Welcome to this exciting episode of the Gotta Run Podcast! We dive into the world of ultra running with Canadian ultra runner Madeline Wighardt, aka Maddie.

In this episode, Maddie recounts her experiences at the the Leadville Trail 100 fighting for third, and her recent experience at Western States 100, where she earned a coveted silver buckle by finishing under 24 hours.

Whether you're an ultra running enthusiast or new to the sport, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the world of long-distance trail running.

Don't miss out on this episode with Maddie Wighardt—an inspiring athlete with an incredible story of determination and resilience!

Here is Maddie…

You can follow Maddie on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/maddiewighardt/

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Join Norm and Jodi in the latest episode of the Gotta Run Podcast! Fresh from their experience emceeing at the Meet the Minotaur SkyRace event in Crowsnest Pass Alberta. They share their exciting journey through Canada's only SkyRunning race in the SkyRunning Series.

From breathtaking views at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, they recount their attempts at the 10K Minitaur Canada's hardest 10k, (video now on GRR YouTube Channel) and the challenges they faced along the way.

With candid interviews from the winners Scott Patterson and Emma Cook-Clarke and many more participants, you'll get a glimpse into the world of SkyRunning and the incredible spirit of the runners.

Don't miss out on their tales from the trails, and get ready to be inspired to lace up your running shoes and hit the mountains!

Meet The Minotaur virtual video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByQdr_xl368

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In this episode, we're thrilled to feature Ontario's own Chantal Demers, whom we have fondly declared as the "Queen of FKTs". Chantal has held an astonishing 37 Fastest Known Times (FKTs) since 2015 and recently captured the Oak Ridge's 271 kilometre self-supported FKT in an impressive three days, seven hours, and 21 minutes.

Chantal shares her journey from basketball and triathlons to her transition to trail running which included a remarkable recovery from a traumatic spinal cord injury in 2005.

We also dive into her creative strategy and success of breaking up Ontario's Bruce Trail into 9 individual FKTs and her future plans to tackle new trails, both in the U.S. and potentially across the pond in Europe.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with a true trailblazer!

Here is Chantal…

You can follow Chantal on Instagram here -

https://www.instagram.com/chantal_demers_trail_running/

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Join us on this episode of the Gotta Run Podcast as we dive into the world of SkyRunning with Jackson Cole, the reigning champion of the Minotaur SkyRace, North America's only event, in Blairmore, Alberta, Canada.

Originally from New Zealand, Jackson shares his journey from collegiate track and field in Colorado to becoming a La Sportiva sponsored athlete conquering some of the most challenging SkyRaces across the globe.

Discover the unique challenges and exhilaration of this extreme sport, as Jackson recounts his experiences at races like Italy's Grigne Sky Marathon and Switzerland's Matterhorn Altraks Extreme.

We also get a sneak peek into the upcoming Minotaur SkyRunning Race, with Jackson offering insights into what makes this race a must-do for any SkyRunning enthusiast. From the wild, remote beauty of the Canadian Rockies to the nail-biting descents and technical scrambles, this episode is packed with adventure and inspiration.

Whether you're a seasoned ultra-runner or new to the sport, Jackson's passion and expertise will leave you eager to hit the trails. Tune in for an in-depth conversation that celebrates the spirit of SkyRunning and the mountains that call to us all.

Here is Jackson Cole…

You can follow Jackson on Instagram here -

https://www.instagram.com/jayrcolee/

If you enjoyed our show please leave a rating and review. We would really appreciate it.

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In this episode, Norman and Jodi chat with Esther Fellhofer, a 34 year old ultra runner from Austria.

Esther shares her inspiring story of being a non-athlete for most of her life to becoming a trail-running champion who has conquered some of the toughest races in Europe.

Esther talks about her transition to trail running after moving to the mountainous region of Tyrol, her impressive wins in races such as the Eiger Ultra Trail and Andorra 100K, as well as defending her title at the Ultra Trail Vipava Valley in Slovenia.

