November 5-7, 2026 – Music City Center, Nashville
The Conference covers three days of inspirational, educational and practical content geared to trail race directors, including panels, presentations, and breakout sessions to share information and brainstorm ideas. The event also includes a top-level expo featuring vendors that provide products or services relevant to trail race directors.
What to Expect
- Access to all panels, sessions, and workshops.
- A curated networking app for professional connections.
- A swag bag with trail and Nashville-inspired gear.
- Lunch each day, plus snacks and beverages throughout.
- Evening mixer with sponsors and exhibitors.
- Optional group runs.
2026 Schedule
We are still fine tuning the USTRC 2026 schedule, so check back for updates as we finalize the full schedule!
Day 1 - Thursday, November 5
Time Session
9:00 - 10:00 AM Registration + Welcome Coffee
10:00 - 10:45 AM Opening Remarks
10:45 - 11:45 AM Panel + Q&A: The Future of Public Lands and Trail Running
Permits, access, and land agency relationships: what every race director needs to know to protect the trails we love. Featuring: Alex Staten, Harold Bennally, Todd Janssen, and Micah Rice | Moderated by: Aimee Kohler.
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM Networking Lunch + Expo
1:00- 2:00 PM Panel + Q&A: Race Sponsors & Other Revenue Streams
Sponsorship dollars don't just show up. Learn how to build relationships, think creatively, and tap into the resources already in your own backyard. Featuring: Mandy Mullen, Micah Rice, and Brett Harrison.
2:00 - 3:00 PM Panel + Q&A: Medical Guidelines for Every Size Race
Practical, scalable medical planning for races of any size, with frameworks you can put to work immediately. Featuring: Dr. Andy Pasternak and Dr. Kim Haven | Moderated by: Dr. Olivia Affuso.
3:00 - 3:30 PM End-of-Day Highlights
3:30 - 4:00 PM Group Activity
4:00 - 6:00 PM Welcome Mixer & Expo
Day 2 - Friday, November 6
Time Session
7:00 - 8:30 AM Optional Group Run from Music City Center
Enjoy a casual run through downtown and past iconic Nashville landmarks. Led by Jewly Hight.
9:00 - 10:00 AM Registration, Coffee + Expo
10:00 - 10:15 AM Welcome + Breakout Instructions
10:15 - 11:00 AM Keynote: Paul Mellor interviews Lazarus Lake
The creator of the Barkley Marathons and one of ultrarunning's greatest minds joins us at USTRC — interviewed by documentarian Paul Mellor, who is currently filming the only authorized documentary about Laz himself. Featuring: Lazarus Lake, interviewed by Paul Mellor.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Breakout Session + Q&A: Marketing Basics for Any Budget
Social media, email, community building - the essentials of race marketing without the big budget.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Breakout Session: Runner & Volunteer Experience + Q&A
The details that build loyalty, reputation, and a race people rave about and return to year after year. Featuring: Jubilee Paige of Aravaipa Running.
12:00 - 1:30 PM Networking Lunch + Expo
1:30 - 2:30 PM Breakout Session + Q&A: Story Telling & Branding with a screening of RUN IN BEAUTY
This session pairs a screening of RUN IN BEAUTY with an honest conversation about how authentic narrative can define your race identity and turn participants into lifelong fans. Featuring: Jordan Whetstone, Filmmaker of RUN IN BEAUTY and Founder of Rising Hearts.
1:30 - 2:30 PM Breakout Session + Q&A: Recruiting & Managing Volunteers
Recruitment, retention, and building a volunteer culture that keeps your crew coming back season after season. Featuring: Michele Hartwig and Mary Haskins.
2:30 - 3:00 PM Expo
3:00 - 5:00 PM Round Robin Discussions
Runner Safety with Free to Move, To Swag or not to Swag?, Fostering Run Club Relationships, Environmental Sustainability, and more!
5:00 - 5:30 PM Day Recap + Announcements
Day 3 - Saturday, November 7
Time Session
7:00 - 8:30 AM Optional Group Run - Location TBD
9:00 - 10:00 AM Registration, Coffee + Expo
10:00 - 10:15 AM Welcome + Instructions
10:15 - 11:15 AM Panel + Q&A: Building a More Inclusive Race Community
An honest, inspiring conversation about opening the trails to runners of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds. Featuring: Angie Lake, Ryan Jolley, Yolanda Lopez Haugabook, and Jordan Whetstone | Moderated by: Renee Janssen.
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM State of the Sport from UltraSignup
12:00 - 1:30 PM Networking Lunch + Expo
1:30 - 2:15 PM Keynote Speaker
Stay tuned!
2:15 - 3:00 PM Closing Remarks + Conference Ends
Join us Saturday night following the USTRC Conference for Dirt Circus Nashville – run starts at 5pm (location coming soon).
Dirt Circus is free to all, but you must pre-register: Registration Opens 8/7/2026