Episode 696: Jennifer Lichter on Her Record Setting Western States Debut

Fresh off a record-breaking performance at the 2026 Western States 100, Jennifer Lichter joins the podcast to share the story behind one of the most impressive breakthroughs in ultrarunning.

Jenn won Western States in 15:28:05, breaking Courtney Dauwalter’s course record in her very first 100-mile race. Just a few months earlier, she won Black Canyon 100K and set another course record in her debut at that distance.

In this conversation, Jenn reflects on the race itself, the mindset it took to stay present over 100 miles, and how she handled the pressure of chasing history. She also opens up about her childhood in Colombia, being adopted and moving to the United States, and how those experiences shaped the resilience and gratitude that define both her life and her running.

We also talk about training with coach John Fitzgerald, her nutrition strategy, racing after battling a stomach bug just days before Western States, and what comes next as she looks toward the future.

Topics covered:

Winning the 2026 Western States 100

Breaking Courtney Dauwalter’s course record

Running a course record in her 100-mile debut

Winning Black Canyon 100K in her first 100K

Growing up in Colombia and being adopted

Gratitude, resilience, and how hardship shaped her

Training with coach John Fitzgerald