, this seemed like an almost new idea and was so exciting for me and my family. They loved being able to tune into the race and watch and I ran my way to a second place finish and kick started my trail running career. I also feel like it gave me the visibility that my brand felt was important and made me more valuable to them as an athlete. Many races offer live streams now - with companies like Mountain Outpost, Adventure Bakery, and Freetrail covering races, athletes get more recognition for their efforts and races get big boosts in participation from hype surrounding the stream. With trail running being a sport that most fans also are participating in, it could be argued that the live stream isn’t really necessary. Unlike track, other athletes are racing with the elites and get a similar experience just by standing on the start line.
Prize Money - This seems to be an absolute hit or miss with races these days. Races that you would imagine offer prize money, like Golden Ticket races, Western States, World Championships qualifiers, UTMB regular season races, etc., often don’t have at all. Prize money not only helps to bring more competition in the sport, but it allows races to grow and helps up and coming athletes who are trying to get a foot in the door. Broken Arrow currently offers the best prize money for a race in the United States, but seems to have given up the opportunity for a live stream in order to do so. Mammoth Trail Fest, The Rut, Pike’s Peak, Golden Trail races and Daybreak Racing races are some other examples of races that offer prize money. UTMB only offers prize money at their World Majors and World Finals events, but people still dish out plenty of money to run their regular season races without the incentive of prize money hoping to reach those final stages and snag a top 10 finish.
Doping Control - Doping control is obviously newer to the sport and still seems to be taking a while to catch on. A big part of the delay is how expensive doping control is. To have ten people tested plus a retainer costs a race over $20K!!!! While many of the big races make enough money to cover this, it’s no wonder that stress of prize money and live streaming seems too much. As prize money DOES become a little more prevalent and brand contracts are getting bigger, many races have begun to dish out the money for a few tests in order to keep their races legit. I think it’s incredibly important for the enhancement of trail running as a sport to make sure that the top athletes are clean, but some might argue that if races aren’t willing to put up prize money, is it even worth spending the money to test? Hot take that probably isn’t that hot - I do believe that there is already doping in our sport and it will continue to rise as brand contracts get bigger. With a lack of out of competition testing, the responsibility falls on races to keep it in check.
So which of these three is more important? Can you prioritize one without taking the others into account as well? If I had to rank the importance for my own career I THINK it would be (1) doping control (2) prize money and (3) live streams. I have the privilege of already being a contracted athlete, so while I do think more races should be offering prize money, I usually choose races that will be bonused by my contract anyhow. Because of this, my priority is doping control. I want to know that the people I’m competing against are clean, so that I can continue to race knowing that I’m not losing out on money to someone who could be cheating. While I do think live streams are important to the advancement of the sport, I think it does end up falling to the bottom of my list. Many races seem to be giving up prize money in order to pay for live streams or doping control, but prize money helps athletes grow and train. As a female athlete, I also see that in many instances live streaming doesn’t benefit me that much. While some races do a great job of covering the entire race, it seems that the injection of men into the women’s race does seem to make it hard for races to cover it in a way that’s exciting.
What do you feel are the most important of the three in growing the sport? Do you feel like all races should be striving for all three? If money is the issue - which two should be prioritized? Send us a Instagram DM and let me know!!
Sub Hub Stories: 2025 Trail Team
We caught up with Andy Wacker after he announced the 2025 Trail Team elite team members. Andy started the Trail Team in 2023 to try to provide mentorship for younger athletes in the sport. We interviewed Andy back in 2023 when this all got started and early on in our podcast as well. You can check out that interview here. The Trail Team also takes donations through ATRA.
How did you select this year’s elite team?
Andy: We selected the elite team through an application process. We had about 100 elite applicants. From there we interview the top candidates and have a selection committee select the final team. Essentially, we are looking for great NCAA runners with some trail background, ready to make the next step to becoming professional trail runners. We have the following statement on our form:
We are looking for
The next generation of World Class Trail Runners
20 - 30 years old
Live and train in USA
Focused on sub-ultra trail races
Need additional support in order to compete at a national and international level
Committed elite athletes ready to devote considerable time to training, racing, and mastering trail running
Must be able to participate in team camp, team events, goal races
Our athletes are expected to support each other, competitors, and our community
Clean sport pledge to compete on a level playing field and comply with WADA/USADA testing
Where can we find the calendar for all the Trail Team members?
Andy: We will have a post soon! Make sure to follow the Trail Team on Instagram here.
