ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE BADWATER 135: Erika Small’s Incredible Journey

ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE BADWATER 135: Erika Small’s Incredible Journey

Everyone participating in a BADWATER race – the iconic ultramarathon series created and produced by Chris Kostman, the sport’s most consequential race director – receives a welcoming smile from Erika Small. Erika started her own career as a professional cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders.  A beloved member of the BADWATER staff who raised two amazing children and manages a successful real estate practice in the Greater Sacramento Area, Erika completed the BADWATER Ultra Cup last year. At age 52, she placed 4th Overall in the BADWATER-Cape Fear 51.4-miler on the sandy beaches of North Carolina’s Bald Head Island; 1st Place Overall in the grueling BADWATER-Salton Sea 81-mile team race from the Mojave Desert to the summit of Mt. Palomar; and 11th Place Woman in the BADWATER 135, widely considered the world’s toughest road race, from Death Valley to Whitney Portal. While balancing family, training and competition, and professional excellence, Erika somehow found time to become a pioneering leader in the non-profit world.  She created the Run It Forward Project in which she and a cadre of fellow ultramarathoners ran first from Chicago to Santa Monica, then from Orlando to the Mexican Border, raising money and awareness for struggling public schools with students living in poverty.  A fighter for equality in education, Erika Small embodies what it means to find and make meaning in life.  LINKS Badwater https://www.badwater.com/ [https://www.badwater.com/] Run It Forward Project: https://youtu.be/1PiH49HzdMA?si=OSMn24Ozdfq1YeAj [https://youtu.be/1PiH49HzdMA?si=OSMn24Ozdfq1YeAj] https://youtu.be/xxwdkzulESM?si=ndi-5MpMhRuEKnr3 [https://youtu.be/xxwdkzulESM?si=ndi-5MpMhRuEKnr3] You can learn more about Troy Eid here:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.gtlaw.com/en/professionals/e/eid-troy-a] DU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.law.du.edu/about/people/troy-eid] LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-eid-a18191/] Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://instagram.com/chasing.the.cutoff] YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TroyChasingTheCutoff] Twitter/X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://x.com/chasingcutoff] You can learn more about Greenberg Traurig, LLP here: Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.gtlaw.com/] LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenberg-traurig-llp/] Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/GreenbergTraurigLLP/] Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/gt_law/] Twitter/X [https://x.com/GT_Law]

COCODONA ‘26: Disrespecting Kilian Korth Is Getting Our Sport Nowhere

Headed into the 2026 Cocodona 250-Mile Ultramarathon, Kilian Korth was repeatedly marginalized by some commentators – disrespecting not just him and his achievements, but all of us who compete regularly in 200-mile ultramarathons.  Korth went on to become the fastest-ever male to finish the Cocodona 250, finishing in 57:28:36 and placing second overall to fellow Coloradan Rachel Entrekin, who shattered the course record – beating Korth by 1 hour, 18 minutes and 48 seconds. In this Special Edition of CHASING THE CUTOFF, Troy Eid – a pacer for five-time Cocodona finisher Paul James Johnson, who placed Third Overall in the 60-69 Age Group, in this year’s Cocodona 250 – explains why those who keep throwing shade on Korth’s pathbreaking achievements in 200-milers should instead give the resilient 30-year-old Coloradan his due.  After sweeping the Triple Crown of 200-milers last year, Korth’s record-breaking performance at Cocodona represents another step forward in human potential. The stubborn fact is that 200-mile trail-racing is entering a new era with a field of emerging champions who are every bit as worthy as the more familiar faces we know and admire.  Links: Rachel Entrekin and Killian Korth on their Cocodona 250 wins in 2026 (Everyday Ultra Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb3R8BILxk8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb3R8BILxk8]   Kilian Korth – 2026 Cocodona 250 Post Race Interview with Hilary Yang (Mountain Outpost Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Je5c4jTROk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Je5c4jTROk] Pre-Race with the Cocodona 250 Champs (Next Aid Station Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqnsLiFykzk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqnsLiFykzk] 2026 Cocodona 250 Preview:  Analysis, Storylines, Predictions (Singletrack Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs7O4wszNvs [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs7O4wszNvs]   Mastering the 200:  Kilian Korth’s Blueprint for Cocodona (Aravaipa Running, Flagstaff Bound, Episode 7): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXj8i5Kx77w [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXj8i5Kx77w] Kilian Korth (Keep Hammering Collective with Cameron Hanes, Episode 164): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLgIoFuZNrY [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLgIoFuZNrY]   Kilian Korth on What It Takes to Win the Triple Crown of 200s (Everyday Ultra Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjyYAjrEigQ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjyYAjrEigQ] Have 200-Mile Ultras Earned Their Place in the Sport Yet? Kilian Korth Weighs in (Singletrack Podcast, Feb. 4, 2026): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXj8i5Kx77w [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXj8i5Kx77w] You can learn more about Troy Eid here:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.gtlaw.com/en/professionals/e/eid-troy-a] DU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.law.du.edu/about/people/troy-eid] LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-eid-a18191/] Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://instagram.com/chasing.the.cutoff] YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TroyChasingTheCutoff] Twitter/X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://x.com/chasingcutoff] You can learn more about Greenberg Traurig, LLP here: Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.gtlaw.com/] LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenberg-traurig-llp/] Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/GreenbergTraurigLLP/] Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/gt_law/] Twitter/X [https://x.com/GT_Law]

