“Ring das bell” was the refrain for Broken Arrow‘s speedy, vert inclined runners. Congrats to Andy Wacker on his record breaking win in the 26k, polished off with a high jump to ring it in. (?:1)

Over at the Bighorn 100, Amelia Boone decided 100 milers should be renamed “sh!tshow management.” Fair. (?:2)

And Tahoe 200 multi-day runners paused to re-fuel and find a moment of hamburger-induced Zen. (?:3)

Get even more weekend updates with iRunFar’s complete coverage. 

Want more racing? Check out these upcoming events still open for registration:

• The Mighty Mosquito Trail Race & Relay, August 6 (NY)
• Cloudcroft Ultra, August 6 (NM)
• Kat’cina Mosa 100K Mountain Run, August 6 (UT)
• Elder Creek Night Runs, July 9 (CA)

What’s the toughest task in getting ready for the high-profile whirlwind that is Western States? Heather Balogh-Rochfort sat down with race director Craig Thornley to learn what keeps him up at night and how he stays chill before the big day (Hint: his unwind is exercise related, but not trail running). 

Next, Heather goes deeper into the field to deliver a trio of stories from the mid-pack – everyday heroes getting ready for their shot at the big dance. 

Discovering new trail running routes doesn’t have to be difficult. We’ve made it easy with onX Backcountry.

Plan your run by viewing the landscape in 3D or use satellite imagery, topographic maps, or our Hybrid Basemap that combines the two. Draw custom routes to plan muli-trail-system linkups. Track your route by using real-time GPS positioning even in areas without cell service.

Running should be an adventure whether you are training for your next big race, objective, or peak. onX Backcountry has you covered to keep your training schedule fun and help you explore areas you never knew existed.

Try onX Backcountry for FREE for 1-month or purchase the app now for 20% off using the promo code UltraSignup20.

? Meet the 2022 Western Faves: iRunFar offers its much anticipated pics for the top men’s and women’s finishers. Want to see their fast faces? Singletrack podcast created fun-size video interviews with many of the elite contenders.  

?️ Win From Your Couch: Predict the podium and win! iRunFar is running its 13th annual WSER prediction contest with sweet prizes from Hoka, Drymax, Squirrel’s Nut Butter, and more. Freetrail Fantasy is entering the fun with a mega pack worth almost $5000 including gear from Speedland, Garmin, InsideTracker, and others. 

☠️ The “Killing Machine”:  Get the “inside baseball” look at why WSER is so deceivingly challenging. Starting with wisdom from Ann Trason, “If you fight this course, it will eat you alive,” this 2-part master playbook has been cited as strategic gold by top competitors.

?? 10 Tips for Running Western: Coach David Roche outlines 10 tips for how to run, and succeed, at WSER – from hiking your way into the top ten to managing the heat (and there will always be heat).

? Heat Management: Hal Koerner helps Claire Gallagher manage the unbearable 2019 heat in an unusual “back-end” way. In other words, what happens at Western, stays at Western. 

? Say a Prayer: Kanye West offers a ritual for coming out of Foresthill, via Ellie Pel.

? Final Word: “If you enter the Placer High track yelling with joy – you know it’s been a grand day.” Sage words and a feel-good photo memory from women’s course record holder Ellie Greenwood.