The State of Trail Running 2025: Professionalization, Prize Money, and What the Sport is Actually About

Can a sport built on dirtbag ethos survive the arrival of real money? In this end-of-year special, Buzz gathers Zoë Rom, coach Scott Johnston, Western States race director Craig Thornley, and FKT manager Allison Mercer to make sense of 2025. They dig into the paradox of professionalization, $275 super shoes, UTMB live broadcasts, Ironman private equity, while Zoë points to the data that says the grassroots still holds: only 1.7% of trail runners actually race, backyard ultras are booming, and FKTs remain just you and a GPS watch. Scott Johnston talks weighted vest training and speaks with rare compassion about the CCC doping scandal. Craig reveals Killian is returning to Western States in 2026 and announces the historic rule change allowing poles after 53 years, driven not by elite concerns but by accessibility for the back of the pack. Allison celebrates a year of dominant women's performances, while Zoë asks the uncomfortable questions about OnlyFans sponsorships: why is it easier for a platform associated with adult content to support female athletes than it is for endemic brands? And Buzz wonders, when did vomiting and hallucinating become something to brag about? Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 01:24 – Zoë Rom on the paradox of professionalization 11:17 – Scott Johnston on training Tom Evans and Ruth Croft 18:40 – Craig Thornley on Western States' historic men's race 27:12 – Allison Mercer on dominant women's performances 38:30 – Zoë on OnlyFans and sponsorship equity 49:18 – Scott on the CCC doping scandal 56:19 – Craig on poles, traction devices, and rule changes 1:00:23 – Chris Myers' scuba mask river crossing 1:04:02 – Buzz on glorifying suffering This episode is brought to you by Arc'teryx. The Norvan 4 Nivalis—full Gore-Tex cover, ankle gaiter, actually dry feet. Learn more at arcteryx.com. The Buzz is part of the UltraSignup Podcast Network. Find all our shows at ultrasignup.com/podcasts.