Episode 66: Hilary Yang’s Hardrock 100: A Journey Through the Lowest Lows and Strongest Finish

This week on the Trail Network Podcast, Hilary Yang and Katie Asmuth sit down for a full race recap of Hilary’s experience at the 2025 Hardrock 100. Katie was on the ground at Hardrock crewing and pacing, and in this episode she interviews Hilary about every stage of her race — from the difficult lead-up to the finish line in Silverton.

Hilary breaks down the most challenging moments of the race, including:

• Battling altitude, cold temperatures, and wildfire smoke within the first 10 miles

• Struggling through severe nausea, multiple vomiting episodes, and long stretches without crew support

• Mentally navigating the lowest points on course while running almost 12 hours without pacers

• A dramatic late-race comeback after mile 75 with the help of an incredible crew and pacers

• Racing the clock to avoid cutoffs, summiting iconic Grant Swamp Pass at sunset, and passing over a dozen runners in the final miles

• A terrifying fall four miles from the finish and pushing through hallucinations to kiss the rock

Hilary and Katie also discuss key takeaways, including:

• Lessons learned about fueling at altitude and adapting when things go wrong

• The crucial role of her crew and pacing team in turning the race around

• Hilary’s thoughts on going back to Hardrock in the future

• A sneak peek into the upcoming documentary Billy Yang is producing about Hilary’s Hardrock journey

This is a raw and honest episode about what it takes to finish one of the hardest mountain ultras in the world. Hilary reflects on the months and years of preparation that led to this moment, how she stayed mentally engaged despite major setbacks, and why finishing Hardrock was about much more than a finish time.

Listen in for a true behind-the-scenes look at Hardrock 100 through the eyes of a first-time finisher.

This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.

A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products!

And a big thanks to our newest sponsor, ⁠Janji with the code TRAILNETWORK for a 10% discount on your Janji order.