Episode 19 - Dan Barger

On October 30th, 2020 Dan Barger started from the Placer High School track, the legendary finish line of the Western States Endurance Run with his second attempt to complete a full out and back from Auburn to Olympic Valley and back to Auburn. The route would follow the WSER trails for a total distance of 200.4 miles and finishing back on the track.

After a disappointing first attempt in August, Dan went back to finish the job and he did it in style with a blazing time of 2 days, 11 hours and 48 minutes to set a new FKT (fastest known time) record. In fact, because no one has accomplished this record before, he also became the OKT (only known time) holder for the route.

Dan joined us to talk about his long career as an endurance athlete that not only includes ultrarunning but mountain bike racing, triathlon racing, ride and tie and mountaineering. He shared many stories and advice and was also joined by two of his pacers for an inside look at this truly epic journey, a crown jewel of his storied avocation.

First attempt news article: https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/175614/sleep-monster-catches-up-to-barger-in-200-mile-attempt/

Second attempt news article: https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/186887/trailblazer-auburns-barger-completes-first-known-western-states-200/

FKT site report: https://fastestknowntime.com/fkt/dan-barger-western-states-200-ca-2020-11-01

Dan's IG: https://www.instagram.com/danimal88888/
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Your hosts: Greg Larkin / Mike Turner / Jessica Harris
Intro/outro music: Joseph McDade - Elevation: https://josephmcdade.com/music/elevation

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