In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, Ashley Paulson runs 12:19 at the Jackpot 100 to set a new 100-mile world record, averaging 7:34 pace and continuing the rapid evolution of speed at the distance. We discuss the course dynamics, surface differences from Tunnel Hill, and what this means for the future of flat-course ultras.

We also unpack a very public dispute in the performance apparel space after Satisfy founder Brice Partouche shared private messages accusing emerging brand Currently of copying product designs. Where’s the line between inspiration and imitation, and are there winners in a social-media-fueled fallout?

Elsewhere, ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut with trail crossover athletes Cam Smith and Ana Gibson narrowly missing the podium, Golden Trail doubles down on global expansion and broadcast ambitions, and Gorge Waterfalls releases the full breakdown of its $75,000 prize purse.

Plus: a new 200-miler called the Maine Moose Ultra is announced for 2027 with significant local backing, Desert Rats expands access through the North American Para Trail Summit, and the skyrunning season begins.

Partners:

• Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
• Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)

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What a wild weekend in the Arizona desert. Brett Hornig and Leah Yingling return to the show to break down everything that unfolded at the 2026 Black Canyon 100K. We dive into course-record performances from Hans Troyer and Jennifer Lichter, Anne Flower’s front-running strength, Anthony Costales’ return to form, the drama of Molly Seidel’s 100K debut, and one of the deepest Golden Ticket distributions in recent memory.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Opening + On-the-Ground Experience (Livestream, Aid Stations, 50K PR)
• 04:34 “Course Records Are Contagious” - Women’s Race Explodes
• 06:47 Anne Flower’s No-Cooling Strategy + Heat Management Debate
• 10:18 Is This the Most Competitive Women’s Western States Field Ever?
• 11:14 Hans Troyer’s Course Record + Race Dynamics
• 13:06 Golden Ticket Chaos in the Men’s Field
• 16:20 Depth vs. Density - Are Fields Actually Getting Tighter?
• 16:47 Split Analysis: Men vs. Women Slowdown Percentages
• 22:49 Molly Seidel’s Mid-Race Mistakes + “Controlled Micro Fade”
• 26:49 Is Gloriana - Deep Canyon the Most Dangerous Section?
• 29:50 “Random Ballers” + No Intimidation at the Start Line
• 33:59 How Many Guys Could’ve Run Sub-7:30?
• 36:07 Fantasy Picks + Predictions (Sub-8 Call)
• 37:33 Underrated Performances: Tracen Knopp, Hans’ Next-Gen Status
• 43:00 Tara Dower Interview + Emotional Finish Line Moments
• 49:39 Anthony Costales Is Back
• 50:47 Francesco Puppi’s Fall + What It Means for Western States
• 53:29 Gear Talk + 50K Pace Explosion
• 55:29 Golden Ticket Impact on Western States 2026
• 58:28 Who Still Needs a Ticket? (Chianti / Canyons)
• 1:00:10 Final Thoughts - Media, Molly’s Impact, The Women’s Depth
  
  
  

Partners:

* Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)

* Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)

* Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)

* Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)

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In one of the most action-packed weekends of ultrarunning in recent memory, we followed Tarawera, Black Canyon, and the Barkley Marathons as they unfolded simultaneously. Jeff Colt joins the show to break it all down. We also cover the PTRA’s advisory vote on pacing at championship-level races, crowdfunded prize purses, Outside Interactive’s profitability, the 603 Endurance sale to Marathon Sports, Mount to Coast’s pro team announcement, and Broken Arrow’s Trail Futures initiative.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Black Canyon 100K + 50K Highlights
• 04:04 Tarawera 102K Insights
• 08:06 Barkley Marathons Update
• 12:08 Crowdfunded Prize Purse Initiative
• 15:54 Pacer Vote and Its Implications
• 19:58 Outside Interactive's Profitability
• 23:57 603 Endurance Acquisition
• 25:46 Mount to Coast Team Announcement

Partners:

• Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
• Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)

Support the show