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The 2024 Golden Trail Series kicks off in Japan with the technically challenging Kobe Trail race, and we've got the complete preview to get you ready for all the action. This 21K mountain course packs a serious punch with nearly 7,000 feet of climbing across four increasingly difficult loops, culminating in a brutal final climb that will separate the contenders from the pretenders.

What makes this race particularly fascinating is the unique intersection of skills required – pure climbing strength versus technical descending prowess. The Japanese terrain features slick roots, rocks, and challenging singletrack that caused several DNFs last year when Philemon Kiriago twisted his ankle while running in the lead pack. This technical challenge especially favors athletes with orienteering backgrounds, potentially giving an edge to competitors like Switzerland's Joey Hadron.

We break down the surprisingly thin elite field (compared to typical Golden Trail events), analyzing why many top athletes chose to skip this opener and how that creates a strategic advantage for those who made the journey to Japan. On the men's side, defending champion Patrick Kipngeno returns as the clear favorite, coming off remarkable training blocks in Kenya with 120+ mile weeks. For the women, newly-signed Norda athlete Joyce Njeru faces strong challenges from technical specialists Sarah Alonso and Malin Osa in what promises to be a fascinating tactical battle.

Whether you're following the Golden Trail Series all season or just love expert race breakdowns, this episode delivers insider knowledge on course specifics, athlete preparation, and bold predictions for who might take home the win. The conversation also explores broader themes in the sport including sponsor dynamics, athlete development, and the strategic importance of early-season race selection in a championship year.

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Hawk Call might be the son of OCR legend Hobie Call, but he's rapidly making a name for himself as one of America's most promising mountain runners.

After finding success on the track at Utah Valley University with a 14:42 5K PR, Hawk initially followed his father's footsteps into obstacle course racing. However, the explosive growth of trail running soon captured his attention, and in 2024 he established himself as a force in the mountain running scene by winning both the Cirque Series Grand Targhee race and the Speedgoat 28K.

Now selected for the prestigious Trail Team Elite 2025 squad, Hawk shares his methodical approach to the sport and his plans to tackle the Golden Trail World Series with races in Italy, Broken Arrow Skyrace, and Austria. What sets him apart is his dedication to sub-ultra distances in a country often fixated on ultramarathons. "I like the sub-ultra scene on the trails," he explains. "They're just short enough where you can push yourself so hard the whole time... if you want to compete and win, you have to go fast the whole time."

Despite working full-time, Hawk maintains a rigorous training schedule, rising at 4:30 AM for his first workout of the day. This discipline clearly reflects his father's influence - "One thing I definitely learned from him was it's not a 'have to,' it's a 'get to' kind of thing," Hawk shares, describing the positive mindset that drives his pursuit of excellence.

Follow Hawk Call's journey as he aims to close the gap with Europe's elite mountain runners and help grow the American sub-ultra trail running scene. His methodical progression, work ethic, and pure love of the sport make him one of the most exciting athletes to watch in 2025.

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Meet Alison Rudy, a rising star in the mountain running community who's challenging conventional paths to success in the sport. From her home base in Leadville, Colorado—elevation 10,000 feet—Alison is crafting a remarkable career focused on sub-ultra distances and uphill dominance.

Our conversation weaves through Ali's fascinating background as a "third culture kid" who grew up moving between Bulgaria, West Africa, and various parts of the United States. This nomadic childhood instilled a resilience that serves her well on the trails, where she recently dominated the Run Through Time Half Marathon with a new course record. Just days before our conversation, she secured an impressive 4th place finish at Desert Rats 21K against a stacked field including Tabor Hemming and Sydney Peterson.

What makes Ali's story particularly compelling is her unconventional entry into competitive running. Unlike many elites with collegiate backgrounds, she discovered running as personal therapy after moving to Leadville at 17. Years of consistent training—even modest 20-mile weeks—gradually built a foundation of strength that now allows her to compete at the highest levels. Her approach to the sport balances competitive fire with thoughtful strategy, particularly evident in her recent focus on proper fueling during races.

