Trails for all: Celebration and representation outdoors

Words by: Laura Markwardt. Photography by: Keith Fearnow and Matt Davey 

The mountains don’t care about your pace or your background. Altitude humbles, weather can change anyone’s race and terrain yields to no one. Regardless of finish time, people’s stories when they cross the line are remarkably similar. The challenge is universal and embracing this adventure makes trail running – and the welcoming community that surrounds it – unique.

Now in its sixth season, The Cirque Series, a range of short, high-elevation races open to all abilities, has a celebratory atmosphere that captures the spirit of trail running. Ana Alarcón, On’s brand communications lead for outdoor in North America, brings together professional skier, entrepreneur and Cirque Series founder, Julian Carr, and trail athlete and TikTok star, Michael Mitchell (known to friends and fans as Mikey) to talk about Cirque Series' success, trail running and representation outdoors.

Mikey joins the call first from his boyfriend’s house in Fire Island Pines, New York. It seems a fitting location to discuss representation, Fire Island being a legendary haven for LGBTIQA+ artists, including visionary beat poet O’Hara. “I just love it here,” he beams.

Cirque Series founder, Julian Carr, appears next with an awe-inspiring backdrop: a mountain shot from one of his Cirque Series races in Alaska.

Ana recognizes the scene right away, “Julian! Is that one of the Cirque races? I was there two years ago. It was great.” 

Founded by Julian, The Cirque Series runs annually from July to October. The popular mountain running race-festival welcomes all ages and abilities – from Olympians to first-timers. 

“Good spot!” Julian smiles, “Yeh it’s Cirque – you can just make out the tiny runners on the ridge right there.”

The scene is set for a conversation celebrating love and respect for the outdoors and how we can continue to come together to make progress in the trail running space.

On’s Ana Alarcón: 

Thank you both for joining. Let’s talk about your experience in the trail running community, its rising popularity, and how accessibility and diversity in that space is evolving.  

What is it about trail running that resonates with you, and is trail running such an important part of your life? 

On trail athlete, Mikey:

My family taught me to value the outdoors and I joined the cross-country team in seventh grade. I was backpacking and camping. I was a ski-racer back in high school and still ski now. I've always had a passion for the mountains and wilderness. Trail running combines a lot of what I love in a single sport.

The community that surrounds trail running is unique, and I’ve found it to be so welcoming. That’s another reason why I fell in love with it – and why I want to continue doing it for as long as I can. 

Cirque Series race director, Julian:

Yeah, I echo that. The community in mountain running is the cornerstone of the whole sport.

What resonates with me boils down to sharing a very raw, primal experience, a personal connection with nature and the accomplishment you get from a mountain adventure. You'll typically have a destination in mind, whether it's a summit, a particular trail or a landmark. And you find your breath in nature together. It’s an incredible way to connect with other people and it just hits home – I love it.

Mikey:

Riffing off that primal feeling, it’s very meditative. I've always used running as an outlet to work through feelings and emotions on the move; it’s a time to process things that are difficult in other areas of my life.  

With trail running, I'm able to connect with myself and with the other people who move with me. It’s unique to other outdoor sports.

Julian:

If I'm facing a decision or crossroads in my life, or just need extra insight, one of my favorite things to do is to head out on a hike or run and allow things to come to me. At a certain pace, the answers often follow.

Ana:

I love that. I've experienced something similar. I wonder if the trail community is so welcoming because you share a journey in that moment. You go through the same struggle on the incline, navigate downhills and experience nature together.  

I think that's why trail has become so popular in the past few years. People have realized this extended affinity with the natural world, their friends and their community. 

Running at Cirque Series myself, I experienced it first-hand. There were about 70 people and a lot of first-timers taking on that mountain [The Alyeska Series is 6.2 miles (10km) with an altitude of 3,890ft (1,185m)]. There were no expectations, just having fun. It was incredible. 

I wanted to ask you Julian, why do you think trail, and The Cirque Series specifically, has been so successful?  

Julian:

I’ve always had the philosophy that I want all abilities to feel comfortable showing up for Cirque; all personalities, backgrounds and ages. It’s a place for people to find their own pace and flourish. We strive to be inclusive – that’s the Cirque sweet spot.

I’ve seen a start line with three generations – a grandpa, dad and grandson – they're lacing up their shoes, literally standing next to an Olympian and a pro trail runner. A single race that appeals to such a broad spectrum of people, is pretty special. 

