Trail Running Influencers You Need to Follow Right Now (Pro Athletes, Coaches, Races & More)
Trail running isn’t just a sport - it’s a vibrant global community. One of the best ways to tap into that community is through Instagram, where athletes, coaches, brands, and race organisers share inspiring stories and tips daily. Below, I’ve curated 30 of the best Instagram accounts for trail runners, organised into categories: elite professional athletes, educational or entertaining creators, influential trail gear brands, and major race organisations. Each account brings something unique to the trail running world – jaw-dropping mountain photos, training wisdom, behind-the-scenes race footage, or pure inspiration. Happy following!
Professional Trail Athletes to Inspire You
These elite trail runners smash records and share candid moments from their adventures. Following them offers a front-row seat to intense races, remote training runs, and the highs and lows of ultrarunning life.
@kilianjornet – Kilian Jornet is widely regarded as the greatest mountain runner of all time, with a resume that includes four UTMB wins and countless other records. His Instagram (1.8 million followers) is filled with stunning alpine scenery and humble insights into his life in the mountains. Kilian co-founded the eco-minded gear brand NNormal, and his posts blend extreme feats with environmental awareness, inspiring trail runners worldwide.
@courtneydauwalter – Arguably the queen of ultrarunning, Courtney made history in 2023 by becoming the first person ever to win Western States, Hardrock 100, and UTMB in the same year. Known for her baggy shorts and love of candy (her IG bio even jokes about “long inseams & candy” ), she brings a down-to-earth humour to epic accomplishments. Follow her for race updates, goofy post-run selfies, and an inside look at the mindset of an ultrarunning GOAT (Greatest of All Time).
@walmsleyruns (Jim Walmsley) – A HOKA-sponsored American ultrarunner famed for his aggressive racing style, Jim is a three-time Western States champion and in 2023 became the first American man to win UTMB. Now based in France, he shares glimpses of training on European trails and major events. Jim’s feed balances raw workout grind with triumphant race shots – a must-follow for those who crave competitive ultra vibes and course-record-breaking moments.
@gediminasgrinius – Gediminas Grinius is a legend in the world of ultra trail running. A UTWT (Ultra-Trail World Tour) champion, Vibram athlete, and co-founder of Trail Running Factory, he’s known for his strategic racing style and mental toughness across some of the toughest races on the planet. His Instagram is packed with insights into high-level training, stunning mountain views, and his passion for coaching the next generation of trail runners. I’m proud to call Gediminas my coach - his guidance brings elite-level wisdom to every step of my journey.
@francois_dhaene – France’s ultra trail icon, François D’Haene, has won UTMB four times (tied with Jornet for the record) and excels at 100-milers. His posts (often bilingual) showcase the beauty of the Alps, his vineyard (he’s a winemaker by trade), and the joy of mountain life. François’s account proves you can be both an elite athlete and enjoy life’s simple pleasures – all while racking up wins on the world’s toughest courses.
@scottjurek – A legend of the sport, Scott Jurek dominated ultras in the 2000s (including 7 straight Western States 100 wins). Now a best-selling author and plant-based nutrition advocate, his posts mix nostalgic throwbacks with ongoing adventures on trails. Scott often documents family hikes, vegan recipes, and motivational quotes. “Sherpa Jurek” offers wisdom from an ultrarunning pioneer who’s still exploring and inspiring new generations.
@antonkrupicka – Anton (Tony) Krupicka is an iconic trail running figure known for his minimalistic “dirtbag” lifestyle. Famous for running shirtless in tiny shorts during his peak racing years, he now does more mountain climbing and biking, but his soul remains a pure trail runner. Anton’s Instagram features dreamy mountain sunrises, gear tinkering (he’s often modifying shoes or backpacks), and philosophical musings from long days in Colorado’s high country. He’s a reminder to love the simple act of moving through nature.