Tell us more about the Trail Team Boulder? What is your focus with this team?
Andy: My wife Karley and I started an in-person training group in Boulder in January 2023. It has grown to about 100 people, with a constant 25 runners showing up at a practice! We meet two times a week, at 7am (before work for many of our runners) and for a weekend long run. We just officially separated this from "The Trail Team" and are calling the in-person training group "TT Boulder". TT Boulder is a training group sponsored by Puma that supports road and track runners as well as trail running. We are focused on making a change on a local level, building community and helping runners that might not be the hyper elite ultra trail focused demographic that we help with TTT.
2025 Elite Team
Oakley Olson
What made you decide to start trail running?
Growing up, I spent most summers exploring the trails around Mountain Green, Utah. As I got older, my Uncle Dave introduced me to summer trail running at Snowbasin, our local ski resort, and I immediately fell in love with the sport. Following elite athletes like Grayson Murphy and Rachel Tomajczyk opened my eyes to the opportunities available for female distance runners beyond the collegiate level, inspiring me to pursue trail running more seriously.
Being selected for the U20 Team USA and competing at the World Championships in 2022 was an incredible honor that deepened my love for the sport. The following year, I was fortunate to be selected for The Trail Team, where I found not only mentorship but also an unwavering support system. I am incredibly grateful for the belief and encouragement of athletes and coaches over the years like Andy Wacker, Paul Kirsch, Nancy Hobbs, and Andie Cornish, who saw potential in me and gave me opportunities to grow. Their support has fueled my passion and given me the confidence to pursue this sport at a higher level, and I hope to carry forward the same spirit of encouragement and mentorship that has meant so much to me to the next generation of trail runners.
What are your goals for the 2025 season?
For the 2025 season, my primary goal is to represent The Trail Team Elite while competing in a highly competitive domestic and international race schedule—marking my first year at this level. I aim to earn another spot on Team USA, compete against professionals at Broken Arrow, and focus on performing well at the Sunapee Scramble, where I also hope to defend my collegiate title. Alongside these key races, I’m prioritizing The Trail Team’s camps and race opportunities, taking advantage of every chance to grow and compete alongside some of the best in the sport.
More than just racing, I want to contribute meaningfully to The Trail Team Elite, learning from the mentorship and support that have been instrumental in my development. As Andy Wacker has said, there are few structured pathways for athletes transitioning into professional trail running, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a team that is changing that. My ultimate goal this year is to take that next step and earn a professional contract, and I’m grateful for the people and opportunities that are helping make that dream possible through The Trail Team.
What are some of your favorite pieces of gear right now?
Vest: S/LAB PULSAR 3
Competition Shoes: S/LAB Pulsar 3
Training Shoes: Ultra 50 GTX Trail Running Shoe
Racing Shorts: Space-O 2.5” Distance Shorts, Free People Tempo Light as Air Run
Racing Tops: Space-O Singlet
Winter Coat: On Running Challenger Jacket
Where is the best place to follow you?
On Instagram @Oakley.Olsen
Emily Clarke
What made you decide to start trail running?
I grew up running trails with my dad in the mountains of New Mexico and have always been driven and inspired by the exploration/outdoor place enjoyment aspects of running. I ended up finishing my NCAA eligibility in Reno where I was introduced to the trail racing world for the first time by Emkay and my teammates Adam Sjolund and Paige Penrose. Diving into trail after graduating felt like a natural progression with lots of exciting potential, opportunities, and time in the mountains doing the type of running I most enjoy.
What are your goals for the 2025 season?
Generally, I want to race a lot, race hard and be consistently competitive through the full 2025 season. My goal is to put myself in a position to be racing for a spot on the worlds teams at Sunapee and Broken Arrow.
What are some of your favorite pieces of gear right now?
I just got a filter flask which has made grand canyon and sedona adventures much smoother! I mostly run in Salomon ultra glides because they're super durable but I'm very open to trying new brands.
Where is the best place to follow you?
On instagram @_emilaria
Sophie Wright
What made you decide to start trail running?
I grew up just minutes from a prominent trailhead in Palmer [Alaska] and fell in love with the trails when I was very little. I grew up chasing my family and friends through the trails, leading me to fall in love with the sport.
What are your goals for the 2025 season?
My goals for the 2025 trail season are to make a US team in trail running, have a top 3 finish at mount marathon, and to make a name for myself in the trail running scene, with the goal to obtain sponsorship and become a professional trail runner.