There’s also great prize money, and all those traditional things that you do. We want to make sure the people who are fast and win the race are rewarded. But we also like to kick that recognition off with the Middle of the Pack award. We bring up the person who finishes right in the middle to set the tone that we want the races to feel special, but also keep these all-inclusive vibes going.

And Mikey, you've done your fair share of longer races and that's incredible. I'm actually in awe of it. But with Cirque being shorter races, it’s more accessible than ultras. These races can be a stepping stone for people who are curious to try trail racing. 

Coming from a ski background, I know that when you go out in the mountains and have an adventure, it usually doesn’t end there. You have food and drink afterwards, cheer on others and celebrate. We put a lot of energy into creating an atmosphere. I take that from ski culture, but I think it transcends all mountain-loving people. When you’ve had an adventure that’s tested everything you’ve got, it's fun to high five, make friends and just strengthen those communal bonds. 

Ana:

I love that Julian. And I think we've seen that in the success of the series. 

Mikey, maybe give us a little bit on your own experience of representation of the trail. What do you think’s changed in the past few years since you've been running? But also, what do you think it needs to get better? 

Mikey:

What I love about trail running in particular is – as Julian said – everyone runs together. 

Generally in trail racing, they don't tend to split people up into age groups or gender or anything else. Obviously Cirque isn’t as long as some of these ultras, but when you're on the trail mid-race, you often end up spending time with people that you've never met before. 

You get to spend quality time and meet people in these incredible outdoor spaces and that's what I really enjoy about trail running and ultra races.  

I first ran the Leadville 100 back when I was 22-years old, I’d just graduated college and never ran an ultra before. I didn't know what to expect and I ended up leading it for the first marathon-distance. The coolest thing about that was being next to pro ultrarunners. They were talking with me the entire way through that and giving me advice. I’d never experienced an athletic competition like that. Everyone was supporting each other and it felt so accepting.

In terms of what I think can get better in the world of trail running diversity: in the outdoor space a lot of major names and people who represent the sport seem pretty much the same. A lot of white, cisgender people whose image and what they represent to others is mostly shown through their sport. 

I’ve been able to connect with a lot of people through showing my personality on TikTok. It’s really cool when people say they've been inspired to go out and trail run because it looks like I’m enjoying myself and it’s a fun scene to be involved in. 

I think we can better welcome more minority groups into trail running and the outdoors by making it known that this is a space for everyone. Not just highlighting the best of the athletes, but celebrating everyone – the kids who show up, the people who support – regardless of age, gender-identity, race, sexuality, religion and ability. And I think we can show that this is a space for everyone. Representation is how you can really make an impact in this community. 

Ana:

I think that's so true Mikey. We’ve spoken before about how you feel you can be yourself on the trails and don’t hold back. I love that you race with glitter and color and bring your full personality. And I think this speaks highly about how comfortable you feel in this space to be able to do that.  

Julian, I’d love to hear some of the ways you're thinking about how to champion people that are less often visible in the outdoor space. Whether that’s adaptive athletes, trans people, all identities – what are your thoughts on this?

Julian:

I think in the spirit of inclusivity, we've always loved showcasing all walks of life, all identities and to let people know that it's a welcoming space.  

I've tried to stay away from using labels myself. I just like to feature and showcase people. All races, ages, LGBTQ+, adaptive athletes – people with stories to tell and interesting things going on. Let’s feature them. I want them to feel comfortable and recognized by our events and the outdoor community. I think Cirque Series strives to make sure all walks of life are included in our messaging, race – and post-race – experience. We reward different categories and don’t just prize the pros. We still prize the beginners and experts too. That includes people like me who can’t compete with Mikey! [laughs]

Ana:

You’ve been in the industry for a while Julian: as a pro skier, a trail runner and race director. With 40-plus years of success and six years of Cirque. If you could pass some wisdom to Mikey as someone who’s coming up in this space, what would that be? 

Julian:

I think Mikey’s captured it. I mean, Mikey, I'm so impressed that your first ultramarathon was the Leadville 100. It’s such a tough, gnarly race and I think it's telling that the community was there to lend insight. We all run the same course. In that race, we all go through the same struggle and that itself is an equalizer, just some people end up moving faster than others.

In terms of ability, seven or eight-miles with 3,000m of vert is my sweet spot. It’s hard in that sense to give insight to Mikey who’s crushing ultras. But the community is there to extend a sense of belonging. It’s a nonjudgmental, accepting crowd who want to see each other succeed. I totally admire the path you’re on Mikey, it’s amazing.

