Black Canyon 100K 2026 Recap | Golden Tickets and Key Takeaways

Tonight we recap the 2026 Black Canyon 100K, breaking down the race results, Golden Ticket recipients, and the key storylines from a historically fast edition of the race.

We'll discuss how the race unfolded across the desert course, what it means for this summer's Western States 100, and the standout performances that defined the weekend.

We'll also be joined live by Hans Troyer, the men's 100K champion, to reflect on his race and experience at Black Canyon.

Special thanks to All Conditions Gear for supporting our coverage.

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Race Registration

Register for The Big Alta https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=130943

Register for Gorge Waterfalls https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=129366

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Sponsors

Osprey Grab a trail running pack at https://www.osprey.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=trail%20runnng

NEVERSECOND Nutrition Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order https://www.never2.com

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Freetrail Links

Website https://freetrail.com/

Freetrail Pro https://freetrail.com/freetrail-pro/

Patreon https://www.patreon.com/dylanbowman

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YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8MKI1xB8YMchI1764zJXHg

Freetrail Experts https://freetrail.com/freetrail-experts/

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Dylan Bowman

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Twitter https://twitter.com/dylanbo

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-bowman-06174380/

Strava https://www.strava.com/pros/1596921

Tarawera by UTMB 2026 Recap | Golden Tickets and Key Takeaways

Tonight we recap the 2026 Tarawera by UTMB, breaking down the race results, Golden Ticket recipients, and the biggest storylines from the 102K event.

We'll analyze how the race unfolded, what it means for the Western States 100, and the key performances that defined the weekend in Rotorua.

We'll also be joined live by Robyn Lesh, the women's 50K champion, to discuss her race and experience on the course. Additional guests may join the show as well.

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Race Registration

Register for The Big Alta https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=130943

Register for Gorge Waterfalls https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=129366

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Sponsors

Osprey Grab a trail running pack at https://www.osprey.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=trail%20runnng

NEVERSECOND Nutrition Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order https://www.never2.com

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Freetrail Links

Website https://freetrail.com/

Freetrail Pro https://freetrail.com/freetrail-pro/

Patreon https://www.patreon.com/dylanbowman

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/runfreetrail/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8MKI1xB8YMchI1764zJXHg

Freetrail Experts https://freetrail.com/freetrail-experts/

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Dylan Bowman

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dylanbo/

Twitter https://twitter.com/dylanbo

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-bowman-06174380/

Strava https://www.strava.com/pros/1596921

Black Canyon 50K Preview | Golden Ticket Weekend

Tonight we continue our weeklong coverage of the double Golden Ticket race weekend with Freetrail's preview of the Black Canyon 50K. We'll also share final thoughts and key stats from the Black Canyon 100K and make our Golden Ticket predictions.

We'll be live at 5:00 PM PT with co-hosts Tim Tollefson, Dani Moreno, and EmKay Sullivan.

Who is your pick to win?

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The Docket

Breaking news Black Canyon to Western States history Scenario speculation Historical margins of victory 50K preview Predictions

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Race Registration

Register for The Big Alta https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=130943

Register for Gorge Waterfalls https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=129366

––––––––––––––––––

Sponsors

Osprey Grab a trail running pack at https://www.osprey.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=trail%20runnng

NEVERSECOND Nutrition Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order https://www.never2.com

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Freetrail Links

Website https://freetrail.com/

Freetrail Pro https://freetrail.com/freetrail-pro/

Patreon https://www.patreon.com/dylanbowman

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/runfreetrail/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8MKI1xB8YMchI1764zJXHg

Freetrail Experts https://freetrail.com/freetrail-experts/

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Dylan Bowman

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dylanbo/

Twitter https://twitter.com/dylanbo

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-bowman-06174380/

Strava https://www.strava.com/pros/1596921

Black Canyon 100K Preview | Golden Ticket Weekend

Tonight we continue our weeklong coverage of the double Golden Ticket race weekend with Freetrail's preview of the Black Canyon 100K.

Over the last 12 years, Black Canyon has grown into one of North America's most prestigious trail races. It now feels like the annual kickoff to the professional racing season — and the energy reflects it.

A Super Golden Ticket race again in 2026, Black Canyon has attracted some of the best athletes in the sport to battle across this classic desert course for a chance to compete at this summer's Western States 100.

