Singletrack

In this episode, Max King reflects on his experience at the Barkley Marathons and why he now views it as a multi-year project rather than a one-off attempt. He breaks down the realities of navigation, collaboration, foot care, cold exposure, and the mental calculus required to decide whether to continue deeper into the course.

In the second half of the conversation, Max discusses where he sits in his career at 45, how his relationship with competition has evolved, and what it means to keep racing while letting go of certain expectations. He talks about durability, motivation, adapting training as an aging athlete, shifting sponsorship dynamics, and the balance between performance and adventure.

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)
Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) 

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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)
Support the show

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)
Support the show

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

Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at this year’s Black Canyon 100K.
Timestamps:
02:12 Black Canyon 100K Storylines
05:35 Training Strategies and Race Day Tactics
10:13 Course Characteristics, Projected Weather Conditions 
19:06 Race Execution and Aid Station Strategies
35:33 Women's Field Analysis
58:40  Men's Field Analysis
01:27:06 Final Thoughts and Race Day Responsibilities

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)
Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) 

Additional Links:
Follow Leah on Instagram,  Strava, Twitter
Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube
Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube
Support the show