Ali shares insights about training at extreme altitude, her favorite gear choices (including her love for Norda's 005 shoes), her musical pursuits as a folk singer-songwriter, and her work with local students in Leadville. Her excitement about upcoming FKT attempts on Mount Elbert and her race schedule including Vail Mountain Games and Mammoth Trail Fest reveals an athlete hitting her stride and ready to make waves.

Ready to be inspired by a fresh perspective on mountain running? Press play and join our conversation with one of the sport's most authentic and exciting new voices.

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In this enlightening conversation with ultrarunner Jazmine Lowther, we explore the dynamic intersection of elite performance, career transitions, and authentic living in the mountain sports world. Jazmine takes us inside her recent move from The North Face to Arc'teryx, revealing the emotional complexity of brand identity for professional athletes and the forward-thinking athlete support systems being developed in the industry.

Training in Squamish British Columbia brings unique challenges—freezing rain, challenging terrain, and a community where extraordinary multisport days are the norm. Jazmine shares how this environment shapes her approach to training while preparing for races like Canyons 100K, where she'll return as a former champion. The candid discussion about mental fortitude required for Pacific Northwest winters offers valuable perspective for anyone training through challenging conditions.

The conversation takes fascinating turns through coaching philosophy, where Jazmine emphasizes human connection over training metrics. "Communication is the foundation for the coach-athlete relationship," she explains, detailing how understanding an athlete's life stressors, relationship challenges, and mental health is crucial to effective coaching. Her approach to running retreats and holistic athlete development reveals a thoughtfulness that extends far beyond physical performance.

We tackle complex industry questions about race consolidation, the UTMB ecosystem, and finding balance between professional opportunities and grassroots racing culture. Jazmine's balanced perspective acknowledges both the visibility major race series bring while valuing the community events that build the sport's foundation. Her personal dilemma between targeting Western States or UTMB highlights the scheduling challenges elite athletes face in today's crowded calendar.

Perhaps most compelling is Jazmine's reflection on authenticity in the trail running community, where she values genuine connections over curated perfectionism. For anyone navigating the intersection of passion, profession, and purpose in outdoor sports, this conversation offers invaluable insights from someone balancing competitive excellence with genuine human connection.

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Few athletes embody the perfect balance between professional intensity and joyful participation quite like Garrett "The Parrot" Corcoran. A mechanical engineer with degrees from UC Berkeley who now develops sustainable jet fuel, Corcoran brings the same methodical approach to trail running that he applies to his technical work - but with a crucial difference: he never forgets to have fun.

Corcoran's journey from sub-4 minute collegiate miler to mountain crusher reveals a refreshing perspective on elite athletics. Unlike many who make running their entire identity, he maintains a challenging full-time engineering position while still competing at the sport's highest levels. This balanced approach hasn't hindered his success - in 2023, he qualified for two separate World Championship teams, represented the US in Innsbruck with a top-20 finish, and recently shocked himself by running a blazing 2:15 marathon on minimal specific training.

What truly sets Corcoran apart is his philosophy that athletic performance shouldn't come at the expense of enjoyment. "If you're going to make it your entire self-worth, I sure hope you're having a little bit of fun with it," he reflects. This perspective has served him well through injuries, including a notorious cramping incident caught on video that went viral in the trail running community. Rather than being embarrassed, Corcoran spent the entire post-race party sharing the video and laughing at himself - a testament to his grounded perspective.

As he prepares for another World Championship qualifying campaign in 2024-2025, Corcoran reminds us that balancing professional ambitions, athletic goals, and genuine enjoyment isn't just possible - it might be the secret formula for sustainable success. Follow his journey on Instagram @GarrettTheParrot96 and discover how elite performance and life balance can beautifully coexist.