CONQUERING THE COWBOY 200: Barry Sackett, High Plains Legend

South Dakota’s Barry Sackett is a runner’s runner:  A versatile and highly accomplished Marathon Majors road-racer; a run-streaker who hasn’t missed a single day of training in nearly two decades; and a veteran single-tracker who placed 6th Overall in the Cowboy 200-Mile ultramarathon.  He’s also a leader in Sioux Falls’ legal and civic communities, balancing a cutting-edge law practice with relentless public service.  Barry Sackett:  https://bassford.com/team/barry-s-sackett/ [https://bassford.com/team/barry-s-sackett/]  The Pickle Podcast with Barry Sackett:  https://open.spotify.com/show/3qeMtdNxhzZQoPq7NAqtJs [https://open.spotify.com/show/3qeMtdNxhzZQoPq7NAqtJs]  The Cowboy 200:  https://ultraversesupplements.com/our-races/the-cowboy-200-ultra?srsltid=AfmBOop05zmvi7_CyPIqsQKcVbCDT-V1AMPWWrfQh4iNaJJQ5wWutjM- [https://ultraversesupplements.com/our-races/the-cowboy-200-ultra?srsltid=AfmBOop05zmvi7_CyPIqsQKcVbCDT-V1AMPWWrfQh4iNaJJQ5wWutjM-] You can learn more about Troy Eid here:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.gtlaw.com/en/professionals/e/eid-troy-a] DU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.law.du.edu/about/people/troy-eid] LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-eid-a18191/] Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://instagram.com/chasing.the.cutoff] YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TroyChasingTheCutoff] Twitter/X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://x.com/chasingcutoff] You can learn more about Greenberg Traurig, LLP here: Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.gtlaw.com/] LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenberg-traurig-llp/] Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/GreenbergTraurigLLP/] Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/gt_law/] Twitter/X [https://x.com/GT_Law]

NAVAJO STRONG, SIX YEARS’ SOBER: Echo Parkhurst, Mountain-Running Champion

When the global Pandemic hit in 2020, the Navajo Nation – a tribal homeland bigger than 10 U.S. states – suffered some of the highest COVID-19 mortality rates in the world.  With her first grandchild on the way, Echo-Lee Parkhurst vowed to quit drinking , embrace her traditional Dine’ culture and tradition, and start running.  Five years later and 50 lbs. lighter, Echo’s relentless quest for excellence elevated her to the podium in the Navajo Nation’s annual mountain-running endurance competition:  The 12 Hours of Asaayi, sponsored by NavajoYES, the Nation’s premier fitness and wellness non-profit organization.  Working two jobs while earning a degree in Social Work, Echo’s path is a dazzling testament to what is truly possible if we demand more of ourselves and dedicate our lives to helping others.  LINKS:  Echo Parkhurst:   https://www.facebook.com/echo.krystal/ [https://www.facebook.com/echo.krystal/]   NavajoYES:  https://www.navajoyes.org/ [https://www.navajoyes.org/]   Running and Biking the Navajo Nation:  A Conversation with Tom Riggenbach and Rygie Bekaye of NavajoYES:  https://podcasts.apple.com/sk/podcast/running-biking-the-navajo-nation-tom-riggenbach-and/id1831347220?i=1000726890215 [https://podcasts.apple.com/sk/podcast/running-biking-the-navajo-nation-tom-riggenbach-and/id1831347220?i=1000726890215]  https://open.spotify.com/show/4OQmrYNdlX8pG88aqYoxIg [https://open.spotify.com/show/4OQmrYNdlX8pG88aqYoxIg] You can learn more about Troy Eid here:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.gtlaw.com/en/professionals/e/eid-troy-a] DU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.law.du.edu/about/people/troy-eid] LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-eid-a18191/] Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://instagram.com/chasing.the.cutoff] YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TroyChasingTheCutoff] Twitter/X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://x.com/chasingcutoff] You can learn more about Greenberg Traurig, LLP here: Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.gtlaw.com/] LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenberg-traurig-llp/] Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/GreenbergTraurigLLP/] Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/gt_law/] Twitter/X [https://x.com/GT_Law]

From Iraq and Afghanistan to the Boston Marathon: Colorado’s Cory Wroblewski

There may be plenty of helicopter parents, but few two-helicopter families.  After running track and cross-country for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Cory Wroblewski met his future wife Hope while attending Army helicopter flight school together in Alabama.  She flew a Blackhawk, he a Kiowa. A resilient marriage carried them through multiple separated deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.  They ultimately landed together in Denver, where Cory – after completing a distinguished career as an Army officer – earned a law degree, became a proud parent to daughter Lark, joined a prestigious international law firm, and founded Front Range Running Lab (“Performance Coaching for Busy Runners”).  While consistently qualifying for the Boston Marathon, Cory also excels at trail ultramarathons between 50 K and 100 miles – while relentlessly giving back to the community. You can learn more about Troy Eid here:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.gtlaw.com/en/professionals/e/eid-troy-a] DU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.law.du.edu/about/people/troy-eid] LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-eid-a18191/] Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://instagram.com/chasing.the.cutoff] YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TroyChasingTheCutoff] Twitter/X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://x.com/chasingcutoff] You can learn more about Greenberg Traurig, LLP here: Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.gtlaw.com/] LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenberg-traurig-llp/] Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/GreenbergTraurigLLP/] Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/gt_law/] Twitter/X [https://x.com/GT_Law]