Ultra Crew Hub

The Badwater 135 is known as one of the world's toughest ultramarathons, covering 135 miles from Death Valley to Mount Whitney through extreme heat and relentless terrain. This year, Brian Mansky took on the challenge with an incredible crew dedicated to helping him reach the finish line.

Supporting Brian every step of the way were Liz, Kristine, RJ, and Linda. From managing hydration and nutrition to monitoring pacing, providing encouragement, and handling the countless details required during the race, the crew played a vital role in Brian's journey. Through scorching temperatures, long hours, and little sleep, they worked together as a team to keep Brian focused, motivated, and moving forward.

The Badwater 135 is never a solo effort. It is a testament to endurance, teamwork, determination, and trust. Brian's achievement reflects not only his strength and perseverance but also the unwavering support of Liz, Kristine, RJ, and Linda, whose dedication helped make this extraordinary accomplishment possible.

To Hell and Back- Brian Mansky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-R7hpcmggM&pp=ygUZYmFkd2F0ZXIgMTM1IGJyaWFuIG1hbnNreQ%3D%3D

https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/LaCrosse/Hixon50

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Welcome back to Ultra Crew Hub, the show where we dive deep into the grit, strategy, and heart that make ultrarunning possible — not just from the athletes, but from the crews who carry them through the highs, lows, and everything in between.

Today, we’re heading to the rugged mountains of McCall, Idaho for one of the toughest and most beloved races in the Northwest: the IMTUF 100. And joining us is a powerhouse team that tackled it head-on.

We’ll be talking with Vernon, the runner who took on IMTUF’s brutal climbs, unpredictable weather, and relentless terrain. But as every ultrarunner knows, no one gets through a hundred miles alone — so we’ve also got his incredible crew: Lisa, Natalie, and Colby. These three helped keep Vernon moving mile after mile, making decisions, solving problems, and doing everything short of running the race themselves.

We’ll break down the strategy, the chaos, the emotional moments, and the stories that only happen during a 100-miler in the Idaho mountains. Whether you're a seasoned crew chief or dreaming of your first pacing gig, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Let’s get into it

Today we’re diving into one of the most iconic races on the ultrarunning calendar — the 2024 Superior 100 Mile Trail Race, known as “the most rugged, most beautiful trail race in America.” This year’s fall edition brought out grit, community, and some truly incredible performances.

Joining us are Kelee and Lee Brown. Kelee took on the challenge of the Superior 100 and battled through the Sawtooth mountains to finish as the 3rd female overall — an amazing accomplishment on this unforgiving course. Meanwhile, Lee held down the fort on the crew side, navigating aid stations, logistics, and the highs and lows that come with supporting an ultrarunner across 100 miles.

Together, they’ll give us the full picture — what it’s like to race Superior from the runner’s perspective and what it takes behind the scenes to crew it successfully.

So, settle in — this is the story of the Browns at the 2024 Superior 100.

Today, we're heading out to the trails of Wompatuck State Park in Massachusetts to talk with none other than Matt Hoadley, the race director behind the Womp Romp.

This isn't your average trail race. The Womp Romp is fast becoming a regional favorite thanks to Matt's passion for building community, giving back, and showcasing the diverse beauty of Wompatuck’s singletrack. We'll get into the origin story of the race, what makes the course unique, and the vibe that draws runners year after year.

But it’s not just about miles and medals—Womp Romp is also about mission. We’ll hear from Matt about how runners can choose to make an extra donation when they register, supporting either Free to Run, Friends of Wompatuck, or Footprints Running Camp. It's a chance to connect your miles to a greater cause, and Matt breaks down what each of these organizations means to him and the trail community

We’re heading to Montana to unpack the origin story of a rewarding ultra in the West: the Helena Hundred.

But this isn’t just a race recap—this is about vision. About guts. About what it takes to dream up a 100-mile event.

Joining us today is Kyle Osborne, the race director and founder of the Helena Hundred. He’s here to share how it all came together—from the early map scrawls and solo scouting runs, to the permits, the planning, the trail work, and the sheer chaos of race weekend. We’ll talk about the community that rallied, the obstacles that nearly shut it all down, and what it means to build an ultra that’s as tough as it is transformative.

Welcome back to Ultra Crew Hub, the podcast where we dive into the gritty, glorious world of ultrarunning from the crew’s perspective. I'm [Your Name], and today, we’re heading straight into the Arizona desert to unpack one of the most iconic early-season ultras—the Black Canyon 100K.

But we’re not going alone.

Joining us are two powerhouses behind the up-and-coming fueling brand Hyper Lyte Liquid Performance—founder Emory Atterberry, and the ever-enthusiastic Jeremy Bohnett, Chief of Stoke. These guys don’t just talk hydration and electrolytes—they live it, crew it, and pour heart into helping their athletes thrive, not just survive, out there on the course.

