Western States Gets an Award Show: The Westees

Western States 100 needed an awards show—so we made one. I’m joined by Allison Mercer for the first-ever Westees, a highly serious, extremely prestigious, and entirely made-up award show for the 2025 Western States 100.We hand out awards like:BDE: Big Dad Energy Michigan "Bluff" Award (for premature blowupsScuba Steve AwardI’m Not Back, I’m Better AwardThe Cougar of the FieldThe Zach Miller Lookalike Award...and of course, Jeff of the DayWe also break down the biggest performances, the carnage, the drama, the livestream chaos, trail fashion disasters, questionable pacing decisions, and how Killian somehow still looks fresh after 100 miles.If you like trail running, roasting, fashion critiques, or just hearing someone talk trash about professional runners while wearing Janji shorts—this episode is for youJanji – The best running shorts in the game (and yes, I’m literally wearing them right now).Use code freeoutside for a discount.👉 janji.comGarageGrownGear.comCSinstant.coffeeMontana Meltdown – Our very own fixed-time race in Bozeman, Montana. 4, 12, and 24-hour options on a beautiful loop course.👉 Sign up on UltraSignup – just search Montana Meltdown Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Westees Awards06:08 The Women's Race Highlights11:58 The Men's Race Highlights21:45 Awards and Recognitions28:55 Reflections on Performance and Training30:25 Celebrating Chris Myers and Brooks' Impact33:05 The Performance of Hoka and Unsponsored Athletes39:24 Mo Money, Mo Problems: The Pressure of Sponsorships42:53 The Rise of Women in Ultra Running47:00 The Need for Better Storytelling in Ultra Running51:58 Age is Just a Number: Inspiring Performances54:58 Consistency and Experience: The Legacy of Jeff Browning55:57 Hans and His Journey01:00:00 Sponsorships and Their Impact01:05:00 Awards and Recognition01:10:03 FKTs and Trail Challenges01:15:07 Reflections on the Appalachian TrailSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside