About this episode
Send us a text The mountain running community holds its collective breath as we approach the legendary Soonapie Scramble – the definitive American mountain running championship that will determine who represents our nation on the world stage. This Sunday, June 1st, 2025, Mount Soonapie in New Hampshire becomes the battleground where dreams are made or broken as elite athletes compete for just seven coveted Team USA spots. What makes this year's competition particularly thrilling is the extraordinary depth of talent. The men's field features mountain running royalty like Dan Kurtz and Mason Copey, alongside the legendary David Norris fresh off his Mount Marathon victory. Meanwhile, the women's competition showcases powerhouses Lauren Gregory and Ana Gibson, who recently stunned with a top-15 finish at Zagama against international competition. These athletes aren't just racing for personal glory – they're fighting for the honor of wearing the Stars and Stripes in the Pyrenees against the world's elite mountain runners. Throughout this electric week, we're bringing you exclusive, in-depth conversations with every top contender, revealing their preparation strategies, mental approaches, and personal journeys to this pivotal moment. It all culminates Friday with our comprehensive race preview featuring co-host Nick Tusa and the architect of this brutal challenge himself, race director Tom Hooper. Whether you're a dedicated mountain running fan or new to the sport, you won't want to miss this week's coverage of the event that will crown seven Americans as our nation's mountain running ambassadors. Subscribe now and join us for every breathless step of the journey to Soonapie Scramble glory! Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com !