Ultra Uncovered

Hardrock Uncovered is Ultra Uncovered's exclusive interview series leading into the 2026 Hardrock Endurance Run, bringing you inside the stories, preparation, and mindset of the athletes taking on one of ultrarunning's most iconic races.

In Episode 2, we sit down with returning fourth-place finisher David Ayala. A mathematics professor at Montana State University whose thoughtful approach to racing is as impressive as his results.

David shares why his ultimate goal isn't a podium finish, but reaching a state of flow where preparation, physiology, and mindset come together on one of the toughest hundred-mile courses in the world. He discusses recovering from rhabdomyolysis, the science behind his training, why hiking may be the most important skill at Hardrock, and how returning to the course in the opposite direction offers an entirely new experience.

The conversation also explores balancing elite racing with academia and family life, using AI as a learning companion during early morning training runs, the value of racing close to home, and the incredible community that surrounds Hardrock.

If you're fascinated by both the science and soul of ultrarunning, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Stay tuned as Hardrock Uncovered continues with more conversations featuring the athletes, stories, and personalities shaping this year's race.

Hardrock Uncovered is Ultra Uncovered's exclusive interview series leading into the 2026 Hardrock Endurance Run, bringing you inside the stories, preparation, and mindset of the athletes who will take on one of ultrarunning's most iconic races.

In Episode 1, we sit down with two-time Hardrock champion and one of the most decorated ultra running athletes of all time, Courtney Dauwalter.

Courtney reflects on how a winter of marathon training unexpectedly became the perfect physical and mental reset before returning to the trails. She shares why she still believes her best Hardrock is ahead of her, how Cocodona 250 changed her perspective on racing 100 miles, and what excites her most about returning to the San Juan Mountains.

We also dive into the incredible momentum behind women's ultrarunning, the athletes who inspired her own journey, her biggest challenge at Hardrock (hint: it's not the climbs), and one surprising revelation—this year she'll tackle Hardrock with only Kevin crewing and no pacers.

If you're following Hardrock this year, this is one you won't want to miss.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it and leave us a rating and review.

Stay tuned as Hardrock Uncovered continues all week with more conversations featuring the athletes, stories, and personalities shaping this year's race.

Follow the Hardrock livestream this year on Mountain Outpost

In this annual Western States preview episode, Corinne Shalvoy, Graham Shalvoy, and Russell Ditsworth shine a spotlight on the runners who earned their place in the 2026 Western States Endurance Run outside of the Golden Ticket Series and returning Top 10 finishers.

The trio dives into the staggering numbers behind the Western States lottery, including over 11,000 entrants and nearly 100,000 lottery tickets, while discussing what it realistically takes to gain entry into one of trail running's most coveted races. They explore the race's demographics, including a median age of 47 and the stories behind athletes who waited nearly a decade for their opportunity.

Featured runners include:

• Luke Jay
• John Kelly
• Zachary Garner
• Justin Grunewald
• Croom Beatty
• Sarah Ostaszewski
• Jupiter Carera Casas
• Isaac Frank
• Coree Woltering
• Jeff Browning
• Joe Corcione
• Tommie Runz

The hosts also discuss:

• The competitiveness of the 2026 Western States field
• Broken Arrow Skyrace versus Western States talent depth
• The Silver Legend program and this year's recipient, Stephanie Irving, founder of Wild Woman Trail Runs and a pioneer in creating opportunities for women in trail running
• Western States records, age-group performances, and predictions for the men's and women's races

The episode concludes with a special interview featuring Tommie Runz, who shares his journey from marathon running to trail ultras, what Western States has meant to him since the beginning of his running career, and how earning a HOKA-sponsored entry represents a meaningful step toward greater diversity and representation in trail running.

Tommie also issues an open invitation to the community: if you're in Auburn when he approaches the finish line, join him for the final mile into Placer High School and celebrate the power of community that makes trail running special.

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What does it actually take behind the scenes to crew a Cocodona 250 course record performance?