We'll be live at 5:00 PM PT / 2:00 PM NZ with Tim Tollefson and EmKay Sullivan to break down the course, expected conditions, and top contenders heading into race weekend. We'll also be joined by a special guest.

Who is your pick to win?

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The Docket

Black Canyon course overview Racing conditions Women's contenders Men's contenders

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Race Registration

Register for The Big Alta https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx...

Register for Gorge Waterfalls https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx...

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Sponsors

Osprey Grab a trail running pack at https://www.osprey.com/catalogsearch/...

NEVERSECOND Nutrition Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order https://www.never2.com

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Freetrail Links

Website https://freetrail.com/

Freetrail Pro https://freetrail.com/freetrail-pro/

Freetrail Experts https://freetrail.com/freetrail-experts/

Patreon https://www.patreon.com/dylanbowman

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/runfreetrail

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@freetrail

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Dylan Bowman

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dylanbo

Twitter https://twitter.com/dylanbo

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-bowman-06174380

Strava https://www.strava.com/athletes/

Tonight we continue our weeklong coverage of the double Golden Ticket race weekend with Freetrail's in-depth preview of Tarawera by UTMB.

Rotorua once again plays host to the 15th running of New Zealand's largest and most important trail race. For the second year in a row, four Golden Tickets to the Western States 100 are on the line, with many of the sport's top athletes toeing the line to secure their spot in Auburn.

We're going live at 5:00 PM PT / 2:00 PM NZ with Tim Tollefson and Dani Moreno to break down the course, expected conditions, and top contenders heading into race weekend.

The Docket

• Tarawera course overview

• Expected racing conditions

• Women's favorites

• Men's favorites

Race Registration

Register for The Big Alta https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx...

Register for Gorge Waterfalls https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx...

Sponsors

Osprey Grab a trail running pack at https://www.osprey.com/catalogsearch/...

NEVERSECOND Nutrition Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order https://www.never2.com

Freetrail Links

Website https://freetrail.com/

Freetrail Pro https://freetrail.com/freetrail-pro/

Freetrail Experts https://freetrail.com/freetrail-experts/

Patreon https://www.patreon.com/dylanbowman

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/runfreetrail

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@freetrail

Dylan Bowman

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dylanbo

Twitter https://twitter.com/dylanbo

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-bowman-06174380

Strava https://www.strava.com/athletes/

Tonight's live show begins a full week of Trailgating coverage of the 2026 Black Canyon and Tarawera double Golden Ticket race weekend. As usual, we begin the show with the Top 10 Storylines of around these two premier trail running events.

Tonight's docket: - Molly Seidel & Des Linden do trails - Analytics corner - Jenn Lichter's 100k debut - People who don't need Golden Tickets - World Record Holders at Black Canyon - Ruth Croft & Dan Jones defend Tarawera Crowns - Riley Brady defends Black Canyon course record win from 2025 - Athletes debuting with new sponsors - Rise of the Black Canyon 50k - Francesco Puppi's 100k dominance - will it continue?

Of course, we finish with the Strava file of the week!

Our full show schedule for the week is listed below. We'll be going live every night at 5pm PT!

- Monday 2/9 - Top 10 Storylines of Black Canyon & Tarawera (TONIGHT)

- Tuesday 2/10 - Tarawera Preview Show

- Wednesday 2/11 - Black Canyon 100k Preview Show

- Thursday 2/12 - Black Canyon 50k Preview Show & Golden Ticket Predictions

- Friday 2/13 - Tarawera Instant Recap Show

- Saturday 2/14 - Black Canyon Instant Recap Show

REGISTER FOR THE BIG ALTA - https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=130943

REGISTER FOR GORGE WATERFALLS - https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=129366

Sponsors:

Grab a trail running pack from Osprey - https://www.osprey.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=trail%20runnng

Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at https://www.never2.com

Freetrail Links:

Website | https://freetrail.com/

Freetrail Pro | https://freetrail.com/freetrail-pro/

Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/dylanbowman

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/runfreetrail/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8MKI1xB8YMchI1764zJXHg

Freetrail Experts | https://freetrail.com/freetrail-experts/

Dylan Links:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dylanbo/

Twitter | https://twitter.com/dylanbo

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-bowman-06174380/

Strava | https://www.strava.com/pros/1596921

Anne Flower is a pro runner for HOKA and Neversecond based in Colorado Springs, CO. In 2025, Anne exploded into the trail running conversation when she broke Ann Trason's course record at the historic Leadville 100 - a mark that stood for 31 years. Later in the fall, Anne went to Tunnel Hill where she broke the 50-mile World Record by a remarkable 13min margin.

