Built by runners, for runners.

The problem

Planning a race season shouldn't start with twenty browser tabs. But that's how most of us do it — comparing courses across a dozen race websites, trying to remember the name of that new race we heard about, cross-referencing lottery dates and registration deadlines, chasing Hardrock and Western States qualifier requirements, trying to fit it all into a calendar that actually builds toward something. By the time you've gathered enough information to decide, you're overwhelmed. So you settle.

And settling costs you. The wrong race at the wrong time, a season that doesn't build, a day you weren't ready for. Every runner deserves to line up prepared — whether or not you have a coach and a spreadsheet habit.

Why we built this

I'm Chris — a trail runner in Boulder, Colorado (original, I know). My wife and I race. Our friends race. We crew and pace for each other. And for years, we've put together race plans — not just seasons, but full day-of strategies — by hand.

Every season started the same way: hours of research, trying to synthesize multiple sources of information, before any real planning could happen. Then once the calendar was set, it started all over again for race day. Hunt down the course map. Find last year's aid station list. Cross-reference cutoffs and crew access points. Try to understand the course and how to approach it. Repeat for every race. Then do it all again next year.

The hard part of racing shouldn't be the research and planning. It should be the climb at mile 62, the pace you hold through the night, the moment you decide to keep going.

That kind of race day doesn't happen by accident. It comes from picking the right races, building toward them, and knowing the course before you toe the line. The tools to do that shouldn't be reserved for elites or anyone willing to spend a weekend in spreadsheets. They should be in every runner's hands.

Trailrace.co is the tool I wished I had every time I sat down to plan. The research happens once, for everyone — so you can spend your time on the decisions that matter, and show up to every start line with a real shot at your best race.

Here's to this silly, rewarding, endlessly challenging sport and the community that makes it special. I hope this tool helps you plan a little better, stress a little less, and enjoy your race experience a little more.

– Chris