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 blowups

Scuba Steve Award

I’m Not Back, I’m Better Award

The Cougar of the Field

The Zach Miller Lookalike Award

...and of course,

Jeff of the Day

We 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 you

Janji – The best running shorts in the game (and yes, I’m literally wearing them right now).

Use code freeoutside for a discount.

👉 janji.com

GarageGrownGear.com

CSinstant.coffee

Montana 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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Westees Awards

06:08 The Women's Race Highlights

11:58 The Men's Race Highlights

21:45 Awards and Recognitions

28:55 Reflections on Performance and Training

30:25 Celebrating Chris Myers and Brooks' Impact

33:05 The Performance of Hoka and Unsponsored Athletes

39:24 Mo Money, Mo Problems: The Pressure of Sponsorships

42:53 The Rise of Women in Ultra Running

47:00 The Need for Better Storytelling in Ultra Running

51:58 Age is Just a Number: Inspiring Performances

54:58 Consistency and Experience: The Legacy of Jeff Browning

55:57 Hans and His Journey

01:00:00 Sponsorships and Their Impact

01:05:00 Awards and Recognition

01:10:03 FKTs and Trail Challenges

01:15:07 Reflections on the Appalachian Trail

Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com

Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside

Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF

Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com

Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside

Website: www.Freeoutside.com

Instagram: thefreeoutside

facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside