Why Trail Running Can't Stop Fighting Itself: TLDR Dumpster Fire Observations

Why Trail Running Can't Stop Fighting Itself: TLDR Dumpster Fire Observations

From Free Outside by Jeff Garmire

May 21, 2026 · 1h 5m

About this episode

The episode discusses recent controversies in trail running, including brand backlash, influencer culture, and doping discussions.

Trail TMZ is back. Host and award-winning correspondent Allison Mercer dive into one of the strangest weeks of trail running that we have seen in a while. From the Satisfy and Adidas backlash and influencer culture debates, to doping discussions around Cam Hanes, Sage Canaday and clean sport, plus the growing role of social media in shaping running culture. We also talk FKTs, Will Peterson's Appalachian Trail attempt, upcoming Pacific Crest Trail action, why controversy dominates attention online, and whether running is losing the things that made it special in the first place. Topics: • Satisfy backlash and brand culture • Influencer running and authenticity • Cam Hanes, Sage Canaday, and doping conversations • Why negativity dominates social media • FKT updates and upcoming attempts • Will Peterson's Appalachian Trail • The future of trail running culture Support our Sponsors: Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon…

People in this episode

Host: Allison Mercer

Topics covered

  • Satisfy backlash and brand culture
  • Influencer running and authenticity
  • Doping conversations
  • Negativity in social media
  • FKT updates
  • Will Peterson's Appalachian Trail attempt
  • Future of trail running culture

Keywords

  • trail running
  • influencer culture
  • doping
  • FKT
  • social media
  • Appalachian Trail
  • Pacific Crest Trail

Sponsors

Janji, CS Coffee, Garage Grown Gear

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Satisfy, Adidas

Places: Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail

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