Western States in Transition? What’s Next for the Iconic 100-Miler (Topher Gaylord Interview)

Singletrack

Finn Melanson

Wilderness, Trail Running, Sports, Sports News, Mountain Running, Running, Ultrarunning, Ultra Running, News, Ultramarathon

5 • 897 Ratings

🗓️ 18 July 2025

⏱️ 110 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

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

Transcript

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0:00.0	Hey folks, I am excited to share this conversation with Tofer Gaylord recorded just a few days before the 2025 at Western States 100.
0:08.4	We originally live streamed it to our YouTube channel, but similar to our conversations with Jim Walmsley and Scott Jurek,
0:15.3	I decided to hold off on releasing the audio version until after the race.
0:19.4	There were just many timeless big picture topics
0:22.6	that weren't directly tied to this year's event and I didn't want them to get lost in the pre-race
0:27.3	hype. Hope you enjoyed this episode as much as Brett, Leah and I did. Before we dive in though,
0:31.9	a quick thank you to our partners for making this episode possible. Our apparel partner Goreware,
0:36.9	our footwear partner Norda,
0:38.8	our nutrition partner NAC, and our equipment partner raid research.
0:43.4	None of this would be possible without their support.
0:45.9	So be sure to check out their links in the show notes.
0:48.5	Use their discount codes.
0:49.8	Thank you so much.
0:51.1	And with that, let's get on to this conversation with Tofer.
0:55.1	All right, day three of our to this conversation with Tofer. All right,
0:55.7	day three of our Western States 100 coverage continues.
0:58.9	We are blessed to be joined by Tofer Gaylord,
1:01.8	president of the Western States 100 board,
1:04.3	also joined by frequent colleagues, collaborators,
1:07.1	Brad Hornick, Leah Yingling.
1:08.9	Tofer, how are you doing this afternoon?
1:10.7	Doing great. Fired up to be here with all of you. Tofer, how are you doing this afternoon? Doing great.
	...

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