@yellowrunner (Sally McRae) – Sally, nicknamed “Yellowrunner,” is a pro ultrarunner and coach who radiates positivity and toughness. She won the Badwater 135 (perhaps the world’s hardest ultramarathon) in 2021 and often speaks about mental grit. On IG, Sally shares motivational training videos, strength workouts, and personal reflections on overcoming challenges. Her content, tied to her “Choose Strong” mantra, is uplifting and actionable for anyone pushing their limits.
@runcandicerun (Candice Burt)—Candice is an ultra athlete and race director best known for organising 200-mile races. In 2023, she set a mind-blowing Guinness World Record by running 200 ultramarathons in 200 consecutive days. Her Instagram chronicles this journey with daily trail snapshots and honest talk about endurance and mindset. Candice also gives followers a behind-the-scenes look at directing events like the Triple Crown of 200s. Follow for a dose of extreme inspiration and insight into ultra logistics.
@paucapell (Pau Capell) – Pau Capell is a Spanish trail star and 2019 UTMB champion. A The North Face athlete, Pau, famously attempted a “Breaking20” project to run UTMB in under 20 hours. His posts highlight beautiful Catalan trails, training innovation, and race strategy. Despite his elite status (188K followers), Pau’s friendly, open approach to sharing his journey – from injury setbacks to podium finishes – makes his account motivating for aspiring ultrarunners.
@lucy_bartholomew (Lucy Bartholomew) – Hailing from Australia, Lucy burst onto the scene by finishing 3rd at Western States 100 at 22 years old. Her Instagram captures her energetic spirit and love of the outdoors – you’ll see everything from ultra race pics to surf sessions and vegan recipe ideas. Lucy’s positivity is contagious; she often talks about running for adventure over competition and shares tips from her training programs. Following her feels like cheering on a little sister in the sport (who happens to be an international ultra phenom).
Trail Running Creators, Influencers & Coaches (Tips and Entertainment)
Not all trail running inspiration comes from racing. Coaches, content creators, and media outlets offer training advice, gear reviews, and entertainment that can level up your trail running experience. These accounts deliver education and fun in equal measure.
@ethannewberry (The Ginger Runner) – Ethan Newberry, known as “The Ginger Runner,” is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker and gear reviewer who brings humour to trail running. His IG and YouTube content feature gear test runs, race documentaries, and his ultramarathon adventures. Whether he’s lovingly poking fun at running culture or hosting virtual global runs, Ethan’s content is both informative and highly entertaining – perfect for days you need a laugh and some trail beta.
@billyyang (Billy Yang Films) – Billy Yang is a filmmaker and storyteller who has chronicled some of the most iconic ultrarunners through beautifully crafted short films. On Instagram, he shares sneak peeks from his projects, stunning photography from mountain shoots, and personal training updates as a runner himself. Following Billy gives you a behind-the-lens look at the trail community’s heart and soul – his work often highlights the “why” of running that many of us relate to on a deep level.
@kevinvds – This is my own account, where I share the story of my road back to trail running after heart surgery. I post behind-the-scenes moments from training and races, and offer practical tips for regular trail runners - grounded in the science and strategies used by the pros. Whether it’s navigating recovery, prepping for an ultra, or just enjoying time on the trails, I aim to keep it real, relatable, and inspiring.
@sagecanaday – Sage is a pro runner turned coach who generously shares training tips and wisdom. A 2:16 marathoner turned mountain ultrarunner, he offers a unique blend of road speed and trail savvy. Sage’s posts and IG TV videos break down workouts, nutrition, and race tactics in a way any runner can apply. He’s also unafraid to show the grind (interval pain faces galore) or poke fun at himself. For evidence-based advice on running far and fast, Sage’s 100K+ follower account is gold.
@dylanbo (Dylan Bowman) – Dylan Bowman is a former elite ultrarunner who co-founded the trail media platform FreeTrail. As host of the FreeTrail podcast, he interviews top athletes, and his IG shares highlights from those chats, gear insights, and community trail stoke. Dylan’s feed feels like a hub for trail culture – one day you’ll see him profiling an up-and-coming racer, another day testing new shoes in the Rockies. It’s an excellent follow to stay current on trail running news and culture through an insider’s eyes.
