We’re covering the Western States 100 this week! Read our women’s and men’s previews, and follow our live race blogging on Saturday and Sunday.

Interviews and Profiles, Races, Video

Redemption Run: Tara Dower’s Pre-2026 Western States 100 Interview

A video interview with Tara Dower before the 2026 Western States 100.

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After getting sick just before last year’s race, Tara Dower arrives at the 2026 Western States 100 taking all the precautions to stay healthy. In the following interview, Tara talks about returning to Western States after last year’s disappointment, her winter of training and spring of racing, her thoughts on running faster with the cooler weather forecast for race day, and her appreciation for her crew.

To learn more about who’s racing, check out our women’s and men’s previews before following our live race coverage on race day.


[Editor’s Note: If you are unable to see the video above, click here to access it.]

Tara Dower Pre-2026 Western States 100 Interview Transcript

Transcript coming soon.

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Eszter Horanyi

Eszter Horanyi identifies as a Runner Under Duress, in that she’ll run if it gets her deep into the mountains or canyons faster than walking would, but she’ll most likely complain about it. A retired long-distance bike racer, she turned to running around 2014 and has a bad habit of saying yes to terribly awesome/awesomely terrible ideas on foot. The longer and more absurd the mission, the better. This running philosophy has led to an unsupported FKT on Nolan’s 14 and many long and wonderful days out in the mountains with friends.