The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Latest Episodes:

BREAKING NEWS: Jenn Lichter & Adam Merry Sign with All Condition Gear (ACG) Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

This is an emergency episode to share some breaking news, Jenn Lichter and Adam Merry sign pro contracts with All Conditions Gear (ACG), filling out their growing roster of top global talent. Both Jenn and Adam are making their 2026 debut and their ACG debut at the Black Canyon 100k in two weeks.

WATCH REST DAY LIVE

Chapters:

04:15 Introduction and Major News 06:57 Personal Updates and Life Changes 09:58 Transitioning to New Partnerships 12:30 The Energy at ACG and Brand Support 15:24 Behind the Scenes of Contract Negotiations 18:16 Training for Black Canyon 20:55 Race Strategy and Mindset 23:56 Equipment Choices for Race Day 26:25 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

Sponsors:

Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com
Go to ketone.com/freetrail30 for 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ

Trail Running Industry News & Business Opportunities - Seth LaReau of Trail Waves Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

Seth LaReau is a trail runner and finance professional working in the technology industry. On the side, he publishes an informative newsletter called Trail Waves, which has become a key part of my information diet. Trail Waves analyzes the business, economics, and culture of trail running, bringing an informed editorial perspective to contextualize industry news in the sport. This is his first appearance on the podcast.

SUBSCRIBE TO TRAIL WAVES

Chapters:

02:51 Introduction to Seth LaReau and his Career 05:38 The Birth of Trail Waves Newsletter 08:30 Analyzing Saturation in Trail Running 11:19 Differentiation and Demand in the Market 14:17 The Role of Brand in a Saturated Market 17:09 Cultural vs. Commercial Impact of Trail Running 19:58 Media Landscape and Monetization Challenges 22:36 The Future of Trail Running Media and Ownership Dynamics 32:45 The State of Strava and Its Future 40:03 The Growth of Trail Running 47:28 Coaching Opportunities in Trail Running 53:10 Reviving the North Face 50 Mile Championship

Sponsors:

Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com
Go to ketone.com/freetrail30 for 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ

Dylan Links: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Strava

Kilian Korth | The Rise of 200 Milers & Ultrarunning's New Frontier Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

Kilian Korth is a pro trail runner and coach most known for his recent dominance of the 200-mile distance. In 2025, Kilian won the Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200, and the Moab 240 in a four month span, shattering the cumulative record for the Triple Crown of 200s by more than five hours. He's become viewed as a leader and pioneer in the discipline, rigorously documenting and sharing his learnings from this still nascent competitive sub-category of the sport. This is his first appearance on the podcast.

Subscribe to Kilian's substack

Chapters:

02:35 – Introduction and Early Life 05:30 – The Journey into Ultra Running 08:15 – The Rise of 200-Mile Races 11:16 – Philosophy and Mindset in Ultra Running 14:14 – Training for 200-Milers 17:16 – Strength Training and Its Importance 20:06 – The Role of Intensity in Training 22:55 – Overcoming Challenges and DNF Experiences 25:49 – Self-Reflection and Personal Growth 28:37 – Looking Ahead to Future Races 41:34 – Speed Work: The High-Risk Investment 42:31 – Emerging Training Strategies for 200-Mile Races 44:41 – Family Bonds: Running with My Dad 47:29 – Aiming for the Triple Crown: Goals and Aspirations 48:13 – Lessons from the Tahoe 200: Embracing Slog Miles 49:12 – Bigfoot 200: Fun in the Grind 51:15 – Moab 240: The Importance of Support 52:40 – Breaking Records: Reflections on the Triple Crown 56:15 – Race Strategy: Move Slow, Never Stop 01:00:05 – Recognition in the Ultra Community 01:06:35 – Sponsorships and Building a Brand 01:10:00 – Future Goals: Coca-Dona and Beyond

Sponsors:

Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com
Go to ketone.com/freetrail30 for 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ

Dylan Links: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Strava

Beth McKenzie | Anti-Doping, Entrepreneurship, & Maintaining Love of Sport Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

