✳️Trail Running Media Gift Guide!

Even the creators of gift guides need their own guide…

Hey pals,

Christmas time is an important time for me. From spending time with friends and family, reflecting on the past year and dreaming up plans for the next. It’s a month bookmarked by traditions that build up year after year.

Over the last couple of years I’ve published A Trail Running Media Gift Guide, a selection of ways you can gift the trail runner in your life a present that mutually shows your support for the media outlets and creators that give life to this community, whilst also helping you with last minute gifts.

This year I’ve updated the list with a few finds across the year, but this time there’s also an additional twist.

This year I have a small contest with simple entry criteria. All you have to do to have the chance to win a year's subscription to Like The Wind magazine or access to David and Megan Roche’s ‘Some Work All Play’ Patreon is to follow Trailmix on Instagram here or on LinkedIn here. If you follow both, you’ll be entered twice. If you’re already a follower, then you’re already on the list. There are four subscriptions available so you’ll all have a good chance of winning. I’ll contact and announce the winners in the New Year. Good Luck!

For now, whether by subscribing to a publication directly, donating to their Patreon, purchasing their merch, or buying something using a discount code, we can all support the media outlets and creators in our industry this year by investing in them.

This list is by no means comprehensive, so please support your favourite trail running media publication/podcast/creator in any way you can :)

I hope you have a restful Christmas and a raucous New Year.

Matt

For the Thoughtful Runner

Like The Wind is for those that believe that running is more than a sport, but a way of being. Reading Simon and Julie Freeman’s Like The Wind magazine is truly an engrossing experience. Going from page to page you begin to realise how universal an experience running is and how through this lens we are able to empathise with whole other cultures, nations and societies.

Subscribe to Like the Wind here or browse their store for similar gifts.

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For the Runner in Search of their Tribe

We all know that person whose life is trail running. They read Trail Runner mag for insights from David Roche on how to be a better runner, they’re reading reviews on IRunFar for far too long, then watch GingerRunner for a second opinion. They also follow every trail runner on X, but fear its in a death spiral that may cut them off from the community if it comes to it’s seemingly inevitable demise. For those people, a subscription to FreeTrail Pro is the next step that brings them closer to the trail running community without the dumpster fire of chaos that is X.

Subscribe to Freetrail Pro here.

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For the Runner who Loves their Training Advice with a Side of Joy

David and Megan Roche’s SWAP Podcast is probably the only podcast i listen to that sparkles with effervescent joy. You leave filled with practical training recommendations and a smile. For those that want more, their Patreon just keeps on giving. Subscribe here.

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For the Ultrarunner in Need of some Downtime

If you just want your ultrarunner friend or partner to just sit down and stop running for just a hot minute, maybe get them subscribed to Ultrarunning magazine (US) or Ultra runner magazine(UK). It satisfies their need to become a better runner, whilst letting them put their feet up.

Subscribe here (US) & here (UK)

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For the Runner who thinks the Right Number of Shoes is n+1

Sometimes the best thing you can get a runner is more shoes. If so, browse IRunFar’s gift guides and shoes of the year and purchase the shoes through their links. It’s a small commission, but every little helps. (Whilst you’re there, contribute to their Patreon)

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For the Runner who wants to know the Behind the Scenes Details on UTMB’s Rise

Many of you started sharpening your pitchforks ready for the next UTMB blunder, but maybe take a step back and read Doug Mayer’s incisive book on UTMB’s growth. It might change your perspective, or give you more reason to keep sharpening.

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For the Ultramarathoner in need of some 2025 inspiration

Immerse them in a world of breathtaking landscapes, thrilling race reports, and captivating stories from fellow ultrarunners in Ultra magazine (UK). Ultra not only delivers stunning photography that captures the essence of our sport but also provides valuable insights into upcoming races and events around the world, perfect for planning that 2025 race calendar…

Subscribe here

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For the Runner in Search of an Alpine Adventure

I’ve been plotting some summertime madness in the alps next year and Run the Alp’s Switzerland guidebook has been both inspirational and dangerous for my ambitions. Buy the book direct here.

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For the Literary Runner

Yes, you can gift newsletter subscriptions and there’s a newsletter for every type of Runner:

• For the thoughtful ponderer: Sarah Lavender Smith

• For the person that works in the ‘the industry’: Matt Trappe

• For the modern runner who enjoys more than just miles: Raziq Rauf

• For the generous soul: Trailmix (I haven’t launched anything yet, but thought i’d offer a paid subscription if you’re feeling festive)

  Remember if you want a chance to win subscriptions to Like the Wind or the SWAP Patreon, follow Trailmix on Insta or LinkedIn (or both)!