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Welcome to a special preview of what might be the most competitive mountain race ever assembled on American soil. As the Broken Arrow Skyrace approaches, we're diving deep into the Ascent competition (formerly known as the VK) where the stakes couldn't be higher – the top four American men and women will earn spots on Team USA for the World Mountain Running Championships.

The star power in this year's field is simply astounding. Patrick Kipngeno returns to defend his title against an unexpected challenger – the legendary Killian Jornet, who's taking a detour from Western States preparation to test himself on American soil. Perhaps most exciting is the Broken Arrow debut of American mountain running GOAT Joe Gray, bringing decades of uphill expertise to a course that rewards pure running ability over hiking strength.

On the women's side, we're witnessing what could be the making of a historic rivalry. Kenya's Joyce Njeru, undefeated in American races, faces rising star Anna Gibson, whose trajectory suggests she might become one of the all-time greats in mountain running. Veterans like Ali McLaughlin mix with breakthrough talents like Allie Ostrander and Oakley Olsen to create a fascinatingly deep field.

We break down the modified course (3.61 miles with 2,840 feet of gain), analyze the key contenders, and make our predictions for both podium spots and Team USA qualification. The international talent is so strong that Americans might struggle to crack the top five, especially in the men's competition, making this one of the most compelling mountain races to watch this season.

Whether you're filling out your FanTrail fantasy picks or simply wanting to understand the significance of this incredible event, our detailed preview gives you everything you need to appreciate the epic battle that's about to unfold on the slopes of Palisades Tahoe.

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Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!