What are some of your favorite pieces of gear right now?
My favorite pieces of gear are the Salomon Phantasm 2s for road tempo work, and the VJ Sparks for steeper trails. I just tried the Arcteryx that [Andy] gave me in Boulder and those were great for the snowy trail! (Just not sure what the model of the shoe is.) For roller trails I have been using the Salomon Aero glide gravel shoes.
Where is the best place to follow you?
On Instagram @wrightsophie_
Shea Aquilano
What made you decide to start trail running?
I started trail running at the end of soccer season senior year of high school. I used to have tortoises and gave them away to a guy who kept recommending ultra running books and documentaries.
What are your goals for the 2025 season?
Western States 100! Also in a non-event sense, one goal I have is to learn how to race and compete in stacked fields (when the depth is deep)
What are some of your favorite pieces of gear right now?
Terignota shorts (wrap around waist pockets!), darn tough socks
Where is the best place to follow you?
On Instagram @shea_aq.
Kyla Christopher-Moody
What made you decide to start trail running?
I love the added challenge and beauty of the terrain. With my background being predominantly in track and cross country, I don’t get to think much about which lines to take and what not, so the added technical skills and soul running instead of just numbers is refreshing.
What are your goals for the 2025 season?
Get after it! I want to go to the Golden Trail Series final and qualify for Worlds.
What are some of your favorite pieces of gear right now?
La Sportiva Prodigio
Adidas Terrex Agravic shorts
Where is the best place to follow you?
On Instagram @kyla_cm
Hawk Call
What made you decide to start trail running?
I decided to try trail running because it challenges all aspects of running and brings a rush of adrenaline like none other. The beauty of the mountains is also unmatched.
What are your goals for the 2025 season?
In 2025 I want to place top 10 at the GTWS Finals as well as make the US team in the [World] Mountain Running Championships.
What are some of your favorite pieces of gear right now?
Currently I really enjoy the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 3s as well as Coros watch.
Where is the best place to follow you?
Best place to follow me is on Instagram @hawk_call
Devin Pancake
What made you decide to start trail running?
I’ve been a fan of the sport for a long time and now post-college can really participate in it.
What are your goals for the 2025 season?
Try and win any race I’m signed up for and meet new folks within the sport.
What are some of your favorite pieces of gear right now?
I’ve had the Naked Running Belt for over a year now and is on me for almost every run.
Where is the best place to follow you?
On Instagram @devin.pancake
Jeret Gillingham
What made you decide to start trail running?
I decided to try trail running after spending time in the Swiss Alps. Being able to cover so much ground in such a simple and freeing way keeps me coming back to the trails.
What are your goals for the 2025 season?
In the 2025 season I hope to make a USA team and compete at the world stage. I also hope to find myself fully immersed in the trail community.
What are some of your favorite pieces of gear right now?
I love going on bigger mountain runs with my Ultimate Direction SCRAM pack.
Where is the best place to follow you?
On Instagram @_jeret
Results Recap
Women’s Podium at Big Alta 50k -photo cred - Ryan Thrower @ryanthrower
March 1st
🐸Way Too Cool - NorCalUltras