Beth McKenzie is an American pro trail runner living in Australia. She is also the Founder and CEO of Wyn Republic, a performance sports apparel brand, and a mother of two. Over the last two seasons, Beth has accumulated several very strong performances including 2x podium finishes at Ultra Trail Australia and 2x podium finishes at Tarawera. Last fall, in her 100 mile debut, she finished 2nd place at the Javelina Jundred. Previous to her trail running career, Beth was a professional triathlete where she and her husband both enjoyed very successful careers. During that time, Beth tested positive for Ostarine and ultimately served a two-year ban, which we discuss at length in this episode. This is Beth's first appearance on the podcast. Chapters:

04:27 – What Makes You You? 07:26 – Beth's Journey into Endurance Sports 10:20 – The Impact of Triathlon on Beth's Life 12:49 – The Ostarine Incident: A Life-Changing Moment 15:36 – Public Reaction and Support During Controversy 18:28 – Navigating the Community and Personal Relationships 21:13 – Reflections on the Experience and Moving Forward 28:56 – Navigating Anti-Doping in Trail Running 38:13 – The Aftermath of Doping Cases 42:08 – Transitioning to Trail Running 45:23 – Building Wyn Republic: A Family Business 55:08 – Expanding the Brand into Trail Running 58:01 – Beth's Journey in Trail Running 01:02:48 – Navigating the Golden Ticket Dilemma 01:07:05 – Reflections on CCC and Javelina 01:10:05 – The Future of Beth's Racing Career

Beth's Substack for further reading on her story REGISTER FOR THE BIG ALTA REGISTER FOR GORGE WATERFALLS Sponsors:

Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com
Go to ketone.com/freetrail30 for 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ

Rest Day | TROY Recap & Stats, Addressing Criticism, Free Agency, + Road to Trail News Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Rest Day, Freetrail's occasional news pod covering the latest happenings in trail running. This week we're joined by Tim Tollefson to talk through the following topics:

Trail Runner of the Year voting process, results recap & stats
Interpreting the results and what we can learn
Confronting TROY criticism
Free agency news: Hans Troyer, Will Murray, Theo Detienne, Ben Dhiman, etc.
Road to trail news: Molly Seidel, Des Linden, & Shelby Houlihan
Tim's Transcendent Truth
A lot more!

Chapters

03:26 – Introduction and Overview of Trail Runner of the Year 06:30 – Voting Process and Community Engagement 09:12 – Nationality Diversity in Rankings 11:52 – Distance Dynamics: Long, Short, and Mid-Distance Athletes 14:46 – Significance of Major Races and Championships 18:03 – The Rise of 200-Mile Racing and Its Recognition 20:58 – Criticism and Community Feedback on Rankings 42:19 – The Rise of 200-Mile Races 44:39 – Criticism and Integrity in Trail Running 47:00 – The Fragmentation of Trail Running 50:34 – Free Agency News and Athlete Transfers 59:51 – Emerging Athletes and New Partnerships 01:03:04 – The Complexities of Doping in Sports 01:09:35 – Tim's Transcendent Truth

CHECK OUT MAMMOTH TRAILFEST

Sponsors:

Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com
Go to ketone.com/freetrail30 for 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ

Dylan Links: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Strava

Will Murray | Mastery in Simplicity + Going Pro Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

Will Murray is a pro trail runner living in Bellingham, WA. He was one of the breakout stars of the 2025 season, finishing 2nd at the Black Canyon 100k and winning the Javelina Jundred in a new course record time. Entering the 2026 season in partnership with Brooks, Will is poised to continue the momentum into a new year and towards the Western States 100 - his main goal for the season. This is his first time on the podcast.

