Trailcon: North America's Premier Trail Running Festival
The trail running community is about to experience an exciting new chapter with the launch of TrailCon. Amidst the rapid growth and global reach of trail running, we're proud to introduce a groundbreaking event that celebrates the spirit of unity, innovation, and collective progress for our beloved sport.
TrailCon, North America’s Premier Trail Running Festival , is held each June at the iconic Palisades Tahoe, California. Our next event is scheduled for June 22-24, 2026.
With panels and activations focused on the most pressing educational and inspirational topics in the sport, TrailCon is attended by stakeholders from the entire community, including brands, athletes, and fans. With over 20 individual panels, made up of thought leaders and icons of the sport, and a 60+ brand vendor village, where industry leading companies showcase the latest and greatest trail apparel, equipment and accessories, TrailCon is a not-to-be-missed event.
By bridging two of the world’s most famous races, the Broken Arrow Skyrace and iconic Western States Endurance Run, TrailCon harnesses the energy of these premier races to create a transformative experience and a new 10-day Trail Running Capital of the World.From trail aficionados to industry titans, TrailCon welcomes all voices to Palisades Tahoe each June.
Both days see numerous demo opportunities and brand activations, plus the event is 100% free to attend. Please registers HERE.<br>
Amidst the rapid growth and global reach of trail running, we’re proud to introduce a groundbreaking event that celebrates the spirit of unity, innovation, and collective progress for our beloved sport. Whether you represent a brand, are a marketing professional, agent, professional athlete, or merely a general fan of the sport, TrailCon is for you.
As the trail running landscape evolves, TrailCon provides an inclusive platform for dialogue, collaboration, education and inspiration.
Trailcon is the brainchild of three partners
Brendan Madigan
A local Tahoe resident and owner of the 49 year old speciality retailer Alpenglow Sports, Brendan brings a wealth of independent experience to the TrailCon discussions as the event creator and race director of Broken Arrow.
Doug Emslie
With three decades of event expertise and a passion for running, Doug is the majority owner of Raccoon Media Group, organizer of the Boston Run Show and the Boston Outdoor Show.
Dylan Bowman
Pro runner and CEO of Freetrail, Dylan is a driving force behind trail industry media and co-race director of Gorge Waterfall and The Big Alta events.
OUR PURPOSE
The purpose of TrailCon is to provide a multi-day trail running festival that allows all stakeholders of the sport to gather and celebrate the shared passion of trail running. Our goal is to create a vibrant forum with a focus on unity, innovation, education, and collective progress.
TrailCon is meant to facilitate and set the tone for a positive future for all stakeholders of the sport. Over time, TrailCon can also offer a valuable opportunity for brands to interface with trail consumers and retail partners alike to grow and strengthen their businesses.
OUR VISION
The attention of the trail running world descends upon Olympic Valley, CA for the final two weekends in June. Bookended by two world-class race events, Broken Arrow Skyrace & Western States 100, TrailCon unites these two iconic weekends through a collective and collaborative forum for both business and consumer audiences. TrailCon is a critical annual gathering of trail running brands, media, general enthusiasts, and thought leaders with broad cultural and commercial impact.
