Rest Day turned to Rust Day this week as Corrine and I broadcasted through a haze of Gorge induced fatigue. Though slightly loopy, it was still a really fun show!

The docket:

• Gorge storylines and final thoughts
• Marathon des Sables recap
• Calamorro Skyrace recap
• Ryan Becker signs with Kailas FUGA
• Strava file of the week

Check out the recording on YouTube or wherever you listen!
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Gorge Waterfalls Final Thoughts

The Freetrail and Daybreak teams are slowly recovering after our fifth year collaborating on Gorge Waterfalls weekend. With a few days of perspective, I'm deeply proud of what this event has become through the hard work of many people.

We've already produced an obnoxious amount of content around the races, but it's worth summarizing some of the biggest stories of the weekend here in newsletter form.

Jenn Lichter is Undeniable

For several years, women's trail running has been defined by Courtney Dauwalter and Katie Schide's paradigm shattering performances, both rewriting the record books at the world's most important races. It feels like we're witnessing the dawning of the Jenn Lichter era - her performance at Gorge again proving she belongs in the highest echelon of the sport.

In Sunday's 50k, Jenn went toe-to-toe with Yao Miao, the two-time defending champion of OCC, who's arguably the best in the world at the distance. Jenn's victory was nothing short of remarkable, continuing a streak of course record performances dating back to Broken Arrow last summer. Though it will be her debut at the distance, it's easy to make an argument that Jenn will arrive at Western States viewed by many as the odds on favorite to win. I can't remember the last time that was the case.

Caleb Olson's Mom is a Legend

Speaking of Western States, the reigning men's Champion was present at Gorge Waterfalls in a support capacity as he rehabs from an early season injury. Caleb's wife and sister both had great runs in the 30k but his mom provided one of the best stories of the weekend in the 100k.

As Saturday came to a close, a small group gathered in the late-night darkness to welcome our Golden Hour finishers. Slightly ahead of cutoffs for most of the day, I'd been nervously monitoring Julie Olson's progress for many hours. Though I later learned she'd not been confident in her ability to complete the course, Julie persevered to become our final finisher in the 100k. Greeted by her proud family, I couldn't help but feel sentimental. A Western States champion son and his DFL mom, each equally proud of the other. What could be more poetic?

Like a good support crew, Caleb quickly fetched a burrito for Julie before whisking her off to a warm bed.

Smokin' Koken Has Arrived

Japan's Koken Ogasawara delivered one of the performances of the weekend, setting a new course record in the 50k. A former soccer player, Koken recently signed with ACG and made a huge statement in his debut with the brand.

Racing head-to-head with David Norris for the first 20 miles, Koken broke away with authority, eventually lowering the course record by nine minutes - a huge margin over a 50k distance. While all three women's course records fell, only Koken set a new standard on the men's side. It will be very exciting to see what he does in the future, especially at OCC this summer. (Hat tip to Mike McMonagle for the Smokin' Koken nickname)

Lotti Brinks Enters the Gorge Hall of Fame

In 2023, Lotti Brinks finished 2nd place in the Gorge 100k behind Riley Brady, running 10:10. The following year she returned, rallying late to chase down early race leader Ailsa MacDonald to take the win in 9:53.

Taking the year off from Gorge in 2025, Lotti returned last weekend to earn her second victory in the race, finishing in a new course record time of 9:06 - a 64 minute improvement on the course in just three years. With two victories and three podiums at the race, Lotti is now a certified Gorge legend. She will be a factor at Western States.

Is Liz Hogan the Next Vincent Bouillard?

In the 2023 Gorge 100k, Vincent Bouillard, a then-anonymous materials engineer from HOKA, turned heads with an impressive victory. Of course, he went on to win UTMB the following summer in one of the biggest surprise performances in history.

In the 2026 women's 100k, a similar story emerged with Liz Hogan. A graphic designer on the ACG footwear team, Liz ran a very smart race to secure a 2nd place finish in a competitive field. With targets on CCC later this summer, could we see her pull a Vincent on the world's biggest stage??

Other Shoutouts:

• Mason Coppi won the men's 30k race in impressive fashion. The only winner without a sponsor, Mason is a rising star and will be a smart signing for a brand team eventually. Hopefully soon.
• Jeshurun Small and Drew Holmen ran back the battle they had at CCC last summer in the 100k. Jesh got the better of Drew this time, but both are looking solid ahead of their summer 100-milers - WS and UTMB respectively.
• Lauren Gregory kicked off her trail season with a course record victory in the 30k. She makes her 50k debut at Canyons next week. Popcorn city.
• I got to do a gender reveal for Ananda and Brian Lettner, a couple from Pocatello, ID, who are expecting their first child. Ananda ran the 30k and Brian ran the 100k, where we revealed he'd be a boy dad upon his finish. Absolutely amazing.

So much more to say, but I'll close with a big thank you to our runners, to Daybreak, to our volunteers, to Neversecond, and especially to ACG for making Gorge Waterfalls possible. Can't wait for next year!

Recent Pods

Gorge Waterfalls 30k Recap + Podium Interviews The 30k kicked off race weekend on a picture perfect PNW day. Mason Coppi and Lauren Gregory emerged victorious in great sub-ultra battles. Check out the full recap including podium interviews. Watch Here

Gorge Waterfalls 100k Recap + Podium Interviews Morning rain gave way to glorious sunshine in the afternoon as star athletes competed for the $15,000 winning prize purse on the day. Eventually Jeshurun Small and Lotti Brinks ran away with it, both posting historically fast times. Check out the full recap including podium interviews. Watch Here

Gorge Waterfalls 50k Recap + Podium Interviews A thrilling conclusion to the 2026 event, the 50k saw both course records go down by large margins. Jenn Lichter again proved she is among the best in the world while Koken Ogasawara turned heads in his North American debut. Check out the full recap including podium interviews. Watch Here

Peter Abraham Returns to Second Nature This week's episode dropped early ahead of the Sea Otter Classic happening this weekend in Monterey, CA. Friend of the show Peter Abraham returned to talk about bike topics ahead of the industry's largest trade show. Watch Here

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• For deeper, exclusive, member-only discounts, (20% off SunGod, 10% off Freetrail merch and more), join Freetrail Pro.

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