How To Build A Professional Trail Running Team (November 2021)

Singletrack

Way back in November 2021 when this show was just getting off the ground, we did an episode with Sam Parsons - a professional runner and cofounder of the Tinman Elite team based in Boulder, CO.
At the time, I was surprised that we had not seen the formation and widespread existence of a truly professionalized, co-located team in the trail running world. So I reached out, he gave me an hour, and I tried to fit in as many questions as I could about how they operate, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what it would take to create something similar in our community.
I have never done an episode re-run before, but I’m doing it now because (a) it’s been over 2 years and we’re in a similar position to where we were in 2021, (b) the show didn’t have many listeners when the original episode aired so there was little to no reach for the message, and (c) this re-run may queue up a potential part 2 later this winter.
Lastly, I’m well aware of the unique challenges that our sport presents for this idea to work, but I’m still convinced it’s a good idea. So, I hope that in the coming months and years a band of motivated people run with this idea and make something happen.
Timestamps

• (1:46) - the story of Tinman Elite
• (4:01) - speculating on the potential for trail running teams
• (7:09) - the Tinman playbook for recruiting team members
• (12:17) - how Tinman coordinates training, racing schedules
• (17:34) - why aspiring pro runners still default to the roads and track
• (22:54) - how Sam would grow the sport of trail running
• (26:47) - Adidas internship
• (32:17) - brand marketing inspirations for running teams
• (34:08) - how Tinman creates content for social media
• (46:08) - lessons from Tinman for the next trail running team

Sponsors:

• Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.
• Rabbit - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/) to get 20% off your next order.
• Brooks Running - check out their High Point clothing collection and new and improved Cascadia 17 shoe at this link (https://www.brooksrunning.com/singletrack).

Links

• Follow Sam Parsons and Tinman Elite
• Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube

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