The Ultra Minute 🏔️ December 4, 2024
Sabrina Stanley and Abby Hall shine at stormy Kosciuszko, Camille Herron sets 24-hour American record, USFS hiring freeze action update, All In Trail scholarships open, and more
Sabrina Stanley and Abby Hall Shine Amid Storm-Induced Chaos at Kosciuszko by UTMB
Wild weather and storm delays in Australia’s Snowy Mountains defined the 2024 Kosciuszko by UTMB, but Sabrina Stanley and Abby Hall rose above the chaos to deliver big wins.
Sabrina Stanley (U.S.) dominated the 100-mile Kosci Miler, winning the women’s race in 19:51:08, finishing third overall, and securing her place at UTMB 2025. Reflecting on her adventure, Stanley shared, “UTK took me to Australia’s highest point, led me over the iconic Snowy River, and gave me a jump scare when I ran up on a Highland Copperhead.” Stephanie Auston (23:10:39) and Emily Gilmour-Walsh (24:31:47) completed the women’s podium. On the men’s side, Sam Harvey (New Zealand) delivered a commanding victory in 16:39:34, over two hours ahead of runner-up Luke Nichols (19:09:19), with Aaron Smith (20:51:15) in third.
A storm halted both the 100-mile and 100k races, reportedly forcing athletes to shelter at aid stations for nearly two hours. Abby Hall (U.S.), who had been leading the women’s race in the 100k, recounted the experience:
“Course officials put me in a van and drove me back to the previous aid station, where hundreds of other runners were all gathered trying to make sense of the situation. We were in the aid station for about two hours… Finally, the radio call came in that the race would continue with another mass start. But I was told that when the race restarted, I unfortunately had to re-run the same section again. [It] ended up totaling to a 70-mile day on the trails.”
Hall powered through to claim victory in 13:05:01. Juliette Soule (New Zealand) finished second in 13:22:46, with Buha Bali (Australia) third in 14:29:56. Quinton Gill (Canada) won the men’s race in 10:12:05, followed by Australians Matt Gore (10:31:59) and Josh Chugg (10:37:35).
The 50k race saw Tait Hearps (Australia) narrowly defeating Ben St. Lawrence by just 64 seconds, finishing in 4:10:04 to St. Lawrence’s 4:11:08. Tom Driscoll (4:21:05) took third. Kate Avery (U.K.) captured the women’s title in 4:43:51, with Kimber Mattox (U.S.) taking second in 4:51:06 and Norway’s Vilde Moser third in 5:00:17. Mattox called the experience “a humbling reminder of how hard and rewarding trail racing is.”
News & Links
U.S. Forest Service funding needs your voice. In October, we covered the hiring freeze affecting 2,400 seasonal roles critical for trail maintenance and race permitting. While a race director letter to Congress closed yesterday, trail runners can still help. Use this form from Outdoor Alliance to contact your representatives and push for better funding. For more, see UltraSignup’s detailed writeup.
Applications open for All In Trail coaching scholarships. The All In Trail Collective is accepting applications for its 2025 coaching scholarships and community, aimed at supporting younger athletes from underserved or marginalized communities. This is an important opportunity to broaden the diversity of trail running and empower the next generation of runners. Applications are open until January 2, 2025. Even if you’re not applying, you can make an impact by sharing this opportunity (add this post to your Instagram story or share this link elsewhere) with athletes or local trail groups who might benefit.
Women’s Trailrunning Fund applications due Dec. 13. Apply for 2025 creative grants to support projects that elevate women in trail running.
Freetrail’s TROY and UltraSignup’s Weird Awards. Voting is open for Freetrail’s Trail Runner of the Year and Performance of the Year awards (closes Dec. 16). Meanwhile, UltraSignup’s Keep Trail Running Weird Awards celebrate the quirky side of our sport—nominate your favorites by Dec. 10.
Denmark goes “Back to Nature.” The country plans to plant 1 billion trees and convert 10% of farmland into forests and natural habitats—an inspiring move to combat climate change and protect ecosystems.
Camille Herron sets 24-hour American record. At the Soochow Invitational, Herron ran 163.42 miles, breaking the Masters 40+ World Record and setting the third-best 24-hour result ever. Australia’s Phil Gore also impressed, running 168.28 miles to set an Oceanic Record.
Scott Jurek heading to Chihuahua? UTMB hinted the ultrarunning legend could return to the Sierra Tarahumara in 2025, where his iconic 2006 run inspired Born to Run.
Hardrock 100 lottery livestream this Saturday. Tune in (tick the bell to get a reminder) at 9 a.m. MT to see who gets their shot at the 2025 race.
Canadian Trail Running Film Festival tour announced. The 2025 tour starts April 3 in Vancouver, BC, with more Western Canada dates to follow.
“Bricky” the yellow brick completes the AT. Carried by over 60 hikers, the quirky trail mascot’s journey inspired a 2,000-member Facebook group.
UltraSignup’s new race registration list is live. If you’re mapping out your 2025 calendar, races opening from Dec. 1–15 are up now.
The Rich Roll episode with David Roche finally dropped. Hear from the Leadville record-holder on his journey and approach to ultrarunning in this highly anticipated episode.
Freetrail’s “You Made It Weird” series debuts. Ellie Pell’s first athlete Q&A features rising east coast talent Lila Gaudrault (don’t miss her Substack).
Reads of the Week
Grayson Haver Currin’s Backpacker profile, Ray Jardine Revolutionized Two Outdoor Sports. Then He Disappeared, is a compelling dive into the life of Ray Jardine, the trailblazing mind behind modern ultralight backpacking and a legend of rock climbing. Back in the 2000s, I purchased Ray’s DIY quilt and tarp kits—complete with materials and instructions for cutting and sewing them yourself—as part of my own journey into ultralight backpacking. I recently found myself reflecting on Jardine’s influence on gear and wondering why I hadn’t heard his name in a while, making this read both timely and fascinating.
In What a Champion Processes While in the Middle of Competition, David Sinclair reflects on his record-breaking performance at the JFK 50 Mile. It’s a quick, yet insightful interview that covers his strategy, and how his race unfolded. I especially appreciated his shoutout to mid-packers, recognizing the determination it takes to train while juggling busy lives.
- ’s Race Day—JFK 50 Miler captures the energy, nerves, and camaraderie of starting the country’s oldest ultramarathon. From pre-race porta potty triumphs to reflections on pacing strategy and gratitude for aid station volunteers, Julie’s post offers a heartfelt glimpse into race morning rituals and mindset. Her vivid writing transports you straight to the starting line, making you feel the crisp air and the hum of excitement. I can’t wait to read part two and follow along on her journey through the Appalachian Trail and beyond.
That’s it for this week. If you enjoyed this edition of The Ultra Minute, please forward it to a friend who might enjoy it too, and encourage them to subscribe here. ✌🏼
See y’all on the trail,
Ken
Great Ultra Minute Ken and thank you for the shout-out! Super cool of you.