🗞 The Scoop: Should Trail Running Have a Season? By Dani Moreno

If you haven’t followed the saga of my current situation here’s the quick version: I’ve been injured more than not the past 14 months. During that time, I’ve grown fond of a handful of things, two of them being Major League Baseball and the National Football League.

It started with a fantasy football invite from my older brother. Fast-forward to now, I know player stats, storylines, and rivalries. Baseball took longer to get into, but it’s become a comforting slow burn. And right now, it’s the sweet spot — we’re heading into Game 7 of the World Series and Week 9 of the NFL season.

In 24 hours, baseball season will be over. Come early February, football will wrap too. Then everyone, players, coaches, fans, gets a break.

Meanwhile in trail running?
Javelina just happened. The Golden Trail World Series Finals just wrapped. The Skyrunner World Series Final is this weekend. And by January, we’ll already be kicking off golden-ticket races again.

So I found myself wondering…at what point in trail running’s development did we stop having a season? Or… did we ever?

This isn’t about saying the sport should change, it’s more of a thought experiment. What are the upsides, downsides, and nuances of having (or not having) a defined season?

✅ Pros of Not Having a Season

• Freedom and flexibility. Trail running is global ; someone’s summer is another’s winter. The lack of a strict calendar keeps the sport accessible year-round.

• Accessibility. Many runners juggle jobs, families, and training. Racing when life allows makes the sport more inclusive.

• Creative autonomy. Athletes can design their own seasons, focus on VKs, 20 Ks, or 100 milers, without being boxed in.

• Constant momentum. Year-round racing keeps storylines moving, sponsors engaged, and fans connected to the sport.

🔻 Cons of Not Having a Season

• Harder recovery rhythm. Without a shared downtime, rest can slip through the cracks, especially for newer athletes or those chasing multiple goals.

• Blurry story arcs. Other sports thrive on structure; pre-season, playoffs, championships. Trail running’s endless flow can make it harder for casual and new fans to follow.

• Cumulative fatigue. For both athletes and media, nonstop racing can quietly build stress, injuries, or mental fatigue over time.

• Logistical overload. With no off-period, brands, crews, and series event organizers rarely get to reset. It is not only athletes I am thinking about, it is everyone in the sport.

⚖️ Neutral (or Somewhere in the Middle)

• Mini-seasons already exist. Golden Trail, Skyrunner, and WMTRC each have clear spring-to-fall arcs, giving some rhythm without limiting global participation.

• Many athletes already self-regulate. Plenty of pros take deliberate off-blocks, whether it’s ski season, a few quiet months, or a personal pause , even if the sport doesn’t officially stop.

• Balance over uniformity. Maybe the solution isn’t enforcing a global season but celebrating recovery as part of performance.

🏔️ Final Thought

Maybe the question isn’t should trail running have a season….. maybe it’s can we collectively start valuing the off-season the same way we celebrate the start line?

Sub Hub Stories: Madelina Florea 2025 GTWS Women’s Champion

It is official, we have our new women’s GTWS Champion, and it is no other than Romanian powerhouse Madalina Florea. We were able to catch her before she went to break the record at the famous Kolitza Balmatrail trail race.

1️⃣ What was going through your mind when you realized you’d secured the overall title?

You’re never really sure of anything in this sport and I think last year was the perfect example. I was on the podium, and everyone expected me to win or finish second, but sometimes your body or mind just doesn’t respond, and that’s what makes the results unpredictable.This year, I felt mentally stronger and much more confident. I was consistent all season, and that gave me belief. I came into the final feeling positive and motivated even knowing that nothing is ever guaranteed. Maybe that’s my biggest lesson: fight until the very end, even past the finish line.

2️⃣ This season had so many highs and challenges. Was there a particular moment that tested you most?

I don’t think I had one specific low point because my season was quite stable, but Kobe Trail definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone. It was the first race of the year — technical, not really my style — and I didn’t feel fully confident. But I raced smart, and it went really well. That race opened a new door for me mentally; it showed me that I can perform on any type of terrain.

3️⃣ You’ve been incredibly consistent all year. What routines or mindset helped you stay focused and perform across such a long, travel-heavy calendar?

I learned to trust my coach, my plan, and my body. I used to be anxious before races, but now I take things as they come. Sierre-Zinal taught me that — I went to the start line not even sure I could run that day, and I ended up learning that when body and mind are aligned, anything is possible. I’m super motivated, but also more relaxed now. I can enjoy what I do — I’m competitive, yes, but also a bit crazy and playful, and that balance works for me.

4️⃣ The GTWS takes athletes across all kinds of terrain. Which race or location taught you the most about yourself as a runner this season?

Definitely Sierre-Zinal. It showed me that results don’t define your strength — attitude does. That day I didn’t have expectations; I just wanted to be there and give my best, and I ended up finishing proud of the effort.

5️⃣ If you compare the Mădălina who won Noli two years ago to the one who just won the series overall, what’s changed the most — physically, mentally, or emotionally?

Experience, confidence, and awareness. I know myself better now and I also know my rivals. Being part of the SCOTT team changed a lot for me too. They truly support me in everything I do, and that makes a big difference. I feel respected, valued, and more relaxed — it helps me find joy in the journey, not just the results.

6️⃣ You’ve put Romanian trail running on the global map. What does it mean to represent your country at this level, and how do you hope your success inspires the next generation back home?

It means a lot — it’s emotional, actually. Coming from Romania hasn’t always made things easy, but those challenges shaped who I am. They made me stronger and more determined to prove that it’s not about the country you come from, but about the person you are. And I think athletes from smaller countries often appreciate opportunities more — we carry a lot of pride and responsibility. For me, representing Romania means showing that dreams are possible, no matter where you start. 🇷🇴

Trail Throwback

Now our new feature section, Trail Throwback, for all the stat junkies (like ourselves🙃), history buffs, and trail nerds who love connecting dots between past and present. A quick look back at the performances and people who built the sport we love.

For our first fun fact, we’re kicking things off with a look at every Golden Trail World Series overall winner since the series began. And here’s what stood out: Switzerland reigns supreme with the most overall titles. On the women’s side, only one athlete has ever gone back-to-back — Maude Mathys — while the men’s field has seen three repeat champions: Stian Angermund, Rémi Bonnet, and Elhousine Elazzaoui. Talk about mountain royalty. 🏔️

Here are the overall winners of the Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) from its inception through 2024:

Trail Training Tip : Hyperbaric Chamber

Oxygen heals, it’s that simple. Hyperbaric therapy boosts oxygen delivery at the cellular level, supporting recovery after intense training blocks or injuries.

Dani Moreno, co-writer of this newsletter, recently completed multiple sessions at Hyperbaric Medical Center of Santa Barbara and noticed significant improvements in inflammation reduction following surgery on her fifth metatarsal. HBOT increases oxygen delivery to muscle tissue, helping reduce soreness and fatigue while promoting tissue repair — ideal for both post-surgical healing and injuries in general.

It’s not doing the work for you, it’s just giving your body the boost it needs to do what it does best.