Shalini Bhajjan stumbled into race directing, made every wrong turn, and built 12 trail ultras in St. Louis. Her best advice? "Don't replicate someone else's blueprint. Be the person who brings the weird, the wonderful, and the unexpected."

Expert analyst Andy Jones-Wilkins gives his 2026 Western States preview, breaking down the men's and women's fields, course conditions, poles, and course record chances.

Is the Nathan Aerozip 1L Vest the best running hydration vest for small runners? Read our trail-tested review covering fit, flasks, and race-day use.