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Excitedly yours, Dani and EmKay

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Sub Hub Stories: Being a Member of Team USA🇺🇸

Dani

I am fortunate to have been a part of four USA teams in my life, three of which were in 2019, each filled with fruitful memories, incredible teammates, lessons learned, and new parts of the world explored.As someone who was inspired by countless USA teams at the Olympics, putting on the Team USA jersey truly is a gift every time I have had the opportunity to wear it.

A memory I remember fondly is my experience at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) championships in October 2019 in Jalisco, Mexico. My mom, nina, and nino joined me, which was really cool. The town itself was so vibrant, filled with life and culture. As someone whose grandparents (on my dad’s side) moved to the United States from Mexico, this trip and race felt especially special, as I would be returning close to the area where my grandma grew up while wearing the Team USA jersey.

The race itself was drenched from head to toe with love from the community. Our first activity was seeing the course with the race director. We didn’t see the whole thing, but enough to avoid missing a main turn. I will never forget him making me die of laughter as he pointed out different places we could see from the ridge, before finally ending with, “And this… (pointing at agave)… this is… TEQUILA,” with the biggest grin I had ever seen on someone’s face. The pre-race ceremony was held in a community center, and our pre-race meal was held in a basketball/indoor futbol court, where the race director's parents cooked fresh quesadillas, rice, and beans. All of the teams sat at a long table just outside the lines of the court while a local community basketball game played at the same time. It honestly evoked such strong emotions, reminding me of backyard parties growing up in Los Angeles. After dinner, we jumped in the back of the race director's brother's truck as he gave us a lift back to the hotel in the rain. It truly was one of those moments that I look back on with a huge smile on my face, feeling grateful that I found this sport.

The race itself was simple: you run up and run down. It had been pouring the day before, and it sprinkled the morning of the race, making the course incredibly muddy. I remember falling headfirst within the first few miles into the climb because I ran through a puddle I thought was ankle-deep, which was actually thigh-deep, and I banged my knee on a rock. Luckily, I got up and recovered, but Sam Lewis kindly asked me if I was okay.

At some point right before the top of the climb, I remember moving up with Sam hot on my heels. When I turned, I tried to send it as best I could. I also remember my shoelace coming untied—something that for some reason happened to me multiple times that year on downhills—and I just trusted I would be okay.

I ended up finishing first, taking my first and only win while wearing the Team USA jersey, and the team walked away with the win.

To this day, this is one of my favorite race experiences ever. It felt like home and somewhere new and special all at the same time.

EmKay

As an athlete who started my running career in track and cross country at an early age, the idea of wearing a jersey with “USA” on the chest has always been a dream. When I was in college, I missed the Olympic Trials qualifier in the steeplechase by 2 seconds, but that was only the beginning for me.

When I first got into trail running, I didn’t realize that World Championships or U.S. teams were even an option. 2023 was the year I finally figured out how to qualify, and I seized the opportunity. I gave qualifying for the U.S. team my all, just like I would have for any other team. Crossing the finish line at FOURmidable in a qualifying spot was surreal. I couldn't believe I was getting the opportunity to wear “USA” across my chest.

Now that we are all grown up and there aren’t many opportunities for us to compete alongside teammates, I think that was my favorite part of the entire experience. Working with the other women on the team toward a common goal was something I hadn’t experienced since my time on a cross country or track team in college. World Champs is basically just like a really long adult cross country! You take 6 athletes, you score three, and you earn a team medal alongside any individual medals you or your teammates might have earned.

When I found out I was in 11th place at the top of the final climb and that the U.S. was in podium contention, I felt like I could turn on another gear, fighting for spots to ensure we were GETTING on that podium. Trail running is ultimately a very selfish sport, so having a bigger purpose behind my race helped me when I was deep in the pain cave. I am extremely motivated when I know that others are counting on me, and I wanted to do the best I could for the other women on that line.

I remember getting to the finish line and asking around what place we had gotten. Hugging and crying with my teammates, we had just missed silver, but we had still clinched the bronze medal. Competing for your country is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’d like to experience it again, but I may never get the chance—so I’ll be holding onto the 2023 World Champs for as long as I can.