In this Fire Road episode of Ultra Uncovered, we sit down with Jake Vale, longtime best friend and crew chief for Rachel Entrekin, to hear the story behind one of the most impressive performances in ultrarunning this year. From how they first met after BOTH DNF’ing the same 100 miler, to the years of adventures, training camps, chaos, and trust that led to Cocodona, this episode dives deep into the human side of the sport.

We talk:
• Crew chief life at Cocodona
• Surf culture vs trail running culture
• Recognizing greatness before the rest of the world sees it
• The emotional reality of supporting someone through 250 miles
• Friendship, loyalty, and showing up for people you believe in

A really special conversation and perspective we don’t often get to hear. Thanks to Jake for coming on!

What a day!!

3 women under the previous course record

A new men's CR

42k peak viewers!

Day 2 brought major movement, with both leaderboards still wide open.

On the men’s side, Jeff Garmire made a huge climb into contention, while attrition hit key names like Adam Kimball. Joe McConaughey’s bold sleep strategy is starting to pay off, and Zach Hauer continues to look steady and strong.

On the women’s side, Rachel Entrekin leads by over 10 miles after a blistering first 100 miles, but fatigue is creeping in. Courtney Dauwalter and Heather Jackson remain within striking distance.

Injuries and DNFs are shaping the race, and sleep strategy is emerging as a key variable. With cold overnight conditions ahead, a shakeup feels inevitable.

Bottom line: The race is far from decided—expect big moves overnight.

Snakes, new names, unreal paces, and falls; many many fall

Dona' Daily is here!

Your hosts of Ultra Uncovered, Corinne Shalvoy and Russell Ditsworth are joined by Graham Shalvoy to bring you day Zero of our Cocodona 250 recap and insights. 

On the eve of this 2026 edition of the famous race from Phoenix to Flagstaff, we bring you updates from the ground where Corinne co-hosted the official Mountain Outpost preview show at Deep Canyon Ranch.

"Graham Graham, the Weather Man" brings his analysis of the most recent forecast models and how it might impact racers on the first few days and nights.

And Russell rants about Power Rankings and Fantasy Selections as we all pick names and places first through fifth for men and women.

All prognostications guaranteed to be wrong, but if we hit one - we'll be sure to let you know we told ya so! :)

Happy Cocodona Week to all who celebrate, like Rachel Entrekin says "it feels like Christmas".

We hope you join in as we bring you your "Dona Daily"!

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Did you follow the races? Leave us a comment with your thoughts!

2016 Miller v Hawks TNF 50 mile

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In this episode of Ultra Uncovered, Corinne Shalvoy and Russell Ditsworth sit down with Zach Hauer, co-founder of Open Fuel North America, to uncover the origin story, philosophy, and future of one of trail running’s most intriguing emerging nutrition brands.

Zach shares how a chance discovery at a bakery in Cape Town during a trip for Ultra Trail Cape Town sparked his connection to Open Fuel. What began as curiosity quickly turned into a partnership with founder Andrew, leading Zach to leave his day job and fully commit to building the brand alongside his own pursuits as a competitive ultrarunner.

The conversation dives into what sets Open Fuel apart in a crowded sports nutrition market, including a focus on sustainability, reduced waste, and thoughtful formulation. From their innovative funnel scoop to their DIY gel mix, the brand is challenging conventional norms around fueling while prioritizing both performance and environmental impact.

Zach also breaks down the science and intention behind their products, including carb-to-sodium ratios, ingredient sourcing, and gut-friendly formulation, while highlighting the importance of balancing performance needs with responsible business practices.

Beyond the product, the episode explores broader themes in trail running, including the rise of professionalism in the sport, the tension between growth and consumerism, and the power of community-driven brands. Zach shares his perspective as both an athlete and founder, including his recent success at Big Alta 100K and upcoming goals at Cocodona 250.

The episode wraps with insights into Open Fuel’s future, including expansion into retail, new product development, athlete team growth, and a long-term vision of eliminating plastic packaging entirely.

A thoughtful, candid conversation about building a brand with purpose in a rapidly evolving sport.

Check out Open Fuel & let them know you heard about it here!