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Sydney Petersen's meteoric rise in the trail running world is a testament to what happens when natural talent meets mountain passion. From walking on to Colorado State University's team to signing a professional contract with Brooks Trail Runners in just one competitive season, her journey exemplifies the beautiful transition many athletes experience when moving from track to trails.

Growing up in the mountain town of Crested Butte gave Sydney a natural affinity for vertical terrain. Despite starting competitive running relatively late, she developed steadily through college under coaches who recognized her potential. But it wasn't until tackling the iconic Imogene Pass Run after graduation that she discovered her true calling. Without specific training for the longer distance, Sydney had what she describes as "a spiritual experience" during that race, realizing her body might be better suited for mountains than tracks.

What makes Sydney's approach refreshing is her "beginner mindset." Rather than feeling intimidated when lining up against world-class athletes at events like the US Mountain Running Championships, she focuses on enjoying the experience and removing self-imposed limitations. This mental framework allowed her to race confidently against established stars like Grayson Murphy, even leading portions of championship races in her debut season.

Her 2024 plans include returning to Broken Arrow with improved tactical awareness, tackling the US Mountain Running Championships at Sunapee, and venturing to Europe for Golden Trail Series races including the legendary Sierre-Zinal. Sydney balances ambitious racing goals with thoughtful training through Gunnison's snowy winters, incorporating skiing and creative workouts while focusing on improving technical downhill skills to complement her natural climbing prowess.

Listen in for insights on transitioning between running disciplines, maintaining confidence among elite competition, and finding inspiration from athletes who balance competitive excellence with community contribution. Sydney's story reminds us that sometimes the most beautiful athletic journeys happen when we follow the terrain that speaks to our hearts.

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Meet the architect behind American trail running's most influential collegiate program. Josh Eberly, head coach of Western Colorado University's trail running team, has created something truly unique in the running world: the only dedicated collegiate trail running program in the United States.

What began as a small experiment has evolved into a powerhouse that's reshaping how young runners transition from high school competition to mountain athletics. Through his decade of leadership, Eberly has mentored some of the biggest names in American trail running—Cole Campbell, Kieran Nay, Brian Whitfield, and others who've gone on to professional careers with teams like Adidas Terrex.

But what makes Western's program special isn't just its elite output. Eberly has created an inclusive environment where athletes of all abilities can thrive, united by their love of mountains and trails rather than strictly performance metrics. "It's not all about creating the next professional," he explains. "We have athletes with different goals and ambitions. They love the work ethic, they love the trails, they love the mountains."

The program blends structured training with adventure, taking athletes to iconic locations like the Grand Canyon, Leadville's 14ers, and the San Juan Mountains. These experiences reinforce why many chose trail running over traditional track programs—connection with nature and the joy of exploration. With support from Adidas Terrex providing gear and opportunities, Western's athletes can focus on developing as both runners and humans.

As trail running grows in popularity, Western's unique model raises fascinating questions about the future of collegiate athletics. Could we see more universities developing similar programs? For now, Eberly continues refining his vision, balancing his own competitive career while guiding the next generation of mountain athletes in the high-altitude playground of Gunnison, Colorado.

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In a special one-year anniversary celebration of the Steep Stuff Podcast, host James Lauriello sits down with mountain running sensation Bailey Kowalczyk for a revealing conversation about her remarkable journey from track athlete to three-time RUT 28K champion.

Bailey takes us through her formative years in upstate New York, where weekend family hikes in the Adirondacks unknowingly built the foundation for her technical descending skills. "My dad would just sprint down the mountain," she recalls, "so my only option was to keep up." This early exposure to steep terrain fostered the fearlessness that would later define her racing style.

The conversation doesn't shy away from darker chapters. Bailey opens up about her experience at Clemson University, where unhealthy coaching practices led to an eating disorder and her eventual medical removal from the team. At just 19, she believed her running career was over. Her move to Boulder, Colorado—ironically a running mecca—marked the beginning of her healing journey and eventual discovery of trail running.

