A Conversation With Women’s Backyard Ultra Record Holder, Megan Eckert
A profile of ultrarunner, track coach, and teacher Megan Eckert.
Eszter Horanyi
Title: Buyer’s Guide Editor
Location: Planet Earth
Social Media Links:
Instagram
Expertise
- Topics of Expertise: Mountain wandering, bikes
- Amount of Expertise: Over 7 years trail running and 20 years mountain biking. Have fixed lots of commas, hyphens, and general grammatical errors over the years.
Education & Experience
- Education: Bachelor of Arts, Physics, University of Colorado; Masters in Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado; Doctorate in Dirtbaggery
- Years of Professional Experience Relevant to iRunFar: 15 years writing and editing professionally with one year of editing iRunFar Buyer’s Guides.
- Other Relevant Positions: Editor for The Town Bicycle; Editor for Bikepacking Journal
A Word from Eszter Horanyi
I like being outside. My personal interests include trail shuffling, ultra trail shuffling, mountain bikes, packrafts, and burritos.
Best Ultralight Tents of 2025
These are the iRunFar team’s picks for the best ultralight tents and tarps for fastpacking.
Best Recovery Tools for Athletes of 2025
The iRunFar team tested a bunch of recovery tools for athletes and recommends these for your post-workout recovery.
Janice O’Grady: Aging With Excellence
A profile of ultrarunner and multiple age-group world record holder, Janice O’Grady.
2024 Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival: Raising Funds for Victims of Hurricane Helene
Runners gathered at the Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival in North Carolina to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Helene.
2024 IAU 100k World Championships Results: Jumpei Yamaguchi and Floriane Hot Win Gold
Results of the 2024 IAU World 100k Championships, won by Floriane Hot and Jumpei Yamaguchi.
Matt Rayment and “Dirt Church Radio:” New Beginnings for New Zealand’s Favorite Trail Podcast
A conversation with Matt Rayment, co-founder and co-host of the popular New Zealand trail running podcast “Dirt Church Radio.”
Race Directors Called Upon to Petition Against United States Forest Service Hiring Freeze
The nonprofit Runners for Public Lands calls on race directors to sign a petition to stop a hiring freeze on United States Forestry Service seasonal employees, which could have knock-on effects for trail running and racing.
Best Insulated Jackets for Running of 2025
We round up the best insulated jackets to keep you running outside during the coldest winter temperatures.
2024 JFK 50 Mile Results: Rachel Drake and David Sinclair Set Massive Course Records
Results from the 2024 JFK 50 Mile where Rachel Drake and David Sinclair set new women’s and men’s records.
2024 Ultra-Trail Cape Town 100k Results: Hugo Deck and Jazmine Lowther Run to Victory
Hugo Deck of France and Jazmine Lowther of Canada win the 2024 Ultra-Trail Cape Town 100k.
Initiative Tackles Problem of Human Waste in the Backcountry
A new study examines the extent of the poop problem on Colorado’s 14ers, and looks at ways to solve it.
Best Running Jackets of 2025
After extensive testing, the iRunFar team offers suggestions for the best jackets for any running situation.
Georgia Porter Sets the Women’s Overall Fastest Known Time on the Arizona Trail
Georgia Porter has set the women’s overall and women’s supported fastest known time on the 817-mile Arizona Trail.
Nick Fowler Sets the Men’s Overall Fastest Known Time on the Arizona Trail
Nick Fowler sets the men’s overall fastest known time on the 817-mile Arizona Trail, in a self-supported effort.
Running to Make a Difference: Junel Malapad’s Running Day
A profile of Junel Malapad, who has redefined Boxing Day as Running Day, to raise funds for worthy causes.
Best Ultralight Backpacking Gear of 2025
The iRunFar team offers their picks for the best items for an ultralight backpacking or fastpacking kit.
“Into the (Un)Known:” New Film Documents Kilian Jornet’s 2023 Pyrenees Adventure
Watch “Into the (Un)Known,” a new film about Kilian Jornet’s eight-day Pyrenees adventure in 2023.
Mammoth Trail Fest 26k Results: Joyce Muthoni Njeru and Elhousine Elazzaoui Dominate
Results of the 2024 Mammoth Trail Fest 26k, which was won by Joyce Muthoni Njeru and Elhousine Elazzaoui.
Tara Dower Sets New Overall Supported Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail
Tara Dower set a new overall supported fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail in September 2024, beating Karel Sabbe’s 2018 record.
Kilian Jornet Completes Alpine Connections: 82 4,000-Meter Peaks, 19 days
Kilian Jornet completes all 82 of the 4,000-meter peaks in the Alps in a record 19 days in a self-powered adventure.
“Feel it All:” Film Follows Skier Drew Petersen’s Journey to Recovery Through Running the Leadville 100 Mile
A film deals with professional skier Drew Petersen’s mental health struggles and the role that running the Leadville 100 Mile played in his recovery.
“Wa/ondering:” New Film Follows China’s Miao Yao on the Comeback Trail
A new film follows China’s Miao Yao on her return to trail running during the 2023 racing season.
Sophia Laukli: From Skis to Trails
Defending Sierre-Zinal champion Sophia Laukli talks about her ski career, her appreciation for trail running culture, and training.
Best Road Running Shoes of 2025
We tested some of the best road running shoes to find the best ones for anything from tempo and interval workouts to a daily runner.
58 Peaks in 12-Plus Days: Andrea Sansone and Andrew Hamilton Establish Co-Ed Supported FKT on the Colorado 14ers
Andrea Sansone and Andrew Hamilton established a co-ed supported FKT by summiting the 58 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks in 12-plus days.
Kyle Curtin Sets Men’s Supported Colorado Trail Fastest Known Time
Kyle Curtin resets the men’s supported Colorado Trail fastest known time for the east-to-west direction via the Collegiate West variant.
