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In this live pre-race episode of the Singletrack Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Scott Jurek back to the show—recorded in-person from our studio in Olympic Valley, CA, just days before the 2025 Western States 100.

For many, Scott needs no introduction. A seven-time winner of Western States, bestselling author, and true icon of the sport, his impact on trail and ultrarunning is undeniable. But this conversation goes far beyond race results and podiums.

We explore the evolution of the Western States 100, how the atmosphere, competition, and culture of the race have changed since his last win here in 2005, and what he notices most when returning to the event now as a mentor, supporter, and observer.

Scott also opens up about his day-to-day life in the sport today—how he stays involved, what his professional pursuits look like post-competition, and what’s still fueling his fire. Plus, we revisit some of the emotional terrain we covered in our 2024 conversation: athletic identity, the process of letting go, and how to maintain joy and purpose in the sport long after your competitive peak.

Partners:

• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website to get 30% off your purchase.
• Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)

Additional Links:

• Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube
• Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube

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Jim Walmsley returns to the Singletrack Podcast for a live, in-person conversation from our Olympic Valley, CA studio during Western States week—only this time, he’s not lining up to race.

In this exclusive interview, Jim opens up about his decision to bow out of the 2025 Western States 100, offering insight into what went into that choice and where his mind and body are at as one of the most iconic runners in the sport. Whether it’s lingering fatigue, long-term goals, or a strategic reset, Jim shares what fans need to know.

We also talk about the future: Will he be back at Western States in 2026 or beyond? What would it take to pull him back to the start line in Olympic Valley? And what does he still hope to accomplish at this race?

In the second half of the conversation, Jim brings his deep course knowledge and competitive experience to bear in analyzing this year’s men’s field. Who are the biggest threats? What splits might signal a historic performance? Are we on the cusp of seeing another course record—or perhaps a completely new racing style emerge?

Jim is not just a generational athlete, but also one of the sharpest minds in ultrarunning. This episode is part reflection, part analysis, and part look forward—an essential conversation for anyone invested in the past, present, and future of the Western States 100.

Partners:

• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website to get 30% off your purchase.
• Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)

Additional Links:

• Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube
• Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube

Support the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!

Caleb Olson joins the Singletrack Podcast crew in our Auburn, CA, studio to recap his victory at the 2025 Western States 100.

Partners:

• Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
• Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website to get 30% off your purchase.
• Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.
• Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)

Additional Links:

• Follow Leah on Instagram, Strava, Twitter
• Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube
• Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube

Support the show