UltraSignup Announces 2026 Dirt Circus Event Series Schedule

January 20, 2026

The Series Expands Community-Driven Trail Running Experiences Nationwide

 Nashville, TN (January 20, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – UltraSignup is proud to announce the 2026 schedule for its Dirt Circus event series, returning for its fourth year with more events, new locations, and an even deeper connection with local trail running communities across the United States.

Dirt Circus is a traveling trail running showcase designed to bring new and experienced runners together around the people, places, and stories that define local trail scenes. Each event in the series partners with a running store and spotlights local and regional race directors, creating a welcoming space where runners can connect, learn about upcoming races, and build lasting relationships within their community.

What began as a grassroots gathering has grown into a nationally recognized series, with each event drawing approximately 300–500 attendees. Despite its growth, Dirt Circus remains intentionally local in spirit, adapting to the unique character of each host city while strengthening the connective tissue of the broader trail running ecosystem.

“Dirt Circus has always been about creating meaningful local connections between runners, race directors, stores, and brands,” said Carrie Meng, Dirt Circus Event Director. “As the series grows, we’re focused on expanding into new communities without losing what makes these events special: they feel personal, welcoming, and rooted in the local trail culture.”

Each Dirt Circus event is produced in close collaboration with a local running store, reinforcing the importance of specialty retail as hubs for community engagement. The programming highlights nearby trail races and the people behind them, helping runners discover events they may not otherwise encounter and giving race organizers a direct, authentic way to connect with their audience.

“Being part of Dirt Circus allows us to bring our community together in a way that feels organic and genuinely exciting,” said Sean McManus, General Manager at Sole Sports in Tempe. “It’s not just an event, it’s a catalyst for connection, conversation, and long-term engagement with trail running in our region.”

The 2026 schedule includes several new cities, reflecting UltraSignup’s commitment to supporting diverse trail communities nationwide. In Chicago, the event returns for a second year following a strong debut that demonstrated the appetite for trail culture in traditionally road-focused markets.

“Dirt Circus helped shine a light on the trail running scene in and around Chicago,” said Michele Hartwig, Owner of Ornery Mule Racing. “It created a space where runners could see what’s possible close to home and gave local race directors a powerful platform to share their events and build momentum.”

For brands, Dirt Circus offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with the trail running community in an environment built on trust, shared passion, and authentic participation. Rather than traditional sponsorship activations, the series emphasizes presence, conversation, and long-term relationship-building with a highly engaged audience.

2026 Dirt Circus Event Schedule

• January 31 — Tempe, AZ with Sole Sports
• May 30 — Chicago, IL with The Running Depot, Crystal Lake
• June 6 — San Francisco, CA with San Francisco Running Company
• July 22 — Seattle, WA with Seven Hills Running Shop
• August 8 — Boulder, CO with Runners Roost Boulder
• August 22 — Park City, UT with Rendezvous Run (New location!)
• August 29 — Los Angeles, CA with A Snail’s Pace, Chino Hills (New location!)
• October 18 — Dallas, TX with Trailhead Running Supply, Flower Mound
• November 7 — Nashville, TN as part of the U.S. Trail Running Conference (New location!)

As Dirt Circus enters its biggest year yet, UltraSignup remains focused on what has driven the series from the start: celebrating local trail running communities and creating spaces where the sport can grow, together.

For more information about Dirt Circus or partnership opportunities, reach out to Michael Proulx, michael@ultrasignup.com.

More info: dirtcircus.ultrasignup.com.

About UltraSignup 

UltraSignup is the leading marketplace for discovering, registering, and managing trail running events across the United States. With a mission to promote the spirit of trail running and outdoor adventure, UltraSignup hosts a diverse range of races and events, connecting runners with unforgettable experiences in nature. Founded in 2009, runners can use UltraSignup.com to discover and choose from more than 7000 races.

UltraSignup’s weekly newsletter and online magazine feature stories from the running community, highlighting runners, race directors, training tips, running destinations, elite competitors, and the growth of the sport.

Contact

Annemarie Kruse
Director of Marketing
akruse@ultrasignup.com