What happens when the trail running world’s most inclusive ideals meet its most exclusive races? In this episode of The Next Aid Station, Jake and Mick dive into major topics shaking the ultra scene — from whether Jake should hire his first-ever running coach, to the controversial question of whether Ryan Montgomery should receive the M7 bib at Western States as a non-binary runner.

🔥 Topics we cover:

• Why hiring a running coach might finally make sense for Jake

• The massive gap between “real” ultra coaches and downloaded schedules

• A heated debate on gender categories in races like Western States

• Should non-binary runners get male bibs in the top 10?

• A runner’s tragic death at Hardrock: how should races respond?

• How brand influence might affect who gets picked to race Hardrock

• Hardrock 100’s “inclusivity” claims vs. their limited entry numbers

This one is emotional, honest, and packed with controversial but critical discussions for the future of ultrarunning.

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🎧 Ultra runners, trail freaks, and endurance junkies — this one’s packed.What happens when the biggest names in trail and ultrarunning come together for Hardrock 100? We’re diving into billionaire mindsets, Hardrock predictions, Walmsley’s no-pacer hot take, and why Katie Schide might podium overall.

Jake and MC are back in studio with:🏔️ Hot takes on Western States, UTMB, Bigfoot 200, and Francois’ new FKT💸 Wild billionaire math with Jerry Buss, Zuckerberg, and Bezos🔥 Walmsley’s controversial claim: “Elites shouldn’t use pacers”👟 Bigfoot 200 prep and how drop bag strategy can change the game🚨 Hardrock preview: Can Katie win it all? Will Ludo repeat?Whether you’re a hardcore runner or just love elite performance content, this episode hits hard.

🔥 Was this the most exciting weekend in ultra running? We think so.

Jake recaps his epic 75-mile adventure at Lavaredo Ultra Trail in the Italian Dolomites, while Mick breaks down the drama, dominance, and DNFs of this year’s Western States 100. From Caleb Olson’s iconic victory to David Roche’s controversial DNF, this is a full-spectrum trail running debrief.

We cover:

• What it’s like to race in Europe (aid stations, culture, and carbonation)

• Caleb Olson’s rise and finger-to-lips celebration

• Why Corrine Malcolm & DBo make Western’s livestream elite

• Our brutally honest takes on DNFs, including David Roche and Rod Farvard

• How Hans Troyer fans came for us (and how we clapped back)

• Men’s and women’s top 10 recaps and predictions for next year

👟 Whether you’re a trail newbie or seasoned ultra vet, this is your aid station for all things ultra.