# Ultra-Endurance Running Gear The Columbia Montrail Line is Inspired by an Ultra-Endurance Race By Joey Haar | Published 2017-03-31 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/columbia-montrail References: [digitaltrends](http://www.digitaltrends.com/outdoors/columbia-utmb-monorail-trail-running-clothing/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds) & [columbia](http://www.columbia.com/montrail.html?dtb=1&mid=affiliate&eid=cj&uid=11554828&nid=2942700&utm_medium=affiliate) There's running, and then there are marathons, but the Columbia Montrail line of running gear is inspired by the true limits of endurance. The clothing was developed in partnership with the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, one of the most popular long-distance trail races in Europe. Just how long is this ultra-endurance race? A grueling 103 miles. Typically, the path along which the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc runs is used by hikers as a walking route that takes several days to span. The trail winds around Mont Blanc, the famous French alp, forming a loop, and more than 2,400 ultra-racers run it each year. The Columbia Montrail line is designed to handle the intensity of such a race, with an ultralight jacket, shirt, and shoe making up the series. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Ultra-endurance Running Gear:** The trend of ultra-endurance running gear is driven by the growing popularity of long-distance trail races like the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, creating opportunities for innovative lightweight and durable gear. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Athletic Apparel:** The athletic apparel industry can capitalize on the trend of ultra-endurance running gear by developing technologically advanced materials and designs that enhance comfort and performance for long-distance runners. - **Outdoor Recreation:** The outdoor recreation industry can tap into the trend of ultra-endurance running gear by offering specialized gear and equipment tailored to the demands of long-distance trail races, such as lightweight backpacks and navigation tools. - **Sports Retail:** The sports retail industry can seize the trend of ultra-endurance running gear by curating a selection of high-quality and specialized gear for ultra-racers, creating a niche market for endurance running enthusiasts. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Elite Ultramarathon Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-mtl-adapt-matryx.md) - [Collaborative Trail Race Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soar-and-altra.md) - [Ultra-Training Trail Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snow-peak-x-merrell-mtl-long-sky-2-matryx-sp.md) - [Trail Running Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/driftform-collection.md) - [Harsh Terrain Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mount-to-coast-t1.md) - [Ultra-Distance Runner Trail Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/norda-001-rz-magma.md) - [Data-Driven Women's Ultramarathons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lululemons-further-ultramarathon.md) - [Desert-Rated Running Gear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/district-vision-2xu-collection.md) - [Heritage Adventure-Ready Trail Gear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haglfs.md)