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HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST POLES FOR TRAILRUNNING AND ULTRAMARATHONS

Selecting the right running poles can feel overwhelming, especially with the wide range of options available on the market today. As passionate trail and mountain runners, we understand how crucial it is to invest in the best ultralight running poles that are tailored to your performance needs, terrain, and endurance goals.

 

Whether you're an experienced ultra-distance athlete or a beginner tackling your first mountain trail, the right pair of running poles can significantly improve your performance, reduce fatigue, and provide stability on challenging terrain. In this expert guide, we’ll explore the key benefits of using running poles and explain how to choose the most suitable ones based on your running style, elevation profile, and intended use.

 

Among the top choices for serious runners are the Mountain King TrailBlaze and Mountain King SkyRunner poles—lightweight, durable, and designed specifically for high-performance trail and ultramarathon use. These British-made poles are trusted by elite mountain athletes worldwide for their fast-deploying design, compact storage, and exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.

 

We’ll also break down the most important factors to consider when selecting running poles, including material type (aluminium vs. carbon), pole weight, foldability, grip ergonomics, and fixed vs. adjustable lengths. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to look for in the best ultra running poles—empowering you to make a confident, informed decision that supports your trail running and endurance racing goals.

 

Whether you're racing the UTMB, climbing alpine ridge lines, or training for your next skyrace, this guide will help you find poles that offer optimal performance and efficiency.

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The Benefits of Using Running Poles on the Trail

Incorporating running poles into your trail running gear can transform your overall experience. These essential tools offer increased stability, reduce muscle fatigue, and improve endurance on long or technical routes. For many trail and ultramarathon runners, using running poles has become a non-negotiable part of their training and racing toolkit.

How Running Poles Enhance Stability and Reduce Fatigue

Running poles greatly improve balance and control, particularly on uneven, rocky, or slippery terrain. By adding additional points of ground contact, poles help to evenly distribute body weight and effort. This reduces strain on the knees and lower body muscles, making long ascents and descents far more manageable.

Studies and athlete feedback confirm that using running poles activates the upper body muscles, sharing the workload between the arms and legs. This more balanced energy expenditure decreases lower body fatigue, improves overall trail running performance, and supports faster post-run recovery.

When to Use Running Poles: Terrain Considerations for Trail Runners

Choosing when to use running poles depends on the trail’s terrain and difficulty level. On steep climbs, loose surfaces, or wet and muddy sections, poles can offer a critical performance edge—enhancing grip, confidence, and safety.

Understanding how and when to use trail running poles can elevate your performance, reduce the risk of injury, and provide greater confidence on technical or demanding terrain. For those looking to optimise endurance, efficiency, and safety during trail or ultra races, running poles are an invaluable addition to any gear setup.

The Evolution of Running Poles in Ultra Events

Running poles have a long history, evolving from cumbersome and heavy versions to the lightweight, adjustable, and durable poles of today. The UTMB series, a pinnacle of ultra-running, has seen a notable increase in the adoption of carbon fibre poles. These poles are now the go to choice for elite athletes, reflecting their superior performance and durability.

The demand for equipment that can withstand trail running's challenges has driven the evolution of running poles. Manufacturers have responded by creating poles that are not only lightweight but also highly durable and weather-resistant. The Mountain King running poles, for example, are renowned for their exceptional quality and performance in demanding terrains.

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Choosing Between Aluminum and  Carbon Poles

The decision to opt for aluminum or carbon running poles is pivotal. Each material boasts unique attributes, influencing the choice significantly. Understanding these differences is essential for making a well-informed decision.

 

Durability and Value Analysis of Aluminum Poles

Aluminum poles stand out for their durability and resilience against extreme conditions. Their affordability makes them a preferred choice for novices or those with limited budgets. Nonetheless, their weight can be a hindrance for those engaging in prolonged runs.

 

Weight Savings and Performance Benefits of Carbon Poles

Carbon poles, conversely, are celebrated for their lightweight nature. This characteristic significantly enhances performance, particularly during extended runs. Nonetheless, their susceptibility to damage and elevated cost are notable drawbacks. Mountain King takes pride in producing all our own carbon fibre in house, from raw carbon fibre to the finished tube that makes up the SkyRunner series.

Competitive runners frequently favour carbon fibre poles for their ability to offer a competitive edge. The weight reduction contributes to diminished fatigue during prolonged runs.

 

Cost-Benefit Analysis for Different Runner Types

For beginners, aluminum poles present a more economical solution, balancing durability with affordability. Conversely, for competitive runners, the superior performance and weight reduction of carbon poles may outweigh their higher cost.

  • Aluminum poles: Best for durability and budget-friendliness.

  • Carbon poles: Ideal for lightweight performance and competitive edge.

 

The choice between aluminum and carbon poles hinges on your running style, objectives, and financial constraints. By meticulously evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of each, you can select poles that optimise your running experience.