One of the breakout stars of the 2025 season, Anne will be among the favorites at this week's Black Canyon 100k, where she hopes to earn a Golden Ticket to Western States. This is her first appearance on the podcast.

Watch Rest Day Live on YouTube

Chapters:

• What makes you you?
• The Intersection of Medicine and Running
• 2025: A Year of Transformation
• The Leadville 100 Experience
• Breaking the 50-mile World Record at Tunnel Hill
• New Partnerships with HOKA and Neversecond
• Looking Ahead: Future Races and Aspirations
• Who Anne Admires

REGISTER FOR THE BIG ALTA

REGISTER FOR GORGE WATERFALLS

Sponsors:

• Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
• Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com
• Go to ketone.com/freetrail30 for 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ

Freetrail Links: Website | Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | YouTube | Freetrail Experts Dylan Links: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Strava

Cam Smith is a pro trail runner and ski mountaineer living in Crested Butte, CO. Anna Gibson is a pro trail runner and ski mountaineer living in Jackson Hole, WY. Together they are representing Team USA at the winter olympics in the Mixed Relay SkiMo race. This is the first time skimo has been included in the Olympic Games but the sport has gained increasing popularity in recent years, especially among top trail runners who often pursue the sport competitively or recreationally in the winter months.

Chapters:

03:55 Introduction to Olympic Aspirations 06:46 The Emotional Finish at Solitude 09:53 Personal Journeys to the Olympics 12:43 Understanding the Mixed Relay Format 16:06 The Stakes of the Solitude Race 19:07 Margin of Victory and Team Dynamics 21:55 Recruitment and Team Building 24:48 Transition Skills in Ski Mountaineering 28:00 Lessons from Trail Running Competitions 35:21 Building Confidence Through Competition 36:26 Mentorship and Team Dynamics 38:24 Strategic Preparation for World Championships 39:04 The Evolution of Ski Mountaineering in North America 41:22 Lessons from Olympic Inclusion 44:07 Navigating Individual vs. Team Formats 47:55 The Journey to Team USA 50:48 Embracing Inexperience as a Strength 52:24 Final Training Push Before the Olympics 56:45 Mindset and Competition 01:00:35 Overcoming Health Challenges 01:04:04 Family Support and Emotional Moments 01:08:04 Looking Ahead to Future Goals

Sponsors:

• Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
• Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com

Freetrail Links: Website | Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | YouTube | Freetrail Experts

Dylan Links: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Strava

Welcome to Rest Day, Freetrail's weekly news show dissecting the latest happenings in Trail Running. this week our co-hosts are Tim Tollefson and Corrine Malcolm.

The Docket:

- Free agency updates

- Kilian Jornet's state of the sport essay​

- Freetrail's new Realized Competition Index​

- Recent race results

- Trail runners in the Boston Marathon elite field​

- Strava file of the week

REGISTER FOR THE BIG ALTA REGISTER FOR GORGE WATERFALLS Sponsors:

• Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
• Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com
• Go to ketone.com/freetrail30 for 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ

Freetrail Links: Website | Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | YouTube | Freetrail Experts Dylan Links: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Strava

This is an emergency episode to share some breaking news, Jenn Lichter and Adam Merry sign pro contracts with All Conditions Gear (ACG), filling out their growing roster of top global talent. Both Jenn and Adam are making their 2026 debut and their ACG debut at the Black Canyon 100k in two weeks.

WATCH REST DAY LIVE

Chapters:

04:15 Introduction and Major News 06:57 Personal Updates and Life Changes 09:58 Transitioning to New Partnerships 12:30 The Energy at ACG and Brand Support 15:24 Behind the Scenes of Contract Negotiations 18:16 Training for Black Canyon 20:55 Race Strategy and Mindset 23:56 Equipment Choices for Race Day 26:25 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

REGISTER FOR THE BIG ALTA

REGISTER FOR GORGE WATERFALLS

Sponsors:

• Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
• Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com
• Go to ketone.com/freetrail30 for 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ

Freetrail Links: Website | Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | YouTube | Freetrail Experts Dylan Links: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Strava