In Season 4, Episode 6 of HOKA One One Top Trails, we visit Austin, Texas. Austin offers a variety of trails, and whether you’re if you’re a recreational runner, an ultra-marathoner, or an Olympic medalist on the track- Austin has you covered. We talk to all three of those in this episode, and show you where they run.  

Paul Terranova (Hoka Ultra-Marathon Runner) shows us the trails at St. Edwards Park- an area just 12 miles from downtown Austin which provides technical single track running and a reprieve from the chaos of the city. Paul was focused on triathlons when he met his now wife, Meredith, who was beginning to get into ultra-running. Paul and Meredith worked as a team over the next few years to help each other achieve their goals while focusing on their respective sports. It wasn’t until Meredith had a break through 100 mile race at Western States in 2010 that Paul began to focus on ultra running as well. Paul talks about how the sport of ultra running takes a team, and how he and Meredith benefit from supporting each other. 

Sam Griffith (Fleet Feet Austin) takes us on a run along the Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail- a 13.8 mile out-and-back that runs along Barton Creek. The trailhead at Zilker park is a great start-finish spot that gives runners the opportunity to cool off in the Barton Springs Pools. Sam discusses how, after moving to Austin for school, he got into trail running because it served as a much needed escape from the business of every day life.

Leo Manzano (Hoka Runner, 1500m Olympic Medalist), shows us the trails he says he runs almost every day- Ladybird Lake Trail (Town Lake Trail). Ladybird Lake Trail is a 4.4 mile loop of mostly unpaved waterfront trail in downtown Austin. Leo discusses his early days of running, his success, and where his motivation comes from.