Craft Returns as Lead Sponsor of Mammoth Trailfest and Launches Limited-Edition Xplor Pro Gravel Running Shoe

August 24, 2026

Craft's The Gravel World Tour™ heads to Mammoth Trailfest, bringing 3,000+ runners of all skill levels together for one of North America's largest trail running festivals.

Mammoth Lakes, CA, August 24, 2026 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Craft Sportswear is returning to Mammoth Trailfest as lead sponsor for 2026 and will debut an exclusive limited-edition Xplor Pro gravel running shoe inspired by the terrain of Mammoth Lakes, California, where the race is held.

Taking place September 24–27, 2026, Mammoth Trailfest brings together more than 3,000 runners for a multi-day trail running experience featuring events ranging from a Kids 1K to the flagship 50K, one of the largest 50K trail races in the United States.

About the Collaboration

Led by Mammoth Trailfest Race Director and Craft athlete Tim Tollefson, the event embodies the same values at the heart of The Gravel World Tour™: curiosity, exploration, and community. Whether runners are chasing a personal best, tackling their first trail race, or simply discovering a new route, both Trailfest and the tour celebrate the idea that running is about more than competition. It’s about the experiences and connections made along the way.

“We’re excited to welcome Craft back for another year of fostering community and adventure,” said Tollefson. “From cutoff chasers to course record breakers, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to fall in love with running. Trailfest is our open love letter to the sport, and we hope to share that experience with every runner who joins us.”

Limited-Edition Xplor Pro

As part of the 2026 partnership, Craft will debut an exclusive, limited-edition Xplor Pro gravel running shoe created for Mammoth Trailfest. Designed for runners who seamlessly transition between pavement and trail, the shoe is inspired by the diverse terrain surrounding Mammoth Mountain, from the Village Plaza to the alpine trails.

Built for versatility, the Xplor Pro features a Vittoria traction outsole, Craft Endurance Fit®, and a lightweight construction that delivers road-running speed with trail-ready confidence. Limited to just 200 pairs, the Xplor Pro will be available exclusively through www.craftsports.us.

“In year two of our partnership with Mammoth Trailfest, we’re excited to introduce a limited-edition Xplor Pro built for what runners face throughout the weekend,” said Jake Rawson, CEO of Craft Sportswear North America. “Working with Tim Tollefson, both as an athlete on the Craft Elite Run Team and as Race Director, has been a real privilege. His commitment to this community and his passion for this event show up in everything he does, and it pushed us to build something that matches his high standards. This shoe is capable of handling the diverse terrain of the Eastern Sierra and performing confidently across it all.”

Craft Basecamp: The Hub of Mammoth Trailfest

Throughout the weekend, Craft Basecamp will serve as a gathering place for runners to connect, recover, and experience the latest from Craft. Highlights include:

• The Gravel World Tour Shakeout Run (Thursday, September 24): Join a free community run and preview the final miles of the race courses while testing Craft’s newest footwear, including the Xplor Pro and Vild 1. The first 100 to attend get a free shirt. RSVP here.
• Athlete Access and Exclusive Merchandise: Meet members of the Craft Elite Run Team and shop limited-edition event merchandise available only during Mammoth Trailfest.
• Custom Finisher Posters: After racing, runners can pick up a complimentary limited-edition poster and personalize it with their official finishing time at the community poster station.

Visit Craft Basecamp at Mammoth Trailfest, September 24–27, 2026, daily from 10 AM to 8 PM PT.

About Mammoth Trailfest

Held annually in Mammoth Lakes, California, Mammoth Trailfest is a multi-day trail running festival designed to increase access to the sport through opportunity, education, and trail stewardship. Featuring races including the 50K, 26K, Tenkay, Hillclimb, and Kids 1K, Trailfest brings together runners of all abilities while supporting local environmental nonprofits, youth participation, and the Mammoth Lakes community. Built by the community, for the community, Mammoth Trailfest celebrates the people and places that make trail running special.

For more information, visit www.mammothtrailfest.com.

About Craft Sportswear

Founded nearly 50 years ago in the Nordic textile town of Borås, Sweden, Craft Sportswear designs high-performance apparel and footwear rooted in Scandinavian innovation and endurance heritage. Craft creates products for world champions and everyday heroes, building tools that inspire progress, improve performance, and help people go one step further.

For more information, visit www.craftsports.us and follow @craftsportswear.

Media Contact

Shannon May
U.S. Marketing Manager
Craft Sportswear North America
shannon.may@craftsports.us