Results Recap

🇪🇸Marato Pirineu - October 5th

1. Julia Font - 4:05:00

2. Rosa Lara Feliu - 4:06:31

3. Oihana Kortazar - 4:17:16

1. Robert Pkemoi - 3:30:49

2. Alex García Carrillo - 3:41:49

3. Sergi Garcia Terrones - 3:42:13

🇸🇮Šmarna Gora - October 5th

1. Joyce Njeru - 49:43

2. Scout Adkin - 50:13

3. Philaries Kisang - 52:52

1. Richard Omaya Atuya - 41:30

2. Paul Machoka - 42:05

3. Michael Seleo Saoli - 42:31

🇹🇭Ithanon Skyrace - October 5th

1. Anastasia Rubtsova - 3:40:06

2. Marcela Vašínová - 4:06:47

3. Aberash Mulata Amana - 4:13:52

1. Rongchao Gu - 3:22:37

2. Iurii Shtankov - 3:23:05

3. Raul Criado - 3:33:51

🇮🇹KV Lagunc - October 12th (Mountain Running World Cup Finals)

1. Scout Adkin - 37:57

2. Philaries Kisang - 38:34

3. Paola Stampononi - 39:13

1. Andrea Elia - 31:08

2. Henri Aymonod - 31:14

3. Patrick Kipngeno - 31:50

🇮🇹Val Bregaglia Trail - October 13th (Mountain Running World Cup Finals)

