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Pro Runners vs Influencers: Who’s Really Shaping Trail Running?

In this solo episode of the Free Outside Show, I dive into something I’ve been thinking about (and living through) for a while—the difference between pro runners and influencers in the trail running world. Who actually drives the sport forward? Who sells the shoes? And where do we go from here?I break down how pros validate performance and products, while influencers excel at storytelling and getting people off the couch. I explore why brands struggle to invest in athlete content and what we need to do better—like athlete-influencer integration, content allowances in contracts, and actually…

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