As trail running continues its record growth, UltraSignup will host three of the most important days on the race directors’ calendar at the 2026 US Trail Running Conference from November 5–7, 2026 at Nashville’s Music City Center.

The US Trail Running Conference, being sponsored for the first time by UltraSignup, will bring together the people building the future of trail running — experienced race directors, new race operators, athletes, brands and the community that lives the sport.

The conference will also give registrants an early look at the new UltraSignup platform, with opportunities to demo the technology on the a newly rebuilt registration platform. The next generation of UltraSignup will introduce a significantly improved experience for race directors and runners, with new tools designed to make managing, discovering and registering for races easier.

“Ultrasignup is the home of trail running — already the platform where runners overwhelmingly come to discover their next race, track their ranking and find all their resources,” says Jay Kelley, UltraSignup’s co-CEO, alongside David Callahan. “By deeply investing in UltraSignup’s platform technology, our goal is to outpace the sport, serving race directors and runners ahead of what they need. And hosting the USTRC means the trail community can stay connected far after the finish line.”

Trail Running is Booming
Trail running is the fastest growing outdoor activity in the U.S., growing 6.6 percent in 2025 to 17.2 million participants and up 57 percent since 2019, according to the Outdoor Industry Association’s 2026 Running Report. UltraSignup is at the center of that growth, helping runners discover more than 6500 races across North America.

This year’s panels and sessions will engage attendees about race sponsorships, medical guidelines for races, how to increase diversity and inclusivity in the sport and the future of public lands. Additional topics include marketing basics for races, enhancing runner and volunteer experiences, and environmental sustainability. Among the highlights:

  • The State of the Sport session will look at what UltraSignup’s registration data says about where trail and ultra running went this year. It will also include a first look at the new UltraSignup platform with a look at key features, new tools and runner interaction.
  • Lazarus Lake in conversation with Paul Mellor: The creator of the Barkley Marathons and Big’s Backyard Ultra sits down with the documentarian behind the first officially authorized film about him. That film, Lazarus Lake – The Hillbilly Scientist (2026), directed by Mellor and Luke Jarmey, screens Friday evening.
  • Craig Thornley and Sally McRae (photo below): The Western States 100 race director and the professional runner and author discuss leadership and succession and what it takes to hand a race to the next person without losing what makes it work. McRae will also emcee across all three days.

Optional group runs are planned for Friday and Saturday mornings before conference sessions. UltraSignup is hosting one of its Dirt Circus community trail running events on Sunday, Nov. 8 

“This year we’re welcoming a group of experienced speakers like never before – representing races from 5K to 300miles – and addressing topics incredibly important to our sport,” adds Carrie Meng, USTRC event director. “I don’t know another forum in trail that brings together this depth of knowledge and experience.”

Marathon Printing returns as presenting partner. Headsweats, Leslie Jordan and AllTrails are gold partners. ATRA’s Better Together Scholarship Program, now in its third year, supported eight race directors and community organizers this year. 

Full three-day registration is $350 and includes every session, daily lunch, the Thursday welcome mixer, expo access, the Endurance HQ networking app and a swag bag. Registration closes October 22. Details are at ustrailrunningconference.com.

About UltraSignup
Founded in 2009 by a trail runner for trail runners, UltraSignup is trail running’s home for race registration, results, and rankings — hosting more than 6500 events across North America, more than any other platform in the sport. Beyond race registration, UltraSignup produces original journalism, video, and podcasts through Trailhead Media, tours the country with its Dirt Circus festival events, and stewards the U.S. Trail Running Conference. Find your next race at ultrasignup.com.

About the US Trail Running Conference
The US Trail Running Conference is a gathering for race directors, brands, athletes, media and outdoor industry leaders to learn, connect and shape the future of the sport. Learn more at ustrailrunningconference.com.