In 2024, ATRA successfully launched the Better Together Scholarship Program to help under-funded and aspiring race directors attend the 12th annual US Trail Running Conference. The program continued for the 2025 edition of the Conference and will again be part of the 2026 event. Featured photo from US Trail Running Conference in 2024.
Details for 2026
The 2026 Better Together scholarship will provide eight new or aspiring race directors funding to cover their registration, travel and lodging receipted costs up to a maximum of $1800 per recipient to attend the 14th annual US Trail Running Conference. Nashville is the host city for the Conference which will be held November 5-7, at the Music City Center.
Nashville cityscape. Ricky Beron on Unsplash
Applications for the scholarship are open now and will close on June 1. The winning applicants will be chosen by a selection committee and announced by June 15, 2026. Apply here.
Nancy Hobbs, ATRA executive director said, “We wanted to keep the Better Together Scholarship momentum going for what has become an incredibly valuable program the past two years. The benefits of attending the Conference go way beyond networking and educational content the event provides and being able to assist some race directors who may not otherwise be able to join in person is incredibly gratifying.”
US Trail Running Conference director Carrie Meng said, “We’re thrilled to continue the Better Together Scholarship for 2026 and to partner with ATRA on a program that has already had such a meaningful impact. Creating space for new and aspiring race directors to learn, connect, and contribute strengthens the entire trail running community. We’re looking forward to welcoming this year’s recipients to Nashville and seeing the ideas and energy they bring.”
Anthony Foster, Marathon Printing, shares insights at the 2024 US Trail Running Conference.
The US Trail Running Conference will be organized by a team at UltraSignup who acquired the Conference from founder Terry Chiplin in 2025. The core goals of the U.S. Trail Running Conference include:
• Strengthening professional standards in trail and ultrarunning event management
• Connecting brands, sponsors, and events to drive mutual growth and innovation
• Celebrating the culture of trail running through authentic experience, design, and storytelling
Click here for details on the US Trail Running Conference and to register.
2025 Better Together Scholarship recipients at USTRC.
Past scholarship recipients
Meet the 2024 scholarship recipients here.
Meet the 2025 scholarship recipients here.
QR code to apply for 2026.
