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The countdown to America's most competitive mountain running showdown has begun. In this episode, host James Lauriello sits down with race director Tom Hooper and co-host Nick Tusa to dissect the upcoming Sunapee Scramble – the USATF Mountain Classic Championships that will determine who represents Team USA at the World Mountain Running Championships.

This race promises unparalleled drama as athletes tackle a brutally demanding 9.2-mile course with over 3,200 feet of elevation gain. The uniquely designed two-loop format mimics the world championship course in Spain, featuring both service road climbs and highly technical descents through what locals call "the glades" – described as "really steep, really fast, really mushy." It's a course that demands complete athletes, or as Hooper puts it, "Swiss army knives" of mountain running.

The conversation dives deep into the compelling storylines shaping both fields. On the men's side, all eyes are on the brewing rivalry between defending champion Dan Kurtz and rising star Mason Copey, who recently outpaced Kurtz on Mount Sanitas. Meanwhile, the women's race presents a fascinating battle between established elites like Ali Ostrander, Rachel Tomajczyk, and Lauren Gregory against emerging talents such as Sophie Wright and Flannery Davis Love. With only four men's spots and three women's spots available for Worlds (plus Grayson Murphy's automatic qualification), several American stars will inevitably be left heartbroken.

What makes this selection race particularly significant is the extraordinary depth of talent – many competitors boast sub-14 minute 5K and sub-30 minute 10K credentials – paired with the technical challenges that will expose any weaknesses in descending ability. The trio offers detailed analysis and bold predictions about who will triumph on this unforgiving New Hampshire terrain.

Curious about which rising stars might have their career-defining breakthrough? Which established veterans might miss the world team? Or how the unusually wet, cold conditions might reshape the competitive landscape? Tune in for expert insights into what promises to be the most competitive selection race ever assembled on American soil.

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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!