RUNSPIRITED

John Lacroix, aka Sherpa John, is a trail and ultra race director who says he created the first 200-mile race in the U.S. in 2008.

The top ultra running stories of 2025 will include top performances likely by Jim Walmsley, Courtney Dauwalter, Katie Schide and others.

The most inspirational men ultra runners include those who broke a historic course record at Leadville, an unknown winning UTMB and others.

The most inspirational women ultra runners include the first Barkley Marathons finisher, the overall AT FKT holder, the Western-UTMB winner.

The top 10 trail and ultra running stories on RunSpirited include coaching tips, lighting for runners and an elite athlete's historic race.

For runners, inspiration can come from a wide variety of places, successful races, high-level athletes and even failures.

The Western States and Hardrock lotteries created stacked men's and women's fields, as well as lots of interesting story lines to follow.

Craig Thornley is the race director for Western States, arguably the most beloved, prolific and popular 100-mile ultra race in North America

In December, RunSpirited announces its annual list of the most inspirational ultra runners of the year. Submit your nominations now.

Chris McWatters, race director for Tejas Trails, is expanding the offerings but making sure their events offer something for every runner.