1. Joyce Njeru - 1:47:45

2. Philaries Kisang - 1:48:51

3. Scout Adkin - 1:48:58

1. Patrick Kipngeno - 1:34:03

2. Paul Machoka - 1:34:22

3. Théodore Klein - 1:34:53

🌋Reto Vulcano - October 12th

1. Carmen Ramiro Allende - 4:50:26

2. Karina Carsolio - 4:54:03

3. Reyna Isela Rivera Carillo - 5:15:57

1. Daniel Antonioli - 4:09:44

2. Jonathan Castillo - 4:17:56

3. Caleb Olson - 4:34:12

🧸Kodiak Ultramarathons 50K - October 12th

1. Helen Mino-Faukner - 4:13:09

2. Klaire Rhodes - 4:18:44

3. Kristin Johnson - 4:28:12

1. Ryan Becker - 3:30:56

2. Jordan Clay - 3:35:22

3. Dylan Humberger - 3:50:42

🧸Kodiak Ultramarathons 21K - October 12th

1. Emily Clarke - 1:53:11

2. Ellie Swemba Grimmer - 2:19:52

3. Loren de Luna Saucedo - 2:28:35

1. Brandon Miller - 1:37:12

2. Mckennon Woltman - 1:48:25

3. Matthew Walker - 1:48:28

🏆Golden Trail Prologue - October 17th and 18th

1. Joyce Njeru - 31:37

2. Lauren Gregory - 32:07

3. Madalina Florea - 32:14

1. Elhousine Elazzaoui - 25:48

2. Rémi Bonnet - 26:12

3. Patrick Kipngeno - 26:39

🏆Golden Trail Final - October 19th and 20th

1. Joyline Chepngeno - 1:53:11

2. Lauren Gregory- 2:19:52

3. Joyce Njeru - 2:28:35

1. Elhousine Elazzaoui - 1:37:12

2. Rémi Bonnet - 1:48:25

3. Patrick Kipngeno - 1:48:28

⛰️⛰️Two Peaks Skyrace - October 26th

1. Anastasia Rubstova - 3:24:55

2. Irina Rachinskaia - 3:42:37

3. Veronika Leng - 3:46:18

1. Gianluca Ghiano - 2:53:42

2. Ruy Ueda - 2:54:48

3. Lorenzo Beltrami - 3:05:59

🫏Jackass 30K - October 26th

1. Mickey Davis - 2:23:05

2. Courtney Barnes- 2:25:10

3. Helen Mino Faulkner - 2:39:17

1. Matthew Vera - 2:01:43

2. Joe Del Conte - 2:46:52

3. Christian Carabello - 2:49:52

1. Cal Calamia - 2:21:43

2. Ryan Montgomery - 2:40:11

🇨🇳Ultra-Trail Ninghai by UTMB - CNH60 - October 19th

1. Sunmaya Budha - 5:40:03

2. Eszter Csillag - 6:05:37

3. Ruifang Zhou - 6:10:19

1. Tao Luo - 4:54:58

2. Jianjian Yang - 4:57:01

3. Banglin Fan - 5:04:19

🇰🇷Trans Jeju by Utmb - Jeju50k - October 12th

1. Sheng Zhang - 5:06:47

2. Biao Yu - 5:13:38

3. Qiang Wang - 05:24:43

1. Chaochao Wu - 5:55:01

2. Ruifang Zhou - 6:25:30

3. Yuan Jin - 6:50:07

🐼Asia Pacific Trail Running Championships - Short Trail - October 25th

1. Takako Takamura (Japan) - 4:36

2. Priya Rai (Nepal) - 4:41

3. Honoka Akiyama (Japan) - 4:53

1. John Ray Onifa (Philippines) - 3:47

2. Koken Ogasawara (Japan) - 3:49

3. Blake Turner (Australia) - 4:00

🇪🇸Sobrescobio SkyRace – October 27th

1. Lucille Germain (France) - 3:25

2. Oihana Kortazar (Spain) - 3:37

3. Júlia Font (Spain) - 3:38

1. Luca Del Pero (Italy) - 2:49

2. Manuel Merillas (Spain) - 2:50

3. Antonio Martínez (Spain) - 2:56

Current Series Rankings

World Mountain Running Ranking Top 10 - The Valsir World Mountain Cup final took place in October, making these the end-of-season rankings. Joyce and Patrick were on top most of the year and hung onto their titles after the final races. Lauren Gregory moves into the top 10 after the final, making her the sole American. The Kenyan men took over the season, putting 5 athletes in the top 10.

Merrell Skyrunner® World Series Top 10 - After the October races, Roberto Delorenzi loses his season-long lead to Luca Del Pero. Anastasia Rubtsova also takes over the lead after a handful of podiums in the final months of the season. The Skyrunner season is coming to a close this month with the Skymasters, but not after a few more stops.

Golden Trail World Series Top 10 - The Golden Trail World Series comes to an end after its longest season to date. The final took place at Ascona-Locarno in Switzerland. Joyce and Elhousine hold onto their leads to take the overall win. The women’s overall rankings saw an unprecedented amount of movement after a lot of late-season additions and drops. The U.S. saw two women and one man finish in the top 10.

Sub-Ultra Athletes of the Month

As we waved goodbye to 2023, we cooked up a plan for future years: ending the year with a bang by handpicking our top ten Sub-Ultra athletes. But hey, why wait until December to start the celebration? Every month, we're spotlighting athletes whose performances have dazzled, impressed, or just put a big grin on our faces. So while it might not be a perfect match for our 2024 list, it's sure to sprinkle some fun along the way!

Our picks for performances in October 2024.

Scout Adkin

Scout Adkin is a Scottish mountain athlete who has been on the scene for quite some time. Although many may not know her name, she is a staple of the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup. Scout won her first WMRA overall crown this month at the World Cup finals in Chiavenna, Italy. Scout ran the Vertical Kilometer in 37:57 - almost 1 minute ahead of second place. Her win at the VK as well as a third place finish the following day in the final race of the World Cup and her jaw dropping 2nd place at Sierre Zinal clinched her a second place in the overall rankings this year. Scout Adkin has had an incredible season, which included a second place finish in the Vertical European champs and a fourth place in the Classic European champs.

Luca Del Pero

Luca Del Pero has been on a tear in the Skyrunner World Series over the last month. He has officially overtaken Roberto Delorenzi in the overall ranking after Roberto’s season long stay up top. He ended the month of September taking the win at Gorbeia Suzien in 3:00:25. He then followed up that win one month later at Sobrescobio Skyrace in Austria running a new course record of 2:49. Luca made a splash on the scene in 2023 when he finished 3rd in the short trail event at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Austria. Since then Luca has continued to show up, finishing an impressive 4th place at Zegama this year, 2nd at Lavaredo 50K and a few other podium finishes at Skyrunner events.

Looking Forward

As much as we loved following the series finales for the Valsir Mountain Running Cup and Golden Trail World Series, along with celebrating the Dodgers' World Series win, it's nice to shift gears and focus on resting—and admittedly planning and overthinking—our 2025 race calendars. Plus, with Daylight Saving Time ending, those earlier sunsets serve as a reminder that winter is approaching, and life is finally slowing down a bit. This shift is also reflected in the overall racing calendar, as everyone seems to be slowing down and prepping for the holiday season with loved ones. Below we share what’s on the docket.