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Material Science: Why Carbon Fibre Dominates

Carbon fibre has become the preferred material for running poles due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, and resistance to fatigue. Its use enables the creation of poles that are both lightweight and incredibly strong, making them ideal for ultra-running. Within carbon fibre, different grades exist, with Toray300 and Toray800 being two of the most commonly referenced materials.

 

Toray300 vs. Toray800 Carbon: The Critical Differences

The main difference between Toray300 and Toray800 carbon fibre lies in their tensile strength, modulus, and strain at failure. Toray800 offers superior stiffness and resistance to deformation under load, making it more responsive and efficient. This is crucial for high-intensity running. In contrast, Toray300,  has a lower tensile strength and modulus compared to Toray800. Mountain King is known for using Toray800 carbon fibre in the SkyRunner series.

Unlike many poles on the market, every SkyRunner pole tube is fully manufactured in-house at Mountain King’s UK factory. Starting from raw carbon fibre fabric, each shaft is cut, laid up, cured, and precision-shaped under strict quality control. This vertical manufacturing process ensures total consistency across batches and allows Mountain King to closely monitor performance standards at every stage of production.

This commitment to craftsmanship and control guarantees that the SkyRunner poles performs exactly as intended—race after race, climb after climb—delivering the same elite-level reliability and confidence.

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SkyRunner Ultra RaceDay Pole

The Ultimate Pole for Ultra-Endurance Athletes

Engineered for elite ultrarunners and trail runners, the SkyRunner Ultra RaceDay Pole delivers world-class performance where every gram and every stride matters. Weighing just 107g per pole (at 110cm), it's one of the lightest poles on the market—built entirely from premium Toray 800 carbon, including fully carbon connectors for maximum strength, rigidity, and minimal flex.

Designed with input from top 10 UTMB finishers, this pole is made to excel in steep ascents, technical descents, and long, grueling races.

Key Features:

  • Ultra-Lightweight: Just 107g for fast, fatigue-free movement

  • Toray 800 Carbon Construction: Exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio for efficient power transfer

  • Fully Carbon Connectors: Stronger and lighter than traditional materials

  • Ergonomic Grip: High-density foam with long grip zone for comfort and control

  • D-Loop Mesh Strap: Breathable, moisture-wicking support

  • Quick-Locking System: Fast, secure adjustments on the go

Whether you're racing over mountains or enduring back-to-back race days, the SkyRunner Ultra RaceDay Pole is built to keep you moving—faster, longer, and stronger.

SkyRunner Carbon Poles

Maximum Performance, Minimal Weight – For Trail Runners Who Demand the Best

Built for high-performance trail running and ultramarathons, the SkyRunner and SkyRunner Ultra Carbon Poles are trusted by elite athletes around the world. Made with Toray 800 carbon and fully carbon connectors in the Ultra and aluminium for the SkyRunner, these poles offer exceptional strength, responsiveness, and featherlight weight—perfect for tackling steep climbs, technical descents, and long-distance races.

Whether you're an experienced trail runner or a world-class competitor, these poles deliver the speed, efficiency, and durability needed to go further, faster, and with less fatigue.

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Lightweight, Versatile, and Race-Ready

Weighing just 110g per pole (at 110cm), the SkyRunner Carbon Poles strike the perfect balance between comfort and performance. Ideal for intermediate to advanced runners, they provide reliable support and smooth power transfer on mixed terrain without adding unnecessary weight.

Key Features:

  • Toray 800 Carbon Construction – Ultra-light and exceptionally stiff for efficient energy transfer

  • Ergonomic Foam Grip – Comfortable, sweat-wicking grip with a long grip zone for quick hand adjustments

  • Featherlight Design – Reduces fatigue during long runs and stows easily when not in use

  • Durable & Responsive – Handles tough terrain with ease while staying comfortable over distance

Best for:

  • Trail runners seeking lightweight performance on varied terrain

  • Long-distance and mid-distance runners focused on comfort and speed

  • Intermediate to advanced athletes who want efficient, race-day-ready gear

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TrailBlaze Aluminum Poles

Strength, Reliability & Value for Trail Runners at Every Level

Built for durability, crafted for performance—Mountain King Aluminium Running Poles are the perfect choice for beginner to intermediate trail runners. Made from aerospace-grade aluminium, they offer an unbeatable strength-to-weight ratio while remaining accessible and budget-friendly.

Every pole is heat-treated and anodized in Mountain King's Newcastle-based factory for enhanced toughness, corrosion resistance, and long-term reliability—ideal for tackling unpredictable trails and rugged terrain.

Key Features:

  • Aerospace-Grade Aluminium: Lightweight yet incredibly strong for all-day use

  • Heat-Treated for Extra Strength: Withstands significant force without bending

  • Anodized Finish: Resists corrosion, scratches, and wear

  • Perfect for Beginners: Forgiving, durable design that handles the trail learning curve

  • Made in the UK: Precision-crafted in Newcastle for top-tier quality control

Whether you’re just starting trail running or need a reliable, impact-resistant pole for demanding routes, Mountain King delivers trusted performance without compromise.

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