Ana:

Mikey, can you speak to what it’s like being part of a new-generation of trail runners in this space? What’s your perspective on how trail running has evolved: is there anything you’ve learned and what are you excited about for the future?

Mikey:

I've actually noticed racing these past couple months that there’s a lot more young people participating. It’s really cool. When I first started running ultras just a few years ago, it seemed like I was the only person in their early twenties that was remotely in the race. Everyone else ranged from their thirties to their sixties. That range is incredible.

In my last 50-mile race, I was moving alongside a bunch of runners who were even younger than me. It was really cool to talk during the race. They were asking me for advice and insights on the distance. It’s been cool to be able to share that. It reflects what I try to do on social media – connect with others through the joy of running.

Trail runners, outdoors people and people who spend time in the mountains often have the same energy in general. And the stories of many incredible trail athletes don’t get enough coverage.

Ana: 

Julian, what do you think about the whole TikTok and social media space in terms of trail running? The channels just weren’t there when we were kids. How do you feel about how this new wave is opening up the sport?

Julian:

I think it's incredible. You can be as creative as you want. You can be in control, self-produce and let your personality shine. You can create a narrative and start a dialogue that people see themselves reflected in and gravitate to. Ten, fifteen years ago, you had to plug into traditional media and fit a more limited narrative, a generic dialogue and ideology. 

To have this creative tool, with broad reach, is a real opportunity. In terms of athletes who may not have had coverage by traditional media but have a voice that needs to be heard – it’s great that they have a platform and people can gravitate towards this.

It’s powerful, but I want to acknowledge that on the flip side, social media can also be detrimental. It can affect your mental health if you spend too much time preoccupied with it or compare yourself to others. All this exists, but we have a responsibility to engage with it in a positive way. 

I’m just so happy to see many of the trail running community have success and find their unique voice through it.

Ana:

Absolutely, a creative outlet can shine a light on who you are and what you represent in and outside of running. How does your own identity show up on the trail beyond running?

Mikey:

Running and trail running in particular has helped shape who I am as a person, and not just in an athletic sense. It's helped me to be comfortable with my sexuality, especially because trail running is seen as a grueling sport and there's a stereotype that gay men are not great athletes, or not tough enough.

It's really helped me be able to express my identity as a gay man because of trail running. And I think that also being gay then has made me a better trail runner as well. It’s the community aspect. It works in both ways, and that's why I love this sport.

Ana:

And Mikey, could you touch on online and real life reactions to this in the trail community? I’m pretty sure it’s positive but would love to hear your experience?

Mikey:

I really haven't experienced any real negativity on social media. I think that comes from how I articulate about what being gay means to me. I also do it in a way, where my running creates a meditative kind of space where I'm able to reflect a lot about my life. And talk beyond athletics, the outdoors and running topics. 

Ana:

Talking of the trail running community as supportive, I want to shift focus for a moment onto the topic of sustainability on the trails – with runners as custodians of the space they move through. 

With the numbers that show up to outdoor events growing, what do you both think about that, and what can more sustainable races look like in the future? 

Julian:

I know that we have a tremendous responsibility, knowing that we cater to lots of beginners at Cirque. The high Alpine is an incredibly sensitive environment and stay-on-trail etiquette is so important. We take that education and responsibility seriously, to ensure that we’re good stewards of these amazing places that we're celebrating. 

For some of our races, we create social messaging and big posters that show the wildlife or the wildflowers that are in the area. We relay and show the importance of protecting that. We work with the Forest Service at all our locations to ensure we're on service-approved trails. 

For each race, we donate to a local nonprofit, whether it's land conservation or Save Our Canyons and organizations like that. Standard messaging you see from our platform always includes good etiquette on trails and taking collective responsibility seriously.

Mikey:

Yeh, I agree with Julian about the messaging aspect. Even though I’m young, I see myself as a veteran outdoors-person, having learned about sustainable practices in delicate outdoor spaces. 

Etiquette like ‘leave no trace’ and staying on trails. I strive to share that too on my platforms, and this is where any influence I have can be used to educate others when it comes to protecting outdoor spaces.

Ana:

In one sentence: if you could speak to someone who doesn’t see a place for themselves in the trail space, what would you say to invite them on a race event or outdoor adventure?

Mikey:

These events are some of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have.

Julian:

Don’t wait, do it now, and I promise you'll want to do it again.