🏃 RunLetters #14

What do you get when you combine the most brutal race on Earth with some solid shorts, a steam-train and a trail runner that will leave you feeling super inspired?

Correct. This week’s edition of RunLetters. Let’s dive in ⤵️

📹 Watchlist: The Most Brutal Race on Earth?

Various races call themselves “the toughest footrace on Earth”, but I think one could make an argument for the Barkley Marathon to be the most brutal.

With the number of people actually finishing this race, you can probably understand why I’m saying this. In 2023, 3 people finished. In 2024, 5 people finished. In 2025… Well, watch the video below to find out.

I guess, what makes this race so different is that, while an endurance race, most participants are taking on the challenge because of the fun. The adventure. They appreciate and fully accept that they will most likely not finish.

📲 Social Spotlight: Madeline; Laughter, Trails, and a Story That Matters

Mad’s reels kept popping into my Instagram feed, and every single time they made me laugh. They’re clever, beautifully produced, and carry a distinct style that’s instantly recognizable. In a sea of running content, that’s rare, and she’s nailed it.

But Madeline’s isn’t just a funny, relatable trail runner. She’s also an incredible athlete with a story that deserves to be heard. In a short but powerful YouTube documentary, she opens up about her experiences with sexual abuse and eating disorders, and how running became a path to healing. While this is not a focus of her content on Instagram, I think it’s an important side of her story. One that can inspire many of us.

The documentary captures this beautifully, showing not only her strength and talent but also her joy for the sport.

But back to Instagram, because that’s where I “found her” (damn, sometimes we really should be grateful for the algorithm, no?).

If you’re not already following her, you should. Her content will make you laugh, it’ll make you smile, and it’s clear she pours time and effort into everything she creates.

There are honestly too many posts on her feed that I feel like sharing. Sooo, just go have a look for yourself, will you?

🗓 Events & Races: Race The Train

Every August in the Welsh town of Tywyn, runners line up not just against each other… but against a steam train. The challenge? Run alongside the Talyllyn Railway’s vintage locomotive, covering roughly 23 kilometers (14 miles) of rugged countryside before the train reaches the finish.

The course is anything but flat. Runners can expect grassy trails, muddy paths, farm gates, and the occasional sheep blocking their way.

You’re not just racing the clock, you’re racing history. The kicker? Most runners don’t actually beat the train… but the thrill of trying is what keeps them coming back.

I don’t think this video truly does the race justice, as it seems to be quite the event and festive atmosphere, but it does give you an idea of the race. If you want to see more of the behind-the-scenes, this race vlog is better.

This race is happening on August 16th, and online entries are already closed, so I’m afraid this isn’t one for this year. But hey, the good news is, you can now put a reminder on your calendar for Autumn this year, to check when you can sign up for 2026! 😛

Want to discover even more, cool running events? Check out my new YouTube video!

🎽 Gear & Gadgets: MIER Sports Shorts

Running shorts come in all shapes and sizes: tights, loose, with an inner liner or brief, or without. So many options: we’re spoiled for choice.

Yet some brands completely miss the boat and make shorts that just. don’t. work. Shorts without pockets?! Come on, we’re runners! I don’t want to be forced to take a Flipbelt just for my keys.

Today’s feature, therefore, goes to MIER Sports shorts, particularly the pair I own myself: PaceLite Split Shorts (4”; for men, I’d recommend 5” or 7”).

Although this brand has been around for a while, you may never have heard of it. I was gifted a pair, and I think they’re worth a mention. Why? Well, because they are:

• super comfortable

• material feels great

• they’ve got pockets

• they look GOOD!

• and… they’re not too expensive. Budget-friendly, these shorts.

Even more so with the discount code RUNLETTERS, which will give you 10% off.

✨ Wild Card: The One Woman Who Finished Barkley Marathons

It’s only natural for me to give this week’s wild card to Jasmin Paris. After you’ve watched this week’s watchlist video about the Barkley Marathons (which will give you a good understanding of what the race is like), this should be up next.

Combine the two and you’ve got a solid hour of pure gold running content.

🍿 Get yourself a Friday afternoon (or weekend) snack, kick back, and watch others do the tough work to get you all hyped up for that long run this weekend. Thank me later 👋

🏁 The Finish Line

Stop that watch! What is your finish time? I hope you approached this edition of RunLetters as a trail- and not a road race: taking your sweet time at every section instead of speeding your way through.

Because honestly, this week’s content is worth it. Click those links, watch those videos, and forward this to someone who’d enjoy it too!

Have a sweeeeet weekend ahead ☀️

Caroline

P.S. Any support for the YT channel is much supported! Also, feel free to ask me to make specific review videos. I’m open to suggestions.