AJW’s Races and Places of 2026

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Some of the richest blessings of spending over three decades in the sport of ultrarunning are the opportunities I have had to experience some truly special places. Places that are not just stunning natural environments but also rich in history, deep traditions, and strong cultures.

I was reflecting on this on a recent run. Just in 2026, with my running, volunteering, working, and spectating, the sport has taken me to some truly amazing places. Here are a few.

Superior and Crown King, Arizona

In February and March, I had the opportunity to run two fantastic 50k races in historic mining regions of Arizona. First, in February, the Copper Corridor 50k in the copper mining town of Superior, and then the Crown King Scramble 50k, which finishes in the hardscrabble silver mining town of Crown King in March.

McDonald Research Forest – Corvallis, Oregon

In early May, I traded the desert for the forest at the McDonald Forest 50k, run outside of Corvallis, Oregon, which would become my new home later in the year. This old-school race traverses the roads and trails of the McDonald Research Forest, the oldest and most well-established research forest in the U.S. and part of Oregon State University’s renowned College of Forestry.

Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff, Arizona

My work as a livestream commentator for Mountain Outpost took me back to Arizona in mid-May for the Cocodona 250 Mile. Beginning in the Sonoran Desert north of Phoenix and finishing in the expansive ponderosa pine forests of the Coconino Plateau, this race takes runners through the historic towns of Prescott and Sedona before finishing in Flagstaff.

San Francisco Bay Area, California

In June, I was part of the coverage team at the inaugural Bay Area 100 Mile in California. Traversing some of the classic trails of the East Bay Hills, including Las Trampas, French Trail, and Lake Chabot, the Bay Area 100 Mile is certain to become a fixture on the California race calendar for years to come. Staged just outside the cities of Oakland and Berkeley, the race is at once accessible and remote.

Bend and Sisters, Oregon

The Central Oregon mountain towns of Bend and Sisters have become trail running hot spots over the past two decades. In mid-June, I had the opportunity to run the Alpine Solstice 55k, which covers some expansive terrain in the midst of the Three Sisters area, one of the most pristine and stunning areas in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, a true crown jewel.

Canyon Country, California

For the past 12 years, since I last ran Western States 100 in 2014, I have returned to the race to volunteer and be part of the event that shaped so much of who I am today. This year, I once again helped with parking at Duncan Canyon, medical support at Michigan Bluff, and cheerleading at the finish line. As it has for the past dozen years, my weekend at Western States renewed my awe for this wonderful place.

Silverton, Colorado

Tucked into the San Juan Mountains in Southwest Colorado at 9,300 feet, Silverton is home to the annual Hardrock 100. For the fourth year in a row, I was once again invited to serve on the broadcast team that brought the race to life for thousands of people around the world through in-depth reporting, gorgeous camera footage, and extensive commentary. What a joy it is to be part of something so special!

South Woodstock, Vermont

On a warm, humid morning in mid-July, I found myself on the starting line of the Vermont 100k. Having raced the 100-mile version of the race five times before, I know the event will always hold a special place in my heart. The 100k was no less extraordinary than the 100-mile route, once again showcasing the strong community and deep, connected values of this special corner of the U.S.

To think that without running, I would not otherwise visit any of these places is not lost on me. This activity, which captured my soul over three decades ago, still has a grip on me today that I can’t quite explain. More so, it continues to open up the world to me in ways I could never have imagined 40 years ago. Here’s to wherever these next four months take me!

Bottoms up!

AJW’s Beer of the Week

This week’s Beer of the Week is O.K. Beer by Browar Okocim in Poland. A classic European lager that I first became aware of a few years ago from a Polish friend at the Western States 100, O.K. Beer is a crisp and smooth lager that pairs with pretty much anything.

Call for Comments

• Where has racing taken you that you wouldn’t have gone otherwise?
• Where are your favorite locations to race?

AJW’s Races and Places of 2026 by Andy Jones-Wilkins.