The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman From ER to Leadville 100 CR: The Rise of Anne Flower
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Feb 9, 2026 Anne Flower, an emergency physician turned pro ultrarunner, broke Leadville’s 31-year course record and set a 50-mile world record in 2025. She talks about balancing ER shifts with elite training. She recalls the Leadville breakthrough, the Tunnel Hill world record, new HOKA and Neversecond partnerships, and plans for upcoming races like Black Canyon.
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From Marathon Entry To Record Breaker
- Anne turned a Leadville marathon entry into a 50-mile, then into a 100-mile debut that broke Ann Trason's 31-year course record.
- She approached the hundred with curiosity and naivete, which she credits for not fearing the unknown and performing freely.
Naivete Can Be A Competitive Edge
- Anne says not knowing every possible failure can be an advantage in ultra races because you don't fear every potential wall.
- That naivete allowed her to focus on running the day instead of anticipating pain caves.
Tunnel Hill: A Logistically Simple World Record
- After Leadville Anne chose Tunnel Hill as a manageable but fast follow-up and ran nauseatingly consistent splits to break the 50-mile world record.
- Her mom crewed the race and logistics were easy, which Anne valued for a focused effort.