Benjamin Townsend | The Kids are Alright - 20 Year Old Trail Phenom and the Future of the Mountain Running Scene

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This week's Steep Stuff podcast guest is none other than the trailblazer himself,  Benjamin Townsend; who brings the highs and lows of his running journey right into your ears. From his childhood roots in Logan, Utah, to the punishing Broken Arrow Skyrace, Benjamin doesn't hold back on the details of his intense training and the unforgettable races that have marked his ascent in the trail running world.

Navigating the undulating path of trail running isn't just about endurance; it's a dance of strategy and support, something that Benjamin and I dissect with the precision of a well-placed foot on a mountain trail. We unravel the contrasts between American and European approaches to the sport, and consider the emerging trend of trading college running tracks for rugged trails. Equally, we reflect on the shared stories from events like the XTERRA 21K National Championship and the Iron Face Challenge, granting you a window into the technicalities that make each race a unique beast to conquer.

The episode isn't just about looking back; it's a forward march to the future of trail running. We debate the purity of the sport in the face of growing commercialization and its potential Olympic future, wrapping up a conversation that's as varied and challenging as the trails Benjamin and I have both come to love. Join us for an episode that’s as much about the soul of running as it is about the sweat and dirt.

Benjamin Townsend IG -  @benjamin.tsend