Women
Jennifer Schmidt – 3:53
Emily Clarke – 3:54
Careth Arnold – 4:09
Men
Hans Troyer – 3:19
Finnian Jacobson-Schulte – 3:26
Tommy Sullivan – 3:28
March 8th
🌁50k Marin Ultra Challenge - Inside Trail
Men
Grant Hotaling – 3:48
Ben Schreck – 3:56
Jack Catwright – 3:58
Women
Hannah Allgood – 3:51
Eva Frieden – 4:33
Pamela Iwaszewicz – 4:44
March 17th
☔️Chuckanut 50k
Women
Jade Belzberg – 4:22:40
Klaire Rhodes – 4:24:44
Sarah Carter – 4:29:07
Men
Chris Myers – 3:39:10
Karl Augsten (Canada) – 3:49:04
Andrew Rylaarsdam – 3:51:13
March 20th
🇦🇷Courage 32k – Valhöll Fin del Mundo - UTMB
Women
Erica Solla – 3:57:39
Anna Maria Pineda – 4:03:18
Brenda Tapia – 4:05:31
Men
Marcelo Del Collado – 3:16:53
Braian Viera – 3:19:18
Gustavo Arevalo – 3:21:18
March 21st
🇦🇷Challenge 50k – Valhöll Fin del Mundo - UTM
Women
Alison Mcpherson – 5:58:55
Maria Calderon – 6:11:18
Noelia Fantin – 6:11:23
Men
Antonio Martinez Perez – 4:46:36
Joaquin Narvaez – 4:56:24
Nicolas Benavides – 5:04:05
March 22nd
🏝️Acantilados Del Norte - Skyrunner World Series
Women
Marta Martinez – 3:02:06
Denisa Dragomir – 3:07:24
Oihana Kortazar - 3:07:57
Men
Luca Del Pero – 2:30:08
Roberto Delorenzi – 2:30:17
Lorenzo Beltrami – 2:33:26
March 22nd
🐮Big Alta 50k - Daybreak Racing
Women
Tabor Hemming – 4:04
Lindsay Allison – 4:11
Erin Moyer – 4:13
Men
Eli Hemming – 3:19
Edward Owens – 3:26
Remi Leroux – 3:28
March 23rd
🐮Big Alta 28k - Daybreak Racing
Women
Ruby Lindquist – 2:18
Sylvia Abel – 2:26
Julia Schultz – 2:27
Men
Andy Wacker – 1:47
Darren Thomas – 1:55
John Deleon – 2:00
March 23rd
🇮🇹Chianti Marathon Trail – UTMB
Men
Francesco Puppi – 3:16:57
Mattia Bertoncini – 3:24:09
Marcos Gonzalez – 3:25:45
Women
Judith Wyder – 3:43:20
Ida Robsahm – 3:51:18
Maelle Beauvir – 4:00:30
March 23rd
🇮🇹Chianti Half Trail – UTMB
Men
Elhousine Elassaoui – 1:16:32
Luciano Rota – 1:17:14
Hannes Perkmann – 1:23:12
Women
Sophia Maschi – 1:38:27
Aleksandra Bazutka – 1:41:05
Axelle Viari – 1:42:30
March 28th
🏖️Tenerife 47k - UTMB
Women
Inés Astrain – 4:24
Julia Font – 4:29
Gemma Arenas – 4:31
Men
Marcin Kubica – 3:49
Yoel De Paz – 3:50
Pablo Bautista – 3:51
March 28th
🏖️Tenerife 24k - UTMB
Women
Toni McCann – 2:08
Maria Fuentes – 2:10
Katarzyna Solinska – 2:13
Men
Alex Garcia – 1:54
Adrian Ivaris – 1:57
Kamil Lesniak – 1:57
March 29th
🇲🇽Mexico Sky Challenge- Skyrunner World Series
Women
Anastasia Rubtsova – 5:04
Paola Morales – 5:50
Alma Jael Mendez – 6:25
Men
Abraham Hernández – 4:18
Frédéric Tranchand – 4:18
Jacob Adkin – 4:42
Current Series Rankings
🏔Skyrunner World Series Ranking - Skyrunner is currently the only series with an active ranking, but that will change starting in April🔥 Many of the athletes are tied this month as no one travelled to both Spain and Mexico for the back to back races. This will likely change quite a bit during April.
Women’s | Men’s | |
|---|---|---|
1 | ||
1 | 🇷🇺Anastasia Rubtsova | 🇲🇽Abraham Hernandez |
3 | 🇷🇴Denisa Dragomir | 🇨🇭Roberto Delorenzi |
3 | 🇨🇴Paola Morales | 🇫🇷Frederic Tranchand |
5 | 🇪🇸Oihana Kortazar | 🇮🇹Lorenzo Beltrami |
5 | 🇲🇽Alma Jael Mendez | 🇬🇧Jacob Adkin |
7 | 🇪🇸Lide Urrestarazu Agire | 🇪🇸Miguel Benitez Bermejo |
7 | 🇲🇽Maria Del Rocio Flores | 🇲🇽Moises Martinez Peralta |
9 | 🇪🇸Naiara Irigoyen Indave | 🇪🇸Alenjandro Forcades Puyol |
9 | 🇲🇽Frida Fernanda Cervantes | 🇲🇽Miguel Angle Perez Alvarado |
Hey All! We’re stoked to team up with Pit Viper to hook you up with 20% off their legendary shades. 😎 Whether you're hitting the trails, shredding the slopes, or just living boldly, these sunglasses are built to last!