USATF Championships

After the exciting conclusion of the Golden Trail World Series and Valsir Mountain Running Cup, November kicks off with the Moab Trail Half Marathon on November 2nd, which will host the 2024 USATF Trail Half Marathon National Championships. This event presents a fantastic opportunity for athletes to compete on a championship-caliber course, renowned for its beautiful scenery and challenging red rock terrain. Additionally, Moab will feature a 10K and a marathon distance, with the marathon having served as a USA Championship course in the past. Notably, Moab is also the host of the Collegiate Trail Running Championships 2024, making it a fun weekend of action!

It is exciting to see a handful of athletes going for the double, such as recent podcast guest Rachel Tomajczyk, who will be returning on November 16th for the Trail 10K Championships at the Bentonville Dirt Circus. The women’s 10K USATF National Championship race will kick off at 7:30 AM, followed by the men’s race at 9:00 AM. Dani Moreno, who won last year’s edition and is very confident that her time is going to be smashed, mentioned that the course immediately transitions into singletrack, so having separate starts will be extremely helpful for both races. It will be interesting to see if the men catch the 5K runners, who start at 8:00 AM.

Runners will compete for a $10,000 prize purse, and all participants will enjoy the challenge of the leaf-covered, winding technical trail system. Incredible RD Rob Goyen and the town of Bentonville know how to put on a race, and with this big prize purse, it’s no surprise that the women’s race is stacked with Ugandan star Joy Cheptoyek, Olympian in the steeplechase Marissa Howard, and existing trail standouts Lauren Gregory, Rachel Tomajczyk, Allie Ostrander, and more will be competing. If we thought last year’s men’s race was exciting, 2023's men’s champion Christian Allen returns to face challenges from Meika Beaudo-Rousseau, Jonathan Aziz, Andy Wacker, and others. We are also curious to see how Felix Rop, a registered Kenyan runner with a personal best of 2:23 listed on his World Athletics page, will perform.

UTMB Events

November kicks off with the Kullamannen by UTMB, featuring the Seventh Seal. This race, set for November 2nd, covers 56.9 km with an elevation gain of 853 m+. It’s a chance for runners to tackle the stunning landscapes in Sweden.

Following a few cancellations due to rain, the remaining Mallorca races are set to take place on November 2nd include the two listed below. Word is they are trying to transfer as many athletes as they can to these races.

• Els Tres Mils (ETM)
  Distance: 47 km
  Elevation Gain: 2,300 m+

• Camins de s'Arxiduc (CDA)
  Distance: 26 km
  Elevation Gain: 1,000 m+

On November 9th, the UTMB World Series action continues in Mexico with the Puerto Vallarta by UTMB series, featuring three exciting races:

• Nakawé 50K
  Distance: 49 km
  Elevation Gain: 2,300 m+

• Haramara 33K
  Distance: 33 km
  Elevation Gain: 1,550 m+

• Ereno 20K
  Distance: 20 km
  Elevation Gain: 1,000 m+

The race has some short-distance stars including Sara Alonso, Allie McLaughlin, Paddy O’Leary, and more.

Also on November 9th, we have TransLantau taking place in Hong Kong showcasing:

• TransLantau50
  Distance: 53 km
  Elevation Gain: 2,700 m+

Then, the following day, on November 10th, the TransLantau25 will take place:

• TransLantau25
  Distance: 27 km
  Elevation Gain: 1,100 m+

The excitement continues the week after on November 16th with the Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB, featuring:

• MY50
  Distance: 51 km
  Elevation Gain: 2,801 m+

Closing out the month, the Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB in Australia offers two races on November 28th:

• Kosci50
  Distance: 50 km
  Elevation Gain: 1,300 m+

• Kosci30
  Distance: 32 km
  Elevation Gain: 610 m+

It is really cool to see UTMB have more races in Asia and continue to strive to be a global and accessible option for athletes outside of Europe. All of these races look beautiful and are incredible places to visit.

As we gear up for these exciting races, it's important to remember that this is just a handful of the many incredible events happening this month. These national championships are awesome here in the states and the UTMB races are particularly noteworthy as they not only showcase top talent but also provide qualifying opportunities for prestigious races like OCC and CCC.

If you’re in the States, we encourage you to consider signing up for and supporting your local Turkey Trot and giving your local RD some love! 🦃