The REC Report

On this episode of The REC REPORT, host Cheryl Meier joins Lesha Coltharp, Director of Tourism and Events for Uintah County, to go behind the scenes of Dinah Soar Days — Vernal's signature celebration of hot air balloons, dinosaurs, and community spirit.

Now in its ninth year, Dinah Soar Days featured a record-breaking 52 hot air balloons, more than 45 additional events, and an incredible 804 people dressed as dinosaurs, setting a new Guinness World Record!

Lesha shares how Vernal became known as Dinosaurland, Cheryl shares the story behind the community's successful world record attempt, and both discuss how strong partnerships between local organizations, businesses, and residents make an incredible festival like this possible.

From hot air balloon flights and the Dino Dash to live music and downtown celebrations, discover what makes Dinah Soar Days so special and how one community keeps making history together!

🎙️ Hosted by Cheryl Meier, Director of Uintah Special Service District 1

🦖Featuring: Lesha Coltharp, Director of Tourism and Events for Uintah County

Visit the Uintah Rec Center in person at 610 South Vernal Avenue, Vernal, UT 84078

Check us out online at: recreation.uintah.gov 

Host: Cheryl Meier

Guest: Lesha Coltharp

Creative Director: Becca Summers

Assistant Producer: Niki Harman

Edited By: Krisi Summers

Recorded at: V6 Media

Audio Engineer: Coby Coondradt

Produced by: Summer Creative Agency

Running 129+ Miles. Over 31 Hours. Brutal Heat. One New Record.

In our very first episode of The REC Report, Cheryl Meier sits down with Cort Dixon, the 2026 McCoy Flats Death Race winner and new record holder.

The McCoy Flats Death Race is part of the Uintah Rec Race series and attracts endurance athletes from around the nation. This grueling endurance race was held in Vernal, Utah, challenging runners to push their physical and mental limits across the rugged terrain of the McCoy Flats. With demanding conditions, relentless terrain, and hours of running, the race is designed to test just how far an athlete can go.

Cort Dixon takes us inside the grueling endurance race. From training and mental preparation to the heat, exhaustion, support crew, and the moment he realized he'd broken the previous record. He also shares what running 129 miles taught him about his limits and what he'd tell anyone who thinks they could never do something like this.

🎙️ Hosted by Cheryl Meier, Director of Uintah Special Service District 1

🏃 Featuring Endurance Athlete, Cort Dixon

Visit the Uintah Rec Center at 610 South Vernal Avenue Vernal, UT 84078

Check us out online at: recreation.uintah.gov----more----

Produced by: Summer Creative Agency

Recorded at: the PodMill

Host: Cheryl Meier

Creative Director: Becca Summers

Assistant Producer: Niki Harman

Edited By: Krisi Summers