Posts By: Nancy Hobbs

Book Review: The Tigerbelles

Laura Clark reviews The Tigerbelles: Olympic Legends from Tennessee State, by Aime Alley Card. Lyons Press, 2024. Laura is a trail runner, snowshoer and children’s librarian based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Individually, the Tigerbelles of Tennessee State, headlined by Wilma Rudolph, were each formidable athletes. As a Black, female team, championed by Coach Edward Temple… Read more »

Trail Runner’s Gear Review: GORE WINDSTOPPER Thermo Gloves

The following review by trail runner Sarah Barber features GORE® WINDSTOPPER® Thermo Gloves. The gear was provided at no cost for the test and review. Frigid temperatures challenge our extremities more than any other body part, and yet we rely heavily on them for outdoor activity. Our feet pound the earth while our hands manage… Read more »

Better Together: On the trails in Boulder, Colorado

The following article is the second in our year-long series of articles supporting ATRA’s 2024 theme: Better Together. This installment was written by Boulder-based trail runner and gardener Janelle Lincks who is sponsored by Satisfy Running. My first trail run began one early Sunday morning in Boulder, Colorado. My college team had piled into a… Read more »

Andy Wacker’s tips for snowshoe running

In the following article, ATRA social media director Andy Wacker, shares his foray into snowshoe running as well as some tips for newbies to the sport. What better way to indulge the frigid Minnesota winter, than to face the cold and try out a new sport with old friends? That’s just what I did on… Read more »

Cock-A-Doodle-Shoe: The Northeast’s Old Faithful

The following article was written by Laura Clark and features the 2024 Cock-A-Doodle-Shoe snowshoe event. Clark is a trail runner, snowshoer and children’s librarian based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Cover photo courtesy Gordon Douglas. Seasoned snowshoe racers know that while a competition may be posted, it is never a given. We are always cautioned to… Read more »

Better Together: Boise Betties

The following article is the first in our year-long series of articles supporting ATRA’s 2024 theme: Better Together and this installment featuring Boise Betties was written by trail runner Sarah Barber. The stage is set It’s 4:48 am on Tuesday, and my wrist is vibrating. Suunto has never failed to wake me up when I’ve… Read more »

Mind Body Flexibility

The following article is the second in a three-part series from Samantha Pruitt and features mind body flexibility. The title of this piece is, “Emotional Fitness: How Mental and Emotional Strength, Flexibility and Endurance Will Take Both Your Game and Your Life to the Next Level.” Hello There Beautiful Human, in part one of this… Read more »

Trail Runner’s Review: Ace from VJ Shoes

The following review was written by trail runner Sarah Barber and features Ace from VJ Shoes. The footwear was provided by corporate member VJ Shoes at no cost for the review. Barber lives and trains on the trails near her home in Boise, Idaho. Ah, winter. Here we are in the thick of it, and… Read more »

Better Together – Our 2024 Theme

The American Trail Running Association’s (ATRA) advisory board enthusiastically shares our 2024 theme, “Better Together.” This year’s theme has many different interpretations, not the least of which is the fact that togetherness creates and builds community. That togetherness can be far reaching and include partnerships, mentorship, coaching, collaborations, and multi-user experiences on the trails. The… Read more »

Running Up For Air Expands to Include Global RUFA Day

The following article featuring Running Up For Air was written by Lisa Jhung and first appeared in the winter 2023 issue of ATRA’s quarterly newsletter Trail Times. Excitement is building for Running Up For Air as ultrarunner Jared Campbell’s brainchild gains support from sponsor Patagonia. On the snowy trail up Utah’s 8,299-foot Grandeur Peak last… Read more »

Trail Runner’s Survey: Livestreaming

ATRA recently conducted a survey to learn what individuals look for in a livestream, why they watch a livestream, whether watch time is live or from a recording, and much more. Below are some demographics of the 1240 respondents followed by a recap of some of the response data. Demographics Age breakdown: 54% ages 40-59… Read more »

Building Emotional Fitness

This article focusing on emotional fitness first appeared in ATRA’s winter 2023 quarterly newsletter Trail Times and was written by Samantha Pruitt. Part one in a series: How to train your mind and body for winning your life. As an athlete, coach, and business leader I have learned a few things — usually the hard… Read more »

Featured Trail Town: Knoxville, TN

The following feature on Knoxville, Tennessee was provided by Caleb Wilson and the team at Visit Knoxville Sports Commission. This city on the Tennessee River will host the 12th annual US Trail Running Conference October 23-25, 2024. Being located close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the east and the rugged Cumberland Plateau… Read more »

U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifiers who also run trails

The following article was compiled by ATRA team member Andy Wacker and features trail and mountain runners who have qualified to race in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Featured photo of Rachel Drake racing in Argentina at the 2019 World Mountain Running Championships. Every four years, USATF holds a championship-style race where the top three… Read more »

2024 Valsir Mountain Running World Cup Calendar Unveiled

The following release from Hector Rubio, media manager, World Mountain Running Association, highlights the 2024 Valsir Mountain Running World Cup calendar. Cover photo of Scout Adkin courtesy Marco Gulberti. Featuring a roster spanning eight countries, encompassing 10 events and a total of 13 races, this season promises a thrilling array of locations, beloved classics, and… Read more »

Born to Run 2024 Scholarship Announced

The following announcement is from our friends at Born to Run (BTR) who are looking for applicants with a passion for community, serving others, and running. See below for details. SANTA MARIA, California, December 8, 2023 – The BTR Scholarship Committee announces the launch of the Born to Run (BTR) scholarships for 2024. This new… Read more »

Timely topics highlighted at The Running Event

The 17th edition of The Running Event (TRE) was held in Austin, Texas from November 28-30, and featured more than 300 vendors in a two-day expo, educational sessions, and numerous networking opportunities. TRE is North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show welcoming race directors, media, run specialty store owners, brands and organizations. TRE… Read more »

2023 USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Runners of the Year Announced

The Mountain/Ultra/Trail running (MUT) executive committee (13 members) of long distance running recently selected the 2023 USATF Mountain, Ultra and Trail Runners of the Year. During the Mountain Ultra Trail Running Council session at this year’s USATF Annual Meeting the recipients were announced and are listed below. Selection Criteria for MUT Runners of the Year… Read more »

2024 USATF National Cross Country Championships Return to Richmond Region

The following release was provided by Steve Taylor and features details about the upcoming 2024 USATF Cross Country Championships. Featured photo from the 2007 USATF Cross Country Championships taken by Nancy Hobbs. RICHMOND, Va. – The excitement is building for the 2024 USA Track & Field National Cross Country Championships to be held in Richmond,… Read more »