Founded by Chuck Mumford, Pit Viper blends wild designs with military-grade durability—perfect for running, skiing, and beyond. ⛷️🏃♀️
Trail Training Tip - Respect Your Tendons
Greetings, snow bunnies! It’s that time of year when you start leaving the planks at home and probably grab your running shoes more. ⛷️🏃♀️Well, when returning to running after ski season or recovering from an injury, it's very important to respect your tendons. Skiing demands intense, short bursts of movement that challenge your lower body in a different way than running does. Similarly, after an injury, tendons need time to regain their strength and flexibility. Rushing the process can lead to overuse injuries, which are tough to bounce back from.
Tendons, unlike muscles, have less blood flow, making them slower to adapt to increased stress. This means when you return to running, your tendons may not be as resilient to the pounding of each stride, especially if you've been off skis or recovering for a while.
Here are 5 tips to help you respect your tendons:
Ease into your running routine: Start with lower mileage and easy-paced runs to avoid overloading your tendons. Gradually build up the intensity and volume as your tendons adapt.
Strengthen key muscles: Focus on exercises that target your calves, hamstrings, and quads. Stronger muscles provide better support for your tendons, reducing the risk of strain or injury.
Prioritize recovery: Rest days are essential. Tendons need time to adapt and recover, so don't skip them. Incorporating foam rolling or massage can also help release any tension that builds up.
Cross-train: If you have time try to balance your training with lower-impact activities like cycling, swimming, or hiking. These will keep your cardiovascular fitness up while giving your tendons a break from the repetitive pounding of running.
Listen to your body: If you start feeling discomfort in areas like the Achilles, shins, or knees, back off. Tendons need time to adjust, and pushing too hard too soon can set you back.
By respecting the process and taking these steps, you'll minimize the risk of injury and ensure a stronger, more resilient return to running after ski season or injury recovery.
Sub-Ultra Athletes of the Month
At the start of 2024, we set out to highlight the best in Sub-Ultra trail running—not just at year’s end, but all year long. Through our Athlete of the Month series, we celebrated standout performances, rising stars, and unforgettable moments that shaped the sport. Now, in 2025, we’re keeping the momentum going and adding something new: Special Mentions: athletes who may not be in the monthly spotlight but still deserve a serious shoutout.
The year-end Top 10? That’s still happening. But until then, we’re here to celebrate the athletes who keep pushing the limits of what’s possible one performance at a time.
Marta Martinez
Marta made a big splash on our radar with her third-place finish at last year’s Zegama. While she didn’t compete in the Skyrunner World Series last year, we’re hopeful and excited that it may be her main goal this year, especially after being listed as a favorite in the Skyrunner World Series 'Female Favorites' post. Given that she finished 3rd at Zegama during a very wet and slippery year, we’re confident she can handle varied technical terrain, a key skill for a successful Skyrunner campaign.
What earned her the Athlete of the Month nod from us this month was her Course Record win at Acantilados Del Norte. Not only did she set a new record for women, but she also beat a strong field of Skyrunner regulars, including last year’s winner, Lide Urrestarazu.
Could this be the start of the rise of a new Skyrunner star? Only time will tell, but we’re ready with popcorn in hand as the Skyrunner season unfolds. Next up is the Calamorro Skyrace this weekend, which will give Marta another chance to face a tough field of Skyrunner favorites.
Honorable Mentions: Tabor Hemming (1st - Big Alta 50k), Hannah Allgood (1st - Marin Challenge 50k), Anastasia Rubtsova (1st - Mexico Sky Challenge), Jade Belzberg (1st - Chuckanut 50k)
Andy Wacker
photo cred - Ryan Thrower @ryanthrower
When it comes to first-round USA Trail Running Hall of Famers, Andy Wacker should definitely be on that list. Andy has been dominating the short trail scene for over a decade, and he continues to prove his versatility by competing in various running disciplines. His recent 4th place finish at the 2025 USA Cross Country Championships is just one example of his continued excellence.
Andy kicked off his incredible 2025 campaign with his first trail race of the year at the Big Alta 28k, where he smashed the course record with an impressive time of 1:47:15. If you want to be blown away, check out his Strava post here, where he posted a GAP time of 5:07 pace.
If this seems like an Andy Wacker celebration, it kind of is – not on purpose, but we're happy it turned out that way. We decided to highlight The Trail Team, and then Andy put up this incredible result, which we wholeheartedly felt deserved the honor.
