Switchback Spring, May 22-24, 2027 in New Orleans, LA
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Switchback at TRE, December 1-3, 2026 in San Antonio, TX
Trail running is bigger — and more accessible — than many realize. It’s not only mountain summits and 100-mile races; it’s a run club outing in the park, or a path along a city river. The Running Event and Switchback are teaming up for a first ever co-produced webinar, moderated by Brian Metzler, Director of Media and Content at UltraSignup. Together, we’ll explore what’s driving the boom and why it’s one of the biggest growth opportunities in the run and outdoor industries today.
For retailers, trail is a high-potential category — thoughtful in-store product assortments and expertise can attract new customers and build lasting loyalty. Attendees will leave with a practical set of strategies for welcoming new participants to trail running, including who these customers are, why the barrier to entry is lower than it looks, and how community, product and events get more people on the trail and bring longevity to the sport.
Brian Metzler
Director of Media and Content, UltraSignup
Brian Metzler was the founding editor of Trail Runner magazine, has written for Runner’s World, Outside, and Sports Illustrated, and is the author “Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes” (2019) and “Trail Running Illustrated” (2021). He has raced just about every distance from 100 meters to 100 miles, but he’s most eager to share stories about his experiences pack burro racing in Colorado.
Register for this live webinar by completing the fields below.
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