What happens when the trail running world’s most inclusive ideals meet its most exclusive races? In this episode of The Next Aid Station, Jake and Mick dive into major topics shaking the ultra scene — from whether Jake should hire his first-ever running coach, to the controversial question of whether Ryan Montgomery should receive the M7 bib at Western States as a non-binary runner.

🔥 Topics we cover:

• Why hiring a running coach might finally make sense for Jake

• The massive gap between “real” ultra coaches and downloaded schedules

• A heated debate on gender categories in races like Western States

• Should non-binary runners get male bibs in the top 10?

• A runner’s tragic death at Hardrock: how should races respond?

• How brand influence might affect who gets picked to race Hardrock

• Hardrock 100’s “inclusivity” claims vs. their limited entry numbers

This one is emotional, honest, and packed with controversial but critical discussions for the future of ultrarunning.

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