All in trail
Coaching Scholarship
Mission Statement
The All In Trail Scholarship exists to support the next generation of trail runners by offering coaching, mentorship, and community to promising young athletes, especially those from marginalized or underserved backgrounds.
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Trail running is a powerful, joyful sport, but it isn’t always accessible. Many races require travel, gear, fees, and experience that younger athletes often don’t have. The sport also continues to struggle with diversity, whether due to socioeconomic barriers, limited access to natural spaces, or race and gender inequities in the trail world.
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We believe the future of trail running can, and should, look different. More runners are discovering the sport every year, and as coaches, we have the opportunity to help make that future more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. Trail running also teaches patience, resilience, curiosity, and confidence. We want to help young athletes experience that growth, discover community, and feel at home on the trails.
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Our coaching team - Jarred Ervin, Jessica Schnier, Joe McConaughy, Rachel Lemcke, Lindsey McDonald, Danielle Snyder, and _________ - is excited to enter our fifth year of offering this scholarship in 2026.
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Application dates:
Opens Wednesday, December 3rd
Closes Sunday, January 4th, 2026 at midnight PST
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Follow scholarship updates on Instagram at @AllInTrail.
You can also meet past recipients here:
Scholarship athlete Timberlin Henderson at the Monument Valley 50 miler.
The coaching scholarship
We offer year-long, free coaching scholarships for 16-20 athletes each year. Selected athletes are paired with a coach who will guide them through the entire year, building a training plan, helping shape a race calendar, and supporting the development of skills, confidence, and longevity in the sport.
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The goals of this program are:
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Expand access to trail and ultrarunning for athletes who have historically been underserved or discouraged from participation.
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Support the next generation of trail and ultra athletes with mentorship rooted in curiosity, joy, and long-term development.
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Strengthen the community by empowering small coaching businesses to positively engage in the community in meaningful, sustainable ways.
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To broaden the diversity of the sport to include those that have historically been underserved and/or discouraged from participation. To develop the ability of the future generation of trail and ultra runners, and mentor those individuals to succeed in running and life. Empower small business coaches to positively engage a broader trail running community.
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Trail and ultrarunning in the U.S. have long been shaped by limited access and representation. That isn’t a criticism of the athletes who built the sport, but an acknowledgment that we can help the sport grow in a more inclusive direction. We want to welcome athletes whose perspectives, identities, and backgrounds have been missing from the starting line.
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Each of us found trail running in our own way. Through this program, we hope to support athletes as they discover their place on the trails, build confidence in their abilities, and find community within a sport we care so deeply about.
Please review full scholarship details below.
Should I apply?
This scholarship is designed for younger adult runners who want to grow in trail running, ultramarathons, or FKT-style objectives and who would benefit from structured coaching and mentorship.
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General eligibility:
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Ages 20–29*
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A resident of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico (coaching is fully remote)
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Excited about developing as a trail runner and seeking support to do so
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We especially encourage runners from racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender, or LGBTQ+ backgrounds that have been underrepresented in trail running to apply.
*If you’re slightly above the listed age range but feel this opportunity fits you, you’re still welcome to apply and tell us why.
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Who we’re looking for:
Each coach brings their own lens, but across the program we value applicants who show:
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Curiosity, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire for mentorship
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Existing athletic background, whether in trail, road, or another endurance sport
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Perspectives or identities not often represented in the trail running space
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Depending on the coach, additional factors may be considered, such as:
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Past race performances or athletic markers (road/trail PRs, FKTs, podium or top finishes)
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An athlete's goal distances (short mountain races → 100+ milers)
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Prior training experience (collegiate running, backpacking, XC skiing, etc.)
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LGBTQ+ athletes
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Female athletes
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BIPOC athletes
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Inability to afford coaching
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Geographic proximity to a coach
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A compelling story or need for support
Our goal is to mentor athletes who show passion, commitment, and the desire to grow.
Scholarship athlete Kasun Raigama at the
Big Alta 28k.
Scholarship athlete Clara Froeschner.
Benefits
Each coach offers several scholarship spots for the 2025 calendar year, totaling 16–20 athletes across the program.
