Helloooo and happy Friday! In today’s edition of RunLetters: 20% off hydration vests, a relatable runner, a new reality-tv-style series on YouTube about trail running, an incredibly remote race, and… a giveaway!

Before we get started:

Voted? You’re a star. Now, let’s get started ⤵️

Alright, let me ask you a question. If you could make running your profession… would you?

The guys in The Trail House certainly would. So much so that they are dedicating themselves to this sole goal for 14 months. Live together, train together, try to become a professional trail athlete.

There’s a lot to like about this show format. It feels like a reality series, but focused on sports, without unnecessary drama. In a way, this series almost feels nostalgic. I can’t remember the last time I watched something that felt like “reality tv”.

The reason for that is simple: I cannot get behind the fake acting and the concepts of most reality TV shows (TV being a bit of an overstatement because let’s be honest, almost everything is on demand now, not traditional television).

But this? Honestly, if all shows were like this, I’d be watching way more!

Let me get one thing right out of the gate: Emily calls herself unfit. She’s not. She’s quite active.

However, she is far more relatable than most elite/performance-focused runners you’ll come across on social media. And she’s extremely honest in what she shares.

I first came across Emily on YouTube, where she shares long, behind-the-scenes videos of her training and races. Her Instagram is similar, just shorter “bites”.

For all my half marathon runners, Emily has just started training for the Royal Parks Half. Maybe some of you will bump into her there.

If you’ve been craving to go offline for a bit, away from everything, this is the one for you because this week’s race is properly remote.

I’m talking about the Big Bend Ultra. Now before you jump to the next section because I said “ultra”, holdddd up. There are five distances!

This race takes place inside Big Bend Ranch State Park: 300,000+ acres of Texas desert, several hours from the nearest city. Water is scarce out there. Fuel is scarce. Cell service? Zero.

That isolation is the whole point. The race area holds Gold Tier Dark Sky status, the highest rating there is, so the same remoteness that makes this race hard to run also makes it one of the best stargazing spots in the state. That alone might be worth a trip!

It started in 2004 as what the organisers themselves still call "a wild idea," and this upcoming January will be the 23rd edition. Surely that means this race is worth it.

As said earlier, there are five distances to choose from: 10K, 20K, 35K, 55K, and 100K (6 to 62 miles, if you're not into kilometres). So whether you fancy a hard morning out or a full day-long grind through the desert, there's a version of this race for you.

Due to the crazy logistics, the field has always stayed small. The 100K is capped at just 100 runners. And yet it's become one of the most talked-about ultras. Scenery and swag are consistently rated 5 out of 5.

Race day is Sunday, January 17th, 2027. Entry runs from $110 (10K) up to $210 (100K), and covers a hand-made clay finisher medal, a post-race meal, and, for the 100K, a belt buckle to bring home. Prices go up after September 26, so if Big Bend is calling you, sign up before then.

A nice touch: a portion of proceeds goes straight back to the park, split between Friends of Big Bend Ranch State Park and the Big Bend Trail Alliance.

If there's one item, besides shoes, runners get particular about, it's hydration vests. Everyone seems to have their own preferences when it comes to looks and features.

I've tried a fair few hydration vests by now, and the Stolt Performance 4L might be one of the sleekest I've come across.

The back pocket has a vertical zipper, which means you can reach anything inside without sliding your hand through a potentially sweaty pocket. Especially handy when you ask a friend to grab something out for you.

It's comfortable, too: light at 200g, soft knit binding round the edges, breathable mesh. You kind of forget you're wearing it after the first kilometre/mile.

Best use cases? Shorter summer trail runs, or longer countryside ones where you'll pass places to refill your water. It doesn’t bounce at all.

I'm also glad to see two zippered, water-resistant pockets at the front. I love it when a vest keeps some pockets zip-free, but for my phone and headphones, I want the security of a zip. I don't want to worry about them slipping out mid-bend, or on a steep bit of trail. These pockets keep them dry, and more importantly, in place. Though I will say the pockets are not very large, so bigger phones may not fit easily.

Also, in my experience, with a phone in the pocket, it gets too tight to stuff multiple gels/snacks into the other pockets.

The vest comes with two 500ml soft flasks included. I’ve found these a bit hard to get into the vest. Once they’re in there, it’s fine, and they don’t bounce at all, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing this one on a race as refilling would take too long. Though I wouldn’t be surprised if these compartments loosen up a bit over time.

4 litres total, 9 pockets, and a 2-litre zip pocket at the back. It comes in XS/S and M/L. £129 (~$170 / ~€150), and with the code CAROLINE20 you'll get 20% off at checkout on any order.

🚨 For what it’s worth, I think Stolt’s athlete backpack, this one, is their most interesting product. A running hydration vest with 12L capacity and a special compartment for your laptop (up to 16”).

Last week, we celebrated 5k+ subscribers for RunLetters! I promised I’d follow up with a giveaway. And I’m excited to announce that that giveaway is now LIVE.

“What can I win?” you ask me?

My favourite tempo shoes: the Miro Nude ST. Arguably also a very good race shoe.

To win, go to the Instagram post below and follow the instructions! The winner can be in Europe or the US.

That’s it for this week! Make sure you go check out that giveaway.

Here’s to a great weekend ahead ☀️

Caroline

P.S. Don’t forget to join the giveaway here