Adam Peterman wowed the world by winning 1st at the Western States Endurance Run in 15:13:48 after taking up ultrarunning just 11 months ago. Widely praised for the maturity he showed in his 100-mile debut, Adam admitted to Bryon Powell of iRunFar in his post-race interview that he didn't want to "show up and blow up." No worries Adam, you nailed it.

Kiwi sensation Ruth Croft returned to WSER to better her F2 position into a F1 and succeeded – running the third-fastest women's time ever in 17:21:30. Her secret sauce? Spicy chats with her pacer and remembering that "when you enjoy what you do, you have good flow." 

Go deeper into Western coverage with iRunFar's play-by-play of how the day unfolded and Run Spirited's final analysis of the event.

❤️ HEART. That's the word most often used to describe the magic that is Western States Golden Hour.

Of the 305 finishers, 204 entered the Placer High track in the last six hours before cut-off. And Brian Metzler was there for it.

As one of 1,500 wildly cheering fans in the stands and 15,000 worldwide supporters following the livestream, Brian captured the rich stories of over a dozen "ordinary people doing extraordinary things."

A 61-year old Minnesota farmer. A Native American artist from Oklahoma. New parents who joyfully carried their infants across the finish line. And the final (if unofficial) finisher – a cancer survivor from Washington who brought the loudest cheers of the day, many tears, and all the HEART into the house. 

Big mountains, long distances, and remote routes – all while trying to achieve record breaking speed. With 166 records between them, the FKT power-couple of Jason Hardrath and Ashly Winchester can't risk gear that doesn't perform.

Emily Halnon caught up with the duo to learn what items always make it into their adventure kit. From watches to shoes to hoodies and more – this is a jam-packed collection of their FKT gear favorites.  

Is your running or cycling club making a social, environmental, or cultural impact in your local community? Or do you have definitive plans to work toward this goal? If so, Gnarly Nutrition is giving away $15,000 to help. 

The "Fuel for Life" grant can be used for any needs your club has to empower members to compete or grow within the sport. Check out the full FAQs and easy grant application steps here.

⚡Lightning Round: 31 rapid-fire questions with the man of the hour, Adam Peterman. Preview: He prefers coffee, not tea, and digs “old man music.”

🔥Wildfires: As ultrarunner Peter Mortimer watched his beloved Flagstaff trails burn, he paused to convey the sadness, disbelief, and outrage that so many feel over rampant wildfires. A heartfelt read over the loss of “serenity in Flagstaff.”

🌲Fixing the Park: With $22 billion in deferred maintenance, the National Parks Service is in desperate need of a leader with a plan. Meet new Parks Director, Chuck Sams – a former firefighter, Navy veteran, and Native member of the Cayuse and Walla Walla of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation who intends to use Indigenous ways and bipartisan collaboration to fight climate change in our parks.

☠️ RIP Knees: What to do when non-runners express concern over your supposedly fragile knees? This runner gives 'em the song treatment.  

👀 Seeing Double: How many Scott Jurek sightings does it take to get from Hal Koerner's aid station at mile 91 to the finish? Get the answer in this reel – plus a creepy, but hilarious last Western laugh.