Chapters:

04:15 – Introduction and Personal Insights 06:59 – Recognition as #8 Ultra Runner of the Year 09:40 – Athletic Roots and Trail Running Discovery 12:26 – Mathematical Mindset in Running 14:59 – Cultivating Clarity in High-Pressure Situations 20:52 – Psychological Strength and Self-Talk 23:25 – Relationship with Social Media 26:01 – Injury Just Before Western States 33:08 – Training Evolution and Strategies 36:51 – Mindset and Preparation for Javelina 39:37 – Race Dynamics and Internal Dialogue 42:48 – Celebrating Success and Future Aspirations 45:58 – Joining Brooks and Team Dynamics 50:44 – Future Goals and Upcoming Races Follow Will on Strava REGISTER FOR THE BIG ALTA REGISTER FOR GORGE WATERFALLS

Sponsors:

Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com
Go to ketone.com/freetrail30 for 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ

Dylan Links: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Strava

Jim Walmsley & Katie Schide | #1 Trail Runner of the Year Jan 10, 2026

Show notes

Today we welcome the #1 Trail Runners of the Year, Jim Walmsley and Katie Schide, both Americans who currently reside in France. This is the second time each has won our prestigious award and they've both been featured all four years of TROY's existence.

Jim's season was anything but straight forward. He started with a big win at Chianti by UTMB in the spring before an injury prevented him from defending his win at the Western States 100. Luckily, he bounced back in a big way, winning OCC in August and then the Long Trail World Championship in September - the second individual gold medal of his career.

On the other hand, Katie is crowned TROY for the second year in a row. She started with a win at Madeira Island Ultra Trail before winning and setting a new course record at the Hardrock 100 in July. Only three weeks later she was second at Sierre-Zinal before winning the Long Trail World Championship in September.

This episode is part of Freetrail's annual Trail Runner of the Year Rollout -- an opportunity to reflect on the 2025 season and celebrate the athletes who performed the best according to the global trail running community. We're proud to partner with All Conditions Gear to bring the awards to life.

Sponsors:

Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com
Go to ketone.com/freetrail30 for 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ

Ruth Croft & Francesco Puppi | #2 Trail Runner of the Year Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

Today we welcome the #2 Trail Runners of the Year, Ruth Croft of New Zealand and Francesco Puppi of Italy.

We start with Ruth who is unquestionably one of the best to ever do it. This season, she started with a huge victory at Tarawera, another at the MaXi Race 60k, all building towards UTMB where she won in what felt like a flawlessly executed performance. In doing so, Ruth became only the second person to win all three of the UTMB world final events, showing her career-long consistency and range across distances.

Francesco Puppi posted the best season of his career. Nine races with six victories including impressive wins at both the Canyons 100k in April and CCC in August — the two best 100k performances of the year in the only to 100k races of his career.

Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com
Go to ketone.com/freetrail30 for 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ

Caleb Olson & Sara Alonso | #3 Trail Runner of the Year Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

Today we welcome the #3 Trail Runners of the Year, Caleb Olson of the USA and Sara Alonso of Spain.

Caleb established himself as one of the best long course athletes in the world, starting his season with a huge win and CR at Transgrancanaria before focusing his attention on the Western States 100 where he won in the second fastest time ever. To close the year, Caleb posted a dominant victory at Australia's GPT100 -- also winning the World Trail Majors overall.

Sara Alonso was arguably the strongest short course athlete on the women's side in 2025, finishing 2nd in the Golden Trail World Series with strong wins at Kobe Trail and Zegama. She also finished 4th at OCC and 2nd place at the Short Trail World Championship.

Sponsors:

Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com
Go to ketone.com/freetrail30 for 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ

Abby Hall & Elhousine Elazzaoui | #4 Trail Runner of the Year Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

Today we welcome the #4 Trail Runners of the Year, Abby Hall and Elhousine Elazzaoui.

Elhousine, our reigning 2024 Trail Runner of the Year, posted another amazing season, winning the Golden Trail World Series for the second year in a row, including victories at Zegama, Broken Arrow, Tepec Trail, and Golden Trail Final.

Abby's major highlight was winning one of our sport's most significant events, the Western States 100. She also posted top-5 finishes in two Golden Ticket events, and finished the year with an overall win and CR at McDowell Mountain Frenzy.

Note: Elhousine joined us from the Sahara desert without great wifi connection. We've cleaned it up as best as we could.

Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com
Go to ketone.com/freetrail30 for 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ

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