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Trail Running Film Festival comes to WNC

Trail running is a sport of endurance and exploration of the human body in motion in the depths of nature, both physically and spiritually. Garret K. Woodward photo

Tara Pruett’s running journey emerged from a rough childhood. The art of running, the sport itself — with its life lessons and camaraderie within its vast community of athletes — became a beacon of safe harbor and personal resolve for Pruett.

“My running journey didn’t start with races or medals — it started as survival. I grew up in a tough and broken home and running became my escape,” Pruett said. “It wasn’t about fitness or fun; it was a lifeline. Later, it helped me manage depression and gave me a sense of control when everything else felt out of reach.”

Running became the outlet for Pruett’s body, mind and soul not only to heal but to flourish and grow with every stride.

“In my 20s and 30s, running evolved into something more — it became a way to remind myself what I was capable of,” Pruett said. “Each mile was a reminder — I’m still here, I’m still standing.”

As she got older, Pruett became immersed in trail running. By being able to lace up her shoes and happily disappear into the depths of Mother Nature, trail running became a healing process that remains as vital to Pruett’s well-being today as ever.

“Trail running showed up like a whisper and turned into a roar. The first time I hit a trail, something shifted. The chaos quieted. I wasn’t just running anymore — I was reconnecting with myself, with nature, with peace,” Pruett said. “It became my therapy, my spiritual anchor. Every climb, every stumble, every moment alone in the woods has taught me to trust my instincts, follow my heart and stay grounded. And the more I pushed myself out there, the more of myself I found.”

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Now, Pruett is a personal trainer and running coach in Asheville. With a mission statement of “where the gym floor and mountain trails meet to reveal the extraordinary in you,” Pruett is also at the helm of a gym (and women’s group) she created as part of her ethos, her continued quest, which is called “The Unstoppable Rebel Collective.”

“URC is a place where women rewrite the narrative. We lift heavy, run wild and show up loud,” Pruett said. “We don’t chase skinny — we chase strength. It’s about smashing lies, building confidence and becoming unapologetically unstoppable — in the gym, on the trail and in life.”

On Aug. 20, Pruett will host the “Trail Running Film Festival,” a traveling showcase sponsored by Brooks. The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. at The Orange Peel in Asheville.

“This festival means the world to me. It’s about stories. Real stories. Your story, my story — the ones that remind us what’s possible. Trail running isn’t just a sport, it’s a path to self-discovery, healing, connection,” Pruett said. “The films make you laugh, cry and walk out the door ready to chase whatever adventure lights you up. My hope is that every person leaves feeling seen, inspired and totally fired up.”

During the festival, several films spotlighting the hardscrabble nature and intrinsic beauty of trail running will be screened, each flick as unique and in-depth as those athletes being portrayed.

“Trail running is raw, rugged and real. It asks more from your body — your balance, your strength, your agility,” Pruett said. “You’re constantly adapting to the terrain, and no two miles are the same. The climbs will crush your ego, and the descents will keep you humble.”

While on the trail, Pruett will constantly discover something new about the landscape at hand and what’s within her — strength, reflection and the will to push forward, head held high.

“It’s more than a run. It’s my therapy, my meditation, my medicine. It’s where I remember who I am and why I do this work,” Pruett said. “Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I dream. I think about the women I coach, the battles I’ve fought, the joy I’ve found. I get ideas — big, bold, slightly insane ideas — about life, about business, about who I want to be in the world.”

Hitting the trail

Below are a handful of trail running tips from Tera Pruett:

• Keep it simple. Ditch the pace goals. Trail miles are slower and that’s the beauty of it. Walk the climbs, pause at the views and let go of your road-runner brain. Learn to read the trail, trust your feet and soak it all in.

• Get yourself some solid trail shoes with grip, a hydration pack, and don’t sleep on good socks. I’m ride-or-die for Injinji. Layer smart and don’t stress the gear too much. The trail doesn’t care what you look like — it cares that you show up.

Tera Pruitt. Donated photo

• Leave your ego at the trailhead. The trail isn’t about [personal records] or performance — it’s about presence. It’s about reconnecting to your body, your breath and the ground beneath your feet. We’ve got a saying: “What’s said on the trail stays on the trail.” It’s where we open up, break down, laugh, cry and let it all go.

To learn more, visit terapruett-unstoppable.squarespace.com.

Want to go?

Presented by Brooks, the Trail Running Film Festival will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at The Orange Peel in Asheville.

The evening will feature a thoughtfully-curated lineup of films showcasing breathtaking adventures, stories of personal transformation and the powerful bond between people and wild places.

These stories will highlight the grit, joy and heart of a community of runners that keeps showing up, together.

Tickets are $27.50 per person. This event is all ages. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit theorangepeel.net/events.

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