@jamilcoury – Jamil Coury (founder of Aravaipa Running) is a race director and content creator famous for his quirky endurance challenges (ever hear of the “Coca Donut 250”?) and the YouTube series Mountain Outpost. His Instagram mixes serious ultra endeavours with a good dose of fun – expect clips of him running in costumes, updates on races he directs (like the Javelina Jundred), and training for events like the Barkley Marathons. Jamil’s 50k+ followers know that his feed will either make you sign up for a race or at least spit out your coffee laughing.
@trailrunnermag (Trail Runner Magazine) - The official Instagram of Trail Runner magazine (320K followers) is a fantastic all-around source of trail inspiration. They post breathtaking trail photos, feature stories of everyday runners alongside elites, and share training tips from the magazine’s articles. Book recommendations, athlete interviews, and the latest trail news (from FKTS to race results) will be found. It’s like getting a mini trail magazine in your feed, keeping you informed and stoked to hit the dirt.
(Honourable mentions in this category include accounts like @irunfar for ultra news and @vert.run for training insights. Check these out too if you crave more content once you’ve followed the big ones above.)
Influential Trail Running Brands to Follow
Gear can make or break your trail experience; these brands are leading the way with innovative shoes, apparel, and more. Their Instagram accounts often showcase epic athletes, new product drops, and community highlights. Following them keeps you in the loop on trail tech and style, and fuels the stoke with adventure imagery.
@hoka – HOKA has exploded in popularity, especially among trail and ultra runners, and now boasts over 1.2 million followers on Instagram. Known for their maximalist cushioned shoes (#FlyHumanFly is the motto), HOKA’s account is a mix of product news and inspirational content. You’ll see HOKA athletes like Jim Walmsley and Courtney Dauwalter in action, announcements of new shoe launches, and community spotlights from everyday runners. It’s a feed that makes you want to lace up and go long.
@SalomonRunning – Salomon’s dedicated running account (with nearly 1M followers) is the place for mountain sport eye-candy. Salomon gears up many of the world’s top trail athletes, so their feed is filled with people like Kilian Jornet dancing up ridgelines in Salomon kit. They also share trail technique videos, contest giveaways, and behind-the-scenes looks at events like the Golden Trail Series. If you love trail running’s blend of sport and nature, Salomon’s visuals and community engagement will speak to you.
@thenorthface – The North Face isn’t just about jackets and Everest expeditions – they have a strong trail running team and even a separate @thenorthface_trail account (200K+ followers). On their main IG (which has a whopping 6 million followers ), you’ll catch plenty of trail running content amid the outdoor lifestyle posts. TNF frequently features its athletes (like Pau Capell or Hillary Allen) conquering big trail objectives, and promotes events like the Endurance Challenge. Following them keeps you connected to a broad outdoor community while feeding your trail running obsession.
@on – Swiss brand On Running has rapidly become a major trail running player, partly by signing top athletes and partnering with UTMB. Their IG (3M followers) highlights sleek design and epic scenery in equal measure. On’s posts often show sponsored runners like Katie Schide or Dominic Bösel running in the clouds (literally – their shoes are known for “cloud” pods) and announce events or collabs. They bring a modern, innovative flair to trail gear on Instagram, reflecting their ethos of “Swiss engineering” meets adventure.
@nordarun (Norda) – Norda is a newer niche brand from Canada making waves for its ultra-durable Dyneema trail shoes. With a smaller but devoted following (~147K), Norda’s account feels like an art gallery for trail shoe geeks. You’ll see close-ups of their sleek minimalist shoes in wild environments, testimonials from hardcore mountain runners, and teases of cutting-edge material tech. Norda’s tagline “one giant leap for trail-kind” comes through in their posts – expect to feel like you’re viewing the future of trail footwear. Follow if you’re a gear nerd or want to stay ahead of the curve with boutique trail kicks.
