New Initiatives Introduced During 2025 US Trail Running Conference

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Industry-leading event was community-focused and vibrant

The US Trail Running Conference, presented by Marathon Printing, Inc., was held October 15-17, 2024, in Knoxville, TN. Organizers report that more than 150 participants registered, with in-person attendance exceeding 120. Attendees included race directors and event organizers, exhibitors, sponsors, trail runners and fans of the sport. Race directors and event organizers at the Conference represented more than 125,000 runners.The Conference was held in partnership with Visit Knoxville Sports Commission, and the American Trail Running Association. (Photos courtesy Aaron Smith / Kayco Creative).

The theme for the 2025 event was The Future of Trail Running: Technology Solutions and the Conference featured a wide range of presentations and panels over three days focused on this topic. From state of the sport to race mentorship, breaking down barriers to ethical impacts of AI, there was content directed to all attendees who gained knowledge and insight from the lively discussions and sessions.

Presenters and expert panelists included Dale Garland (Hardrock 100), Jay Kelley (UltraSignup), Alex Ross (Denver Colfax), Tony Reed ( National Black Marathaners Association), Lisa Felder (Pinkathon), Mandy Mullen (run.Windsor), Tom Hooper (SIX03Endurance), and Olivia Affuso (Outdoor Researcher).

The content this year built on the successful format introduced in 2024, which resulted in positive increases in diversity for panelists, presenters, and attendees. In 2025 panelists were 48% female and 52% male, while 15% were BIPOC, 9% represented LGBTQIA, and 9% were youth or elders. Ninety two percent of panels featured persons identifying as female, while 66% featured male panelists. 42% of panels included members of the BIPOC community, 35% included members of the LGBTQIA community, and 33% included panelists that were youth or elders.

Three important initiatives were introduced during the Conference. The first concerned the lack of data on ethnicity and other under-represented groups in the sport. This was covered during both the state of the sport session, and the breaking down barriers session which focused on ethnicity. It was evident that without data on ethnicity in the sport, there was no way to measure if any programs to increase diversity in the sport were effective. It was also apparent that it was a relatively simple addition to the registration workflow for a race to include questions on ethnicity and other groups that are otherwise invisible during the registration process. A poll during the Conference asked race directors present: Would you like to see a question in the registration flow on the platform you use to take ethnicity details? 87.5% of respondents said yes, 12.5% said not sure, and zero said no.

The second important initiative concerned the introduction of the USTRC’s Policy for Respect, Inclusion, and Safety in Trail Running. While there has never been a report of inappropriate behavior at previous USTRC events, this was a first for the Conference and its implementation was meant to serve as a framework that other race directors and races can adapt.

The goal was simple: to give race directors a clear, compassionate structure for how to respond when harm occurs and to move the community from awareness to accountability. You can read the policy here.  During the session, race directors and attendees were polled about their current policies: Are you interested in introducing a safety policy for your race if you don’t have one already? Out of 27 respondents, 6 (22%) already have a safety or harassment policy in place; 16 (59%) said they plan to introduce one, which is 76% of those without an existing policy; 5 (18%) said they’re not sure yet, zero said “no.” Not one race director dismissed the need for a safety policy. That’s an incredible sign of progress. It shows that the community recognizes the issue and that race directors are ready to lead change. You can see a feature Running Toward Safety, written by Conference panelist Melissa Londry and published by event partner American Trail Running Association here.

The third initiative was Start Without a Shot Program. The program was born from a simple yet profound realization: the traditional starting pistol, a symbol of celebration in races, can be a source of trauma for many. In a world where the echoes of gun violence are all too familiar, we asked ourselves, “How can we make the starting line a place of unity and safety for everyone?” Their mission was clear: replace the triggering sound of a gunshot with a harmonious signal that resonates with inclusivity and peace. The program debuted at the Nova Post First Barrier-Free Marathon in Kyiv, and was more than an event; it was a statement. A statement that races can honor tradition while embracing change, that they can be competitive yet compassionate. 100% of participating race directors at the Conference agreed to use an alternative research-backed and tested sound; pledge to never use a gunshot, cannon, airhorn, or other triggering sound in starting their races; or both. You can see more about this exciting and innovative program here.

This year’s Conference returned to Knoxville,Tennessee for the second year. The combination of a thriving trail running community, an urban wilderness trail system that featured trails within easy access of downtown, a vibrant downtown area to relax and enjoy social time after the day’s sessions, and a centrally located Conference facility made Knoxville a popular choice for participants.

The 2025 Conference was also the last one with founder and Event Director, Terry Chiplin, leading the event. During the Conference UltraSignup, the leading registration and results platform in trail running, was introduced as the organization that would assume leadership and steward the US Trail Running Conference beginning in 2026. The conference will remain a neutral forum for discussion and development, and input from race directors and an independent advisory committee will continue to guide its future direction. You can see a feature on the announcement of the change of ownership for the Conference here.

A post Conference survey revealed key factors participants learned during the event to be incorporated into their races or events: Livestreaming; Sustainability initiatives; Social media marketing; Better communications to sponsors; Volunteer recruitment ideas; Start without a Shot; How to close gender and racial gaps in our registration; Enhancing runner experiences; Technology updates and use of AI; Adding a welcomer to staff assignments; Timing of opening registration; Insurance, permitting and networking; Sponsorship slide deck.

Conference organizers have announced that the US Trail Running Conference will return to Tennessee for the 2026 event, this time to Nashville. Dates and the Conference venue will be announced soon.

Event Director, Terry Chiplin, comments, “I could not be any more proud of the progress that has been made with the planning for this year’s Conference. This year’s Conference exceeded expectations and took a bold step forwards from last year’s excellent edition. This was a fantastic opportunity for me personally as it was my final event in charge of the Conference. Our participants, panelists, exhibitors, and presenters all contributed to generate an atmosphere of change and enthusiasm for our beloved sport. I am also grateful beyond words for the support of the American Trail Running Association who have been a loyal partner from the beginning, and our advisory committee members who have helped move the needle significantly in the last two years. I look forward to returning to the Conference next year in Nashville, with UltraSignup as the new owners. I am excited for the future of this industry-leading event.”

Nancy Hobbs, founder and executive director of conference partner American Trail Running Association, added, “Terry has done an amazing job building the Conference over the past 13 years and we applaud his efforts to raise awareness about timely topics in our sport through engaging discourse and open and interactive dialogue. I am confident that the new owners of the Conference will carry on the tradition and build on the success of the event.”

More info:

For details on the US Trail Running Conference, go to https://ustrailrunningconference.com/

Contact Summer Wofford, Director of Operations, UltraSignup, for further information,

summer@ultrasignup.com

#TrailConference #trailrunning #marathonprinting #atra #ATRATrailrunner #bettertogether #UltraSignup

About the American Trail Running Association

The American Trail Running Association, ATRA, was formed in 1996 as a Colorado not for profit corporation.Their mission is to represent and promote trail running, mountain running, and ultra trail running. They offer individual, club, race and corporate memberships. One of their primary benefits is their quarterly newsletter, Trail Times. ATRA offers numerous resources, timely articles, an event standards program, and has a robust online searchable events calendar.

About the US Trail Running Conference 

The US Trail Running Conference, presented by Marathon Printing, Inc., provides education, inspiration, and unique networking opportunities for trail race directors, trail runners, brands and fans of the sport. The Conference is held in partnership with Visit Knoxville Sports Commission and the American Trail Running Association. The mission of the US Trail Running Conference is to lead, educate, connect and empower an inclusive family of trail runners, race directors and industry leaders working to share best practices with the trail running community.

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