Listen in as Esther reveals her future racing plans, her experience of representing Austria in international competitions, and why she prefers technical, steep trails over runnable courses.

Don't miss this conversation with a true trailblazer who proves that it's never too late to discover your hidden talents!

Here is Esther Fellhofer…

You can follow Esther on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/esther_fellh/

If you enjoyed our show please leave a rating and review. We would really appreciate it.

Check out GottaRunRacing website here and use promo code GRRPODCAST for discounts - gottarunracing.com

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Hey, everyone! We're back with another exciting episode of the Gotta Run Podcast. It's been a busy two weeks in the world of Gotta Run Racing, and we're thrilled to bring you all the action from the Sulphur Springs Trail Race, Canada's oldest ultra, which was vying for a Western States 100 qualifier.

We kicked things off with a recap of our Lost Treasure Trail Race in Mansfield, which went off without a hitch. Then, we headed to Ancaster, Ontario, to witness history in the making at Sulphur Springs Trail Race. With over 250 runners in both the 100K and 100-mile races, the stakes were high, trying to be the first Ultra Race in Ontario to be a Western States 100 qualifier and the atmosphere was electric.

In this episode, we bring you interviews with top finishers, and many enthusiastic participants. You'll hear firsthand accounts of the race, the challenges faced, and the incredible stories of determination and triumph. From the youngest finishers to seasoned ultra veterans, every runner had a unique tale to tell.

We also delve into the Canadian favourite butter tart debate—raisins or no raisins? And explore the community spirit that makes trail running so special. Despite the crazy weather, including torrential rain and muddy trails, the runners' resilience shone through, making this event truly unforgettable.

Join us as we celebrate the incredible achievements at Sulphur Springs and look ahead to our upcoming adventures, including our races at Rainbow Trail Run and Island Lake Classic. Don't miss out on this epic episode filled with inspiration, laughter, and the pure joy of trail running.

Ontario now has a Western States qualifier, congrats to the race directors of Straw Dog Racing for successfully achieving this for our strong ultra community.

Until next time, keep running and stay inspired!

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Check out GottaRunRacing website here and use promo code GRRPODCAST for discounts - gottarunracing.com Check out our YouTube Channel here - https://youtube.com/@GottaRunRacing Check out GRR Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/gottarunracing/ Check out GRR Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/gottarunracing/ Check out GRR Twitter here: https://twitter.com/gottarun_racing Support us on Patreon here : https://www.patreon.com/gottarunracing

Norm and Jodi are Gladiators! That's right, we recently completed the 62K course at Ultra Trail Vipava Valley in beautiful Slovenia which is themed around an epic battle that took place in this region over 1600 years ago.

In this episode we chat about how we chose this particular race and our experience from race kit pickup to crossing the finish line.

It all started with Gladiators leading us out from the start line to unpredictable weather, whiskey shots to muddy descents and everything in between!

Here is our UTVV race recap...

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If you enjoy our show, please leave a rating and review. We would really appreciate it.

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We are off to Slovenia soon to race the Ultra Trail Vipava Valley UTVV for short on April 27. It will be our first time there and it came on our radar after our chat with Canadian Galen Reynolds in Episode 81 who lives and trains near the capital, Ljubljana.

Since we know very little about this part of the world or these trails we figured why not ask someone who has run the course, so we reached out to runner Anze Sobocan who not only has run the race but has completed every distance this event has to offer including several podium finishes.

Anze is 39 and a member of Team Salomon Slovenia. He has racked up quite a few race results in a relatively short period of time including many events in Slovenia and neighbouring countries of Croatia and Austria.

We chat about the Istria 100 which has the oldest start line in the world at 3000 years old and the Swiss Ultra Tour Monte Rosa 100 miler his hardest race to date and then of course, Ultra Trail Vipava Valley UTVV.

Here is Anze Sobocan…

You can follow Anze on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/anze.sobocan/

If you enjoyed our show please leave a rating and review. We would really appreciate it.

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