Major Trail Races & Organisations to Follow
Keep the stoke high year-round by following the Instagram accounts of premier trail races and race series. These feeds provide live race coverage, participant stories, and info on how to enter those bucket-list events. Even if you’re not toeing the start line (yet!), following along brings the race energy to you.
@utmbmontblanc (UTMB® Mont-Blanc) – UTMB is the Super Bowl of trail running, and its official account has over 560K followers for good reason. This feed delivers stunning shots from the Alps and live updates during UTMB week, covering all the races (UTMB, CCC, TDS, etc.). You’ll relive legendary moments – from champions breaking the tape in Chamonix to everyday heroes embracing the finish after 170 brutal kilometres. UTMB’s Instagram truly captures the grandeur and community spirit of “the world’s most prestigious trail race”, making you feel part of the action.
@wser (Western States Endurance Run) – WSER is the original 100-mile trail race (est. 1974), and its Instagram is a trove of ultrarunning heritage. Expect photos of golden California trails, runner profiles in the lead-up to June’s race, and heartwarming stories (like the “Golden Hour” finishes). Western States’ account (120K followers) often highlights the volunteers and traditions that make this race special. Following it not only gets you pumped with race-day adrenaline each year, but also connects you to the rich history and ethos of the sport.
@hardrock100run (Hardrock 100) – The Hardrock 100 is an infamously hard mountain ultra in Colorado’s San Juans, and its IG feed shows off why it’s so revered. Jaw-dropping mountain vistas, images of runners kissing the hardrock at the finish, and updates on the lottery or course conditions fill the feed. With a smaller following (~84K) , Hardrock’s account feels like a tight community of mountain ultra fanatics. They often post throwbacks of ultra legends on the course, keeping the hardcore spirit alive. Follow for a taste of ultrarunning’s wild side and maybe a dash of altitude envy.
@goldentrailseries (Golden Trail World Series) – This international series (powered by Salomon) highlights shorter-distance, super-competitive trail races (think 20K to marathon distance) across the globe. The GTWS Instagram (213K followers) is fast-paced and fun: you’ll see finish-line sprints, athlete takeovers, and highlight reels from races in places like the Dolomites, Pyrenees, or Azores. It’s a great account to discover up-and-coming trail athletes and witness the pure speed and emotion of sub-ultra trail racing. Plus, the scenery is ridiculous!
@skyrunning (Skyrunner® World Series) – If you love high-altitude, technical trail races, the Skyrunning World Series feed is for you. Skyrunning’s IG (156K followers) shares content from races climbing ski slopes, ridges, and even via ferratas worldwide. Expect heli shots of runners scrambling toward the sky and news about the world circuit standings. This account brings an edge-of-your-seat vibe as you follow athletes tackling courses where one misstep could send you tumbling. It’s inspirational and maybe a little crazy – just like skyrunning itself.
@utmbworldseries (UTMB World Series) – A relatively new addition, the UTMB World Series is a global circuit of trail races leading to the UTMB finals. Following this account (330K+ followers) keeps you updated on events from Patagonia to Hong Kong to the American West, all of the UTMB family. You’ll see race highlights, winners, and community stories from dozens of iconic ultras (many formerly in the Ultra-Trail World Tour). It’s essentially a year-round world tour of trail running. Following UTMB World Series, you can travel the globe vicariously through trail races – and maybe plot your future race-cation!
Conclusion: Whether you’re seeking inspiration to tackle your first trail 10K or looking to immerse yourself in the ultra scene, these 30 Instagram accounts have you covered. From the awe-inspiring feats of professional mountain goats to the helpful tips of coaches and the buzz of race-day feeds, your Instagram will be motivated to hit the trails. Lace up, follow along, and let the trail running community fuel your next run!
Happy trails and happy scrolling! 🏔️🏃♂️🏃♀️