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Andrew Drummond returns to the Singletrack Podcast, this time to recount his latest adventure: setting a Fastest Known Time on the White Mountains Direttissima, one of New England's iconic multi-day routes.

We explore the aesthetics of the route, what inspired him to return after his previous attempts in 2016 and 2024, his strategies around gear, nutrition, rest, and the execution that led to his new record.

Additionally, we discuss the New England trail running scene, John Kelly's recent Appalachian Trail activity, the stylistic differences between supported and unsupported FKTs, and the segment challenges sponsored by Run The Whites.

It's always great catching up with Andrew—hope you enjoy the conversation!

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Reconnecting After Three Years
• 09:06 White Mountains Direttissima
• 20:48 Gear Evolution and Preparation for the Route
• 45:30 Mental and Physical Challenges of Multi-Day Hiking
• 52:29 Personality Types in Multi-Day Adventures
• 01:01:40 Training for Multi-Day Efforts
• 01:14:46 Kilian Jornet's Potential Impact on the Northeast
• 01:17:29 Shifts in FKT Strategies on the Appalachian Trail
• 01:41:21 Underappreciated Routes in the White Mountains

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 (https://www.gorewear.com/) 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 Andrew on Instagram, YouTube, White Mountain Ski Co
• Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube

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Topher Gaylord is the newly appointed President of the Western States Endurance Run—arguably the most iconic ultramarathon in the world. A seven-time WSER finisher, Topher brings decades of experience in global outdoor industry leadership and a deep well of insight from more than 75 ultramarathons run across the globe.

In this conversation, we discuss:

– The direction he wants to steer Western States in
– His views on the Golden Ticket Series and how it’s evolving
– How he processed recent controversies with UTMB
– The tension between commercialization and community in trail running
– What excites him most about the future of the sport

We also talk about his upcoming keynote at TrailCon and how he plans to honor the rich legacy of WSER while preparing it for what’s next.

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

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

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

Support the show