Singletrack Bugs Cancel a Race, Cocodona 250 Lottery System + Emma Bates Dropped While Pregnant? (Singletrack News)
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Mar 30, 2026 Biting gnats cancel a major trail race and the fallout for organizers. A coaching hire aims to reshape a development team. A sponsor dispute surfaces around pregnancy and contract timing. A 250-mile race adopts a lottery with bonus and gender-adjusted odds. Supershoe rankings, brutal race results in Arizona, and new parenthood protections for a major trail series round out the news.
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Biting Gnats Forced Buffalo Run Cancellation
- Finn Melanson described canceling the Antelope Island Buffalo Run because biting gnats hatched four days before the event, making conditions nearly impossible without full head nets and heavy coverage.
- Race directors offered full refunds or deferrals after consulting state park staff and weighing runner/volunteer experience versus financial hit to their livelihood.
Trailhouse As An Athlete Incubator
- Trailhouse named Matt Daniels head coach to act as an incubator teaching young athletes sustainable pro habits and strategic race selection.
- Daniels framed the program as immersive mentorship distinct from broader models like Andy Wacker's Trail Team, with high interest from recruits.
Pregnancy Dispute Highlights Contract Ambiguity
- Finn and Alyssa contrasted Emma Bates' claim she was dropped while pregnant with UCAN's statement that negotiations had already changed and a lower offer existed pre-pregnancy.
- The hosts noted the ambiguity and broader frustration that pregnancy can still enter sponsorship disputes in 2026.