Honorable Mentions: Eli Hemming (1st - Big Alta 50k) , Abraham Hernández (1st - Mexico Sky Challenge), Frédéric Tranchand (2nd - Mexico Sky Challenge), Hans Troyer (1st - Way Too Cool)
USA Championship and Selection Races
All USATF Championships and Team USA selection races we will be following this year, and you should too.😉
DATE | CHAMPIONSHIP | RACE | LOCATION |
April 12 | USATF 50K Road Championships | Madison, WI | |
April 12 | Team USA Selection Race - Long Trail | Columbia River Gorge National Park, OR | |
June 1 | Team USA Selection Race - Classic Mountain and USATF Championships Race | Newbury, NH | |
June 19 | Team USA Selection Race - Vertical | Palisades Resort, CA | |
June 20 | Team USA Selection Race - Short Trail | Palisades Resort, CA | |
August 16 | USATF 50K Trail Championships | Marin, CA | |
Looking Forward
As the days get warmer and the racing season heats up, April brings a jam-packed calendar for trail runners, with thrilling races across the globe. From technical climbs in Skyrunning events to the fast, furious battles of the Golden Trail Series, there’s no shortage of competitive action. With fast races, heavy competition, and beautiful courses, April promises to be a month full of excitement.
Gorge Waterfalls 50k 2024 - photo cred - Ryan Thrower @ryanthrower
Kobe Trail – April 19th | Kobe, Japan
The Golden Trail Series kicks off again with the highly anticipated Kobe Trail. Known for its “flower format,” this race is an exciting challenge that tests climbers and technical descenders. Last year, climbers took the crown, will we see a repeat or will a strong technical descender break through? We are so excited to see who kicks off their season in Japan.China Golden Trail – April 26th | Chengde, China 🇨🇳
A new addition to the Golden Trail circuit, this race will have runners tackling the Great Wall with many stair climbs. A from last year’s high-altitude race, we expect this will be a unique challenge for many athletes. We are fangirl hoping our Coloradian Incline Queen Allie Mac will be on that start line. Girl has run a lot of stairs in her life and so this seems to be right up her alley(allie).😉
Calamaro SkyRace – April 5th | Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain
The Skyrunner Series continue in Spain this weekend with this stunning race in Málaga. You may remember last year’s epic battle between Sara Alonso and Julia Font, this race has colorful commentators and course looks fun as heck. Will we see another streak of Spanish dominance?Andes Mountain Marathon – April 12th | Santiago, Chile
This race takes runners through the stunning Andes, offering a challenging mix of high-altitude terrain. This race is new to the SWS, so it will be fun to follow along.SkyRace® des Maytheysins – April 12th | Honore, France
A beautiful but brutal race in the French Alps, perfect for those who love a bit of elevation. The famous Hilary Girardi, ninja tuck and roll viral video was at the 2024 edition. Some fast, some snow, some ridgelines, and technical descents, this race seems to have it all.Kailas Penang SkyRace® – April 26th | Georgetown, Malaysia
Tropical jungle trails and man-made paths this race appears to have it all.
Mid April
Lake Sonoma Marathon – April 12th | California, USA
With Prize Money in the Marathon and 50 mile distance, the elite fields are shaping up despite it sharing an event weekend with Gorge Waterfalls. With flowy California carpet and humid temps in the forecast, this race will be fun to follow for Mountain Outpost. Also, co-host Dani Moreno pins her bib here for the first time in 8 months since her cuboid fracture at OCC end of August.Gorge Waterfalls 50k & 30k – April 12th | Oregon, USA
With both 50K and 30K options, Gorge Waterfalls is an exciting event for runners at any distance. This race has earned a reputation for its challenging course and beautiful views of waterfalls, making it a fan favorite and a great spectator event. The 100k is also a selection race for the USA Team.UTMB Desert Rats – April 12th | Colorado, USA
A great tune-up for the upcoming Canyons 50K, the UTMB Desert Rats races offer competitive fields, especially in the 50K distance. Runners like Hayden Hawks, Ashley Brosavan, and Samantha Lewis are expected to show up.
Late April:
Canyons 50K & 25K – April 27th | California, USA
This event never fails to deliver world-class competition, and 2025 promises to be no different. The men’s and women’s fields are stacked with international talent. The Hemmings duo will be looking to repeat their Big Alta 50K successes, but will we see a new course record on both sides? Keep an eye on the podium, as top athletes like Jennifer Lichter and Hayden Hawks are all poised to contend for the title.Madeira Ultra Trail (MUIT) – April 27th | Madeira, Portugal
While this distance is not part of the World Trail Series, MUIT is always a thrilling event. With its technical terrain and challenging climbs, this 40K race often is a great fitness tests for European athletes.