Is the Double Back? Kilian’s 2026 Schedule, Ironman’s Content Ban + Western States Depth (Singletrack News)

In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, Kilian Jornet announces he’ll attempt the Western States–UTMB double in 2026, reviving a strategy some thought was fading from elite playbooks. 

We also examine Ironman’s decision to ban in-race content creation, including smart glasses, GoPros, and phones. Is this about safety, competitive fairness, or the beginning of a broader shift in endurance sports culture? Could trail running follow?

Elsewhere, we break down Abby Levine’s analysis of the Western States 2026 field - including the surprising stat about back-to-back women’s champions, the depth emerging from Golden Ticket races like Black Canyon and CCC, and what still remains up for grabs at Chianti and Canyons.

Plus:

• Chuckanut announces a first-ever livestream in partnership with Mountain Outpost
• Transgrancanaria preview
• Nike ACG’s experimental “smallest backyard ultra” activation in Milan
• ITRA’s 2025 Women in Trail Running participation report
• Aravaipa launches The Cutoff film tour
• UTMB postpones its Puerto Vallarta event following regional unrest

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• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
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