What makes this episode particularly captivating is Bailey's perspective on suffering. While most runners dread the pain of steep climbs, she's developed unique mental strategies to transform these moments into positive experiences. "I don't tell myself I'm grateful, but I think about reasons to be grateful," she explains, revealing the mantras that carry her through the sport's most challenging moments.

The live audience Q&A brings additional depth as Bailey discusses her training approach, injury recovery philosophy, and future aspirations including OCC and qualifying for the World Mountain Running team. Her balanced attitude toward competition—admitting she'd be content just setting FKTs if racing wasn't an option—offers a refreshing perspective on what drives elite athletes.

Whether you're a competitive mountain runner or simply fascinated by how athletes push their limits, Bailey's story of resilience and her unique relationship with technical terrain delivers powerful insights into athletic performance and personal growth. Subscribe now and join our community of mountain enthusiasts exploring the steeper side of running!

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Joan DeLeon's path to becoming one of trail running's most exciting talents defies conventional narratives. From the concrete streets of Waco, Texas, to stunning the mountain running world by beating Joe Gray at A-Basin, his journey combines raw talent with refreshing authenticity.

Growing up without mountains or trails, DeLeon's running foundation came through summer track programs where Baylor University athletes served as mentors. This early exposure to quality coaching propelled him to collegiate success, but his introduction to mountain running came almost by accident when college teammate Cade Michael convinced him to visit Colorado's Gunnison Valley after graduation.

What began as a temporary stay evolved into five transformative years in one of America's mountain running epicenters. DeLeon speaks candidly about discovering a completely different relationship with running in the mountains – one characterized by freedom and exploration rather than oval tracks. This new environment rekindled his love for the sport after collegiate burnout.

The trail running community embraced DeLeon after his breakthrough performance at Cirque Series A-Basin, rallying through a GoFundMe to send him to Golden Trail Series races. This experience opened his eyes to the global mountain running scene, inspiring a more structured approach to training under the guidance of the Hemmings coaching team and leading to his new partnership with Satisfy Running.

Looking toward 2025, DeLeon balances ambitious competitive goals—including the US Mountain Running Championships at Sunapee—with genuine appreciation for the journey. His competitive philosophy combines fierce determination with perspective: "We're all friends, but when we step on the line, my job is to destroy you."

Ready to witness the next chapter in this remarkable story? Follow Joan's 2025 season as he continues to redefine what's possible for a kid from the concrete jungle.

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From track star to mountain master, Dan Curts path to the pinnacle of sub-ultra trail running defies conventional wisdom. While many elite athletes flock to western training hubs like Boulder or Flagstaff, Kurtz has embraced the harsh New England winters and technical terrain of his Northeast home. "Four below this morning," he mentions casually, "but that teaches you something that has to translate to real mountain running."

After a collegiate career at Iowa State that left him questioning his relationship with running, Kurtz found renewed purpose in mountain races. Now a three-time Team USA representative who has competed at World Championships in Thailand and Innsbruck, he offers rare insights into the challenges and rewards of pursuing excellence on the trails. His candid discussion about breaking his toe in Thailand, rebuilding fitness through skiing, and preparing for the upcoming season reveals the unfiltered reality of professional trail running.

The conversation explores fascinating territory beyond racing, from van life and Brooks' emergence as perhaps "the best sub-ultra trail team on the planet" to the neurological aspects of race-day cramping. Kurtz makes a compelling case for the Northeast as an underappreciated training ground, suggesting that the increased presence of high-profile races like the Cirque Series might finally bring deserved attention to the region. With honest reflections on the pressure to make another World Championship team and admiration for innovators like Jack Kenzel and Jim Walmsley, this episode offers a window into the mind of an athlete operating at the cutting edge of mountain running's evolution.

Want to hear more from the athletes reshaping trail running? Subscribe to the Steep Stuff Podcast for conversations that go beyond the finish line into the heart of what makes this sport special.

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