The following article was written by pro trail runner and member of The Trail Team, Shea Aquilano, and shares her experience at the 2024 US Trail Running Conference. The article first appeared in the spring 2025 issue of ATRA’s Trail Times quarterly newsletter. Featured photo: Peter Maksimow/ATRA.
As a 23-year-old ultra-trail runner and a member of The Trail Team, I’ve had the incredible privilege of immersing myself in the sport I love while being surrounded by a community that shares the same passion. Attending the 2024 US Trail Running Conference in Knoxville was a phenomenal experience—one that both reaffirmed my commitment to the sport and opened my eyes to new ways to contribute to its growth and inclusivity.
Being the youngest attendee at an event filled with seasoned race directors, industry leaders, and community organizers, I found myself reflecting on the ways my generation can help shape the future of this sport.
Conference: A Dynamic Gathering of Trail Enthusiasts
Arriving in Knoxville on the evening of October 22, I laced up my shoes for a run through the city. As I jogged past the vibrant streets, along the Tennessee River and the golden disco ball of the Sunsphere gleaming against the night sky, I thought about how grateful I was to be a part of a community that was actually excited to create change. That run set the tone for the days ahead—a mix of awe, energy, and purpose.
The conference brought together an inspiring mix of trail runners, race directors, brands, land managers, and community leaders. I really appreciated the balance between race directors from well-established events and those still working to grow their races. It brought a great blend of experience and fresh perspectives to the conversation.
The energy in Knoxville was palpable, with attendees buzzing about everything from sustainability in trail racing to fostering diversity in our sport. I felt both humbled and empowered to share my perspective, particularly as someone navigating the transition from running on my own in college, to the unique challenges of trail and ultrarunning.
Key Takeaways from Conference: Building the Future of Trail Running
The conference offered a wealth of panels, workshops, and discussions, but a few themes stood out to me as particularly impactful:
Youth Participation and Access
As a younger entrant into trail and ultrarunning, I’ve experienced firsthand some of the barriers that prevent my peers from fully engaging in the sport—whether it’s financial challenges, access to gear, or simply finding an entry point. These issues became central to the discussions I participated in, particularly on the “Future of Sport” panel. We explored strategies to make trail running appealing to the next generation.
We discussed ideas like implementing an athlete housing network for races, where local community members could host runners to help alleviate travel and lodging costs. This would not only reduce financial barriers but also foster stronger connections between runners and the communities where races are held.
Another concept discussed was the creation of gear libraries—a system where trail running gear could be borrowed, similar to a public library model. For young athletes who might not have the resources to invest in high-quality equipment, these initiatives could be game-changing and paramount in lowering the entry barriers and make the sport more inclusive and welcoming.
Hearing from other athletes and organizers who are actively working to lower these barriers was both inspiring and motivating. It’s clear that if we want trail running to grow, we need to invest in the next generation.
Inclusivity and Representation
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the need to make trail running more inclusive—for women, adaptive athletes, and underrepresented communities. I had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion where I shared insights from The Trail Team’s efforts to support emerging athletes. We discussed how mentorship, sponsorship, and creating welcoming spaces can encourage participation across all demographics. It was heartening to see so many stakeholders committed to making the trails a space where everyone feels they belong.
Sustainability and Stewardship
Trail running wouldn’t exist without the incredible natural environments we get to explore, so it was no surprise that sustainability was a major topic. From reducing waste at races to fostering partnerships with land management agencies, the conference highlighted innovative ways to ensure our sport remains environmentally responsible. As a runner who trains in some of the most beautiful—and fragile—landscapes, I left feeling more committed than ever to being a good steward of the trails.
Personal Highlights from Conference
One of the most memorable parts of the conference was connecting with other athletes and leaders who are shaping the future of trail running. Being on The Trail Team has given me a platform to advocate for the sport, but this conference amplified my voice and gave me new tools to make a difference. I also had the chance to share my own journey as a young ultrarunner and exchange stories with others who are equally passionate about the community we’re building.
Beyond the sessions, the real magic of the conference often happened in the evenings. Sharing meals, chatting over coffee, or simply relaxing after a full day of panels allowed for deeper connections. I found myself sitting with race directors and trail professionals from vastly different backgrounds but with shared passions and values. The energy in those moments was palpable, and the sense of collaboration was inspiring. Having so many vibrant people in one place made it clear: the future of trail running is bright when we work together.
Looking Ahead
Leaving Knoxville, I felt a renewed sense of purpose not only as an athlete but as an advocate for the sport. The conference reinforced the idea that trail running is about so much more than just running. It’s about community, stewardship, and pushing boundaries—both personal and collective.
Trail running is at its best when it’s inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking. We are standing on the shoulders of giants and continuing to climb higher. The 2024 US Trail Running Conference reminded me that the future of this sport isn’t just something to dream about—it’s something we can build together, right now.
Editor’s Note: The 2025 US Trail Running Conference will be held in Knoxville, TN, October 15-17. To learn more and register, visit this link.
