The start of something new

Welcome to Transmissions from the Unknown, an informal publishing medium for Unknown Runner. My name is Alex Mette and alongside my wife/running partner, Katie, we’re the founders of Unknown Runner.

What can you expect from this? Hard to say at this point, but my current line of thought is for this to be a more informal and direct communication channel highlighting the internal and external happenings of Unknown Runner. Things like why we developed a certain product, how we chose a specific fabric, and behind the scene looks at what is happening in our orbit.

Maybe more importantly, we’ll use it to highlight and discuss things in and around trail running.

The main takeaway is that it will evolve. Where to.. unknown.

The Origins of Unknown Runner

Scrolling the race photos of a trail race in the Texas panhandle in 2021, I was nowhere to be found. Eventually I made it to the last page where a collection of runners, including myself, was grouped under “unknown runner”, the photo processing software unable to decipher bib numbers and assign names.

At that moment, something clicked and I knew that eventually we would start a company and call it Unknown Runner.

To me, the name celebrates the solitary but shared experience of trail running. The many miles alone in the woods with nothing but your thoughts.

The experience of trying to improve as a runner. Destination and outcome unknown. The only certainty is the path ahead.

The deeper sense of purpose running through nature seems to evoke. An appreciation of people, place, and the simple act of being.

Our goals

I’m in a simplifying phase of life right now. Trying to strip back the unnecessary and leave only the most important. Kids tend to have a paring effect on life, cleaving away the excesses.

With that in mind, here’s what is important to Unknown Runner. If we can succeed at these then that’s enough.

1. Design and build the highest quality performance merino apparel purpose made for trail runners. We’ll only build it if it serves a purpose.

2. Grow and support the grassroots and local trail community. The trails and the miles are great but in the end it’s the community of people we share that experience with.

3. Stay small, stay close. We want to know our customers and the community. We’re purposefully small. We’ll strive to foster real human connection. In person is best.

Thanks for reading. Hope to see you out on the trail.

-Alex, Co-founder

PS – if you have a long distance trail run planned and need help check out Unknown Runner Support Services. We want to help. Alternatively, if you want to help others with their long distance trail pursuits, let us know and we’ll connect you if someone gets in touch that needs help in your neck of the woods.