Selected athletes receive:
1. Twelve Months of Free Coaching
(valued at ~$2,400)
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Fully customized training plan delivered via Google Docs, TrainingPeaks, or Final Surge
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Ongoing communication with your coach
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Access to private Slack & Strava groups
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Structured workouts (tempo, track, hill, long run)
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Race nutrition support
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Gear and equipment guidance
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Optional strength training guidance^
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Injury-prevention guidance^
2. Race Entry Support
2026 sponsor partners are still being finalized, but athletes typically receive free or discounted entries from a range of race organizations. (2025 partners included Rainshadow Running, Trail Animals Running Club, Mountain Running Races, select Tejas Trails events, select Daybreak Racing events, and select Aravaipa Running events.)
3. Welcome Package and Gear Support
Past scholarship years have included welcome packages, gear, or discounts from partners such as Trail Butter, Squirrel’s Nut Butter, Näak, UltraSpire, Brooks, and Injinji. 2026 partners will be announced soon.
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*Coaches have individual styles and processes, and some may offer additional sponsor perks or resources.
^We are experienced running coaches and not licensed medical professionals. All injury or medical concerns should be discussed with a qualified provider.
Scholarship athlete Heemz Lochan at the West Line Winder 30k.
Application info process
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Ready to apply? You can submit your application here. If questions come up along the way, feel free to comment on this page, message us on Instagram @allintrail, or email us at allintrail (at) gmail (dot) com.
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The application typically takes 20-30 minutes. You may find it helpful to draft your written responses separately before submitting. Most questions are short-response, with three longer prompts:
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Your running & athletic background (3,000 characters, ~500 words)
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Why you’re applying & how this opportunity supports your goals or community (3,000 characters, ~500 words)
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Your running goals for the next 1-5 years (1,500 characters, ~250 words)
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Once applications close, coaches will review submissions, choose finalists, and schedule short follow-up conversations. These calls help ensure you’re paired with a coach who fits your goals, communication style, and training needs. All applicants, selected or not, will be notified of decisions.
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Timeline
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Application window: December 3, 2025 - January 4, 2026
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Week of January 5, 2026: Coaches review applications, interview finalists, and select recipients
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Coaching begins: January 15, 2026
Meet The Coaches
Click each coach’s photo to learn more about them.
If selected, what will be required of me?
If chosen, you’ll work one-on-one with your coach to set goals and create your 2025 training and racing calendar. We’re looking for athletes who are ready to invest in their long-term development as trail runners, ultra runners, or fastpackers.
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We expect athletes to:
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Commit 8+ hours per week to training
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Maintain a long-term interest in growth within the sport
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Participate in monthly or bi-weekly check-ins with their coach (depending on the coach's individual processes)
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Build a 2025 race calendar with at least three key events
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Be an active member of the trail community, including 8+ volunteer or pacing hours across two separate events
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Engage with the wider athlete roster to contribute to a supportive, growth-minded team environment
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Optional: Write a monthly blog post on any running-related topic - race reports, gear reviews, training reflections, or anything that feels meaningful.
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Developing as a trail or ultra runner is a long-term process. Our focus isn’t immediate results, it’s helping young athletes build the foundation, habits, and confidence that will let them peak years down the road. Most ultrarunners hit their best performances in their 30s, and this program is designed to support that journey from the very beginning.
Scholarship athlete Barrett Grey at the Tillamook Burn 50 miler.
Please support this scholarship
One of our biggest challenges is simply reaching the young runners who would benefit most. Getting the word out takes considerable time and community effort. If you're reading this, we’d love your help expanding the reach of this opportunity.
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How you can support the scholarship:
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Share the scholarship with your local trail running groups - online or in person.
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Recommend it to someone you think would be a great fit.
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Connect us with individuals, teams, or organizations who might help broaden the scholarship’s impact.
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Contribute: If you’re interested in offering in-kind gifts for recipients, we’re happy to coordinate - please reach out.
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Offer feedback on how we can make the scholarship stronger and more accessible.
For questions, introductions, or contributions, please contact us at allintrail (at) gmail (dot) com or on Instagram.
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