We’ll hear what it takes to crew a nutrition-focused team at a high-profile race like Black Canyon, how Hyper Lyte supported their runners through heat, terrain, and tough miles—and yes, we get into what Chief of Stoke actually means.

Whether you’re a veteran crew chief, a pacer in training, or just ultra-curious—this one’s packed with insights, stories, and a whole lotta energy.

https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com/

Today we're diving deep into one of the most iconic and beautifully brutal ultramarathons in the West — The Bear 100 from the eyes of Race Director Cody Draper.

This legendary 100-mile race kicks off in Logan, Utah, and winds its way through the stunning Wasatch Mountains, ultimately crossing the border to finish in Fish Haven, Idaho, near the shores of Bear Lake. And if you’ve never been to Northern Utah in late September, let me paint the picture for you — golden aspens, fiery red maples, and crisp mountain air that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.

The Bear 100 isn’t just known for its jaw-dropping scenery — it’s also widely recognized as one of the best-organized ultramarathons out there, thanks in large part to Race Director Cody Draper and his incredible team of volunteers. The race has a reputation for being both brutally challenging and warmly welcoming. It's the kind of race where the community vibe is strong, and the finish line hugs in Fish Haven are hard-earned.

And of course, behind every runner grinding their way up the endless climbs and rocky descents, there's a crew — dedicated, tired, sometimes freezing, but always cheering like crazy. Today, we're peeling back the curtain on what it takes to crew the Bear 100.

We'll hear stories from crews who chased their runners from aid station to aid station, braved the nighttime mountain chill, and celebrated like crazy when their runner finally made it to that finish line. We’ll also share tips, tricks, and lessons learned so you can crush it next time you're crewing at Bear or any 100-miler.

So settle in, and let's dive into the wild, beautiful, and totally unpredictable world of crewing the Bear 100.

Today, we’re diving into some of the most exciting races in the Pacific Northwest through the eyes of Dylan Bowman creator and founder of Freetrail and his support behind the epic Big Alta and Gorge Waterfalls race series.

If you’re crewing these races, you’re in for an incredible experience. We’ll break down what crews can expect, from the rugged terrain of Big Alta to the stunning waterfall-lined trails of the Gorge. Plus, we’ll talk about how to be a great crew member, supporting your runner while respecting the race, the land, and the community.

Dylan, a professional ultrarunner and the founder of Freetrail, has built a platform dedicated to trail culture, storytelling, and education, bringing the sport to a wider audience.

So whether you’re a first-time crew member or a seasoned pro, this episode will get you ready to show up, support strong, and crew like a pro.

Let’s dive in!

www.freetrail.com

www.daybreakracing.com

Welcome to Ultra Crew Hub, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of crewing ultramarathons—where strategy, endurance, and a whole lot of heart come together to help runners conquer the toughest courses. Today, we’re heading to the heart of Big Sky Country for one of the most awe-inspiring races in the ultra world—the Crazy Mountain 100!

This race is more than just a challenge—it’s a journey through Montana’s untamed landscapes, historic ranch lands, and the deeply sacred territory of the Crow Nation. The Crazy Mountains are steeped in history, holding significance for the Apsáalooke (Crow) people, who have long called these lands home. Running and crewing here isn’t just about the physical feat—it’s about honoring the land, its history, and the cultures that have shaped it.

And then, there’s the Montana ranching lifestyle—where hard work, independence, and a deep connection to the land define daily life. This rugged spirit carries into the race, from the runners grinding through the brutal climbs to the crews toughing it out at remote aid stations, ready to push their athletes forward.

And let’s not forget—race director Megan DeHaan has put together a top-tier event with flawless logistics, an incredible race experience, and some of the best swag in the sport. And when you’re not on the course, you’ll experience that true Montana hospitality—whether you’re grabbing a post-race meal at a local diner or gearing up at a hometown outfitter.

So lace up, crew members, because the Crazy Mountain 100 isn’t just a race—it’s a Montana adventure woven with history, grit, and the spirit of the land.

Today, we’re launching a brand-new series called Director’s Cut, where we sit down with race directors to talk about their events and what it takes to crew them. We will kick things off with Jeremy and Aaron Long of Daybreak Racing—the team behind some of the most breathtaking and challenging ultras in the Pacific Northwest. From Gorge Waterfalls and Tillamook Burn to Rogue Gorge and the Hood Hundred, their races are known for stunning scenery, tough courses, and top-tier organization.

We’ll hear what it takes to bring these incredible events to life, how crews play a key role in their success, and what makes Daybreak Racing stand out in the ultra scene.

Let’s get into it!