This weekend’s UltraRunning Calendar queues up our final Golden Ticket race for 2023. Top runners at the Canyons Endurance Runs 100k will receive entry to Western States in June, and we were able to connect with a handful of athletes who are expected to compete for those coveted four spots.
We start things off with Addie Bracy from Denver, Colorado, who most recently won the Behind the Rocks Ultra 50k in March. “I’m feeling pretty good going into Canyons. I had been dealing with an injury flare-up earlier in the year, but it has subsided and my body feels the healthiest it has since last spring. I’m eager to get back to racing and excited to spend a day on the trails competing. But I’m also just grateful for a body that still wants to go out and do these things. I expect there will be an energetic atmosphere and good vibes out there with so many races going on, and I’m excited to be part of it.”
Anna McKenna of Australia came in fourth at the Tarawera 100k in February. She said, “This is my first time in Auburn competing in the Canyons 100k. There is something so special about running on these trails. I can’t wait to line up beside many incredible athletes, push myself and just embrace whatever the day brings. I’m excited, but also nervous.”
Spain’s Aroa Sio took third at Canyons last year, but most recently won the Placer Trail Running Festival 50k and was third at Tarawera 100k. “I know the course is totally different. In my case, I approach it like all my races. I try to have everything in my hand under control. And course changes or other variables that I can’t handle, I try not to let them affect me. What I have to do is very clear—I want to cross the finish line with the feeling that I have given everything, regardless of the position in which I finish. Of course, I would love to get the Golden Ticket, but I will be equally satisfied if I fight until the end.”
Camelia Mayfield out of Bend, Oregon, who recently finished first at the Peterson Ridge Rumble 20-miler, said, “This is my first high competition race since Western States in 2021 following an Achilles tendon issue. I’m excited to see how the last few months of rebuilding fitness pans out and give it my all. It’s always fun getting back to Auburn and playing in the canyons.”
Sweden’s Ida Nilsson was fifth at the Black Canyon 100k in February and said, “Training has gone well the last month and I feel better prepared than in February, so I’m excited to give the Golden Ticket chase another chance at the Canyons.”
Traveling from South Africa, Naomi Brand was sixth at this year’s Tarawera. She said she was “feeling really nervous as usual (and still a little jetlagged) but looking forward to seeing and running on trails I’ve only seen on screens for years. Most of all, I’m looking forward to meeting more people from the incredible California trail community.”
Other elites to watch out for include but are not limited to, Abigail Levene from Boulder, Colorado, Japan’s Yuri Yoshizumi, and Canada’s Priscilla Forgie.
On the men’s side, Adam Merry of Boulder won the Chuckanut 50k in March and said, “I’ve had a training block that’s gone pretty much perfectly, which is all you can ask for. My wellspring of motivation and gratitude runneth over. I’m looking forward to running some old, familiar trails and some new ones out in Auburn, and having another chance to prove to myself what I’m capable of.”
Local favorite Cole Watson from Rancho Cordova, California, was fourth at the Black Canyon 100k in February. He said, “I feel good to go. Racing near home is always an advantage. I’m confident in what I can do on trails like these. I’m fortunate enough to train on them weekly. It’s exciting to run another version of the Canyons 100k course. Every year I seemingly find myself back running, and every year it seems like it’s a different route for one reason or another. This year’s course has the flattest sections between climbs, which is where I thrive the most. I hope to lock in my rhythm on the flats and be patient with myself on the climbs and descents.”
Another Boulder runner, Justin Grunewald, who won the Antelope Island 50k last November, said, “I think the main thing I am looking forward to is testing my fitness after my biggest mountain training block ever and having Amanda Basham back coaching me the last few months. I’m also excited to share some miles with some friends I haven’t raced before, and the opportunity to chase a Golden Ticket against a good field.”
Matt Daniels of Boulder won the Gorge Waterfalls 50k just a few weeks ago. “I’m feeling excited to compete for a Golden Ticket with so many great athletes. This race is special since I’ll be getting to compete alongside my training partner Adam Merry for the first time in such a high stakes race!”
Additional men to keep your eyes on include Bryan Kerl of Salida, Colorado, David Laney from Portland, Oregon, and France’s Sébastien Spehler. Richmond, Vermont, native Eric LiPuma has dropped down to the 50k.
Canyons Endurance Runs is also hosting an accompanying 100-miler that starts on Friday, April 28 and a 50k that starts an hour after the 100k on Saturday.
Also on Saturday, check out the Frisco Railroad Run 50/50 in Willard, Missouri, the Run for Kids Challenge 12-hour in Pelham, Alabama, The Trail Marathon 50k in Pickney, Michigan, the Pick Your Poison Trail Run 50k in Barrie, Ontario, the Outrun 24-hour in Kirtland, Ohio, and the Ultra Race of Champions 50k/100k in Montebello, Virginia. On Sunday, don’t miss the Jack Bristol Lake Waramaug Ultra Races 50k/50-mile/100k in New Preston, Connecticut.
Who are your picks for the Golden Ticket winners on Saturday? Drop them in the comments below and be sure to let us know What’s Up in Ultra in your community. Come back on Sunday for results and more in our Ultra Weekend Recap.