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Inspiration

Diversifying the Trails: A Conversation with Mirna Valerio

April 30, 2025

Diversifying the Trails: A Conversation with Mirna Valerio

irunfar.com
Diversifying the Trails: A Conversation with Mirna Valerio
article April 30, 2025

Diversifying the Trails: A Conversation with Mirna Valerio

Meet Mirna Valerio, aka the Mirnavator, a trailblazing ultrarunner and DEI activist breaking barriers in the sport. From challenging stigmas around body size to leading inclusive retreats, her journey highlights the importance of diversity, resilience, and community. Her story inspires runners to embrace authenticity and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.

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Women’s Endurance: Closing the Gap in Ultra Races

April 25, 2025

Women’s Endurance: Closing the Gap in Ultra Races

trailrunmag.com
Women’s Endurance: Closing the Gap in Ultra Races
article April 25, 2025

Women’s Endurance: Closing the Gap in Ultra Races

In ultra races, the performance gap between men and women is shrinking. This article explores how women's physiology, mental endurance, and rising participation are helping close the gap. Key strengths like fat metabolism, slow-twitch muscle fibers, and resilience are driving the shift. With growing representation and standout athletes leading the way, the future of ultra running looks different — and more equal.

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Reaching New Heights: A Conversation with Riley Brady

April 18, 2025

Reaching New Heights: A Conversation with Riley Brady

irunfar.com
Reaching New Heights: A Conversation with Riley Brady
article April 18, 2025

Reaching New Heights: A Conversation with Riley Brady

A profile of Riley Brady, a 29-year-old non-binary ultrarunner who competes in women's races and has recently achieved significant success, winning the Javelina 100 Mile in 2024 and setting a course record at Black Canyon 100k in 2025. The article covers Brady's early years in Pennsylvania, their progression in ultrarunning since 2014, coaching relationship with David Roche, nutrition challenges, move to Boulder, Colorado, and their current focus on the 2025 Western States 100. Brady recently secured professional sponsorship with Nike after previously working as a bike mechanic and in other industries.

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Mick Sullivan's UTMB Journey: Conquering the 2024 Ultra-Trail

April 8, 2025

Mick Sullivan's UTMB Journey: Conquering the 2024 Ultra-Trail

trailrunmag.com
Mick Sullivan's UTMB Journey: Conquering the 2024 Ultra-Trail
article April 8, 2025

Mick Sullivan's UTMB Journey: Conquering the 2024 Ultra-Trail

Australian runner Mick Sullivan shares his experience completing the 2024 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), a grueling 176.40km race with 9,915m of vertical elevation. After four lottery attempts and two previous TDS attempts, Sullivan finally achieved his goal, finishing in 39 hours 40 minutes and winning his age class (M65-69). The article details his journey through France, Italy, and Switzerland, describing the spectacular alpine scenery, nutrition strategy, and challenges faced during the two-night race.

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Are Trail Runners Getting Faster?

April 8, 2025

Are Trail Runners Getting Faster?

irunfar.com
Are Trail Runners Getting Faster?
article April 8, 2025

Are Trail Runners Getting Faster?

This article examines the trend of increasing speed in trail running, particularly at competitive ultramarathons. Data shows course records falling across races like Hardrock 100, Leadville 100 Mile, and Black Canyon 100k. The analysis reveals that top performances are steadily improving and competitive fields are condensing, with the gap between first and 25th place shrinking significantly. Potential factors driving this speed increase include better technology (carbon-plated shoes), improved fueling strategies, advanced training theory, and increased competition. UTMB Index scores show the competitive field has strengthened considerably between 2022 and 2025.

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