Singletrack Golden Tickets Decided at Tarawera + Black Canyon, February Barkley Shocks the Sport (Singletrack News)
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Feb 16, 2026 Jeff Colt, trail and ultrarunning commentator known for sharp race analysis, breaks down Tarawera, Black Canyon and the Barkley Marathons. He walks through podiums, course records and Western States golden-ticket roll-downs. They also cover crowdfunded prize purses, a pacer advisory vote, industry acquisitions, and new youth and pro race initiatives.
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Black Canyon Shakes Up Western States Lineup
- The Black Canyon 100K produced multiple Western States golden tickets and dramatic finishes across men's and women's fields.
- Jen Lichter and Hans Treuer set new course records and several athletes could receive tickets if current holders decline by May 1st.
Tarawera Creates Ticket Roll-Downs
- Tarawera 102K gave four golden tickets and saw veterans decline or already hold spots, creating roll-downs.
- Ruth Croft and Dan Jones kept winning locally while Jacob Banta and Max Yanzik earned tickets and momentum.
Barkley Returned In Unprecedented February Slot
- The Barkley Marathons ran unusually in mid-February with a stacked field including Max King and John Kelly.
- Despite big names, no runners completed the full event and conditions again proved brutal.