Caleb Olson Won Western States 100 in the 2nd Fastest Time Ever—While Working Full-Time, Raising a Baby, and Wearing the Wildest Shirt on the Internet

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THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST

Dominic Schlueter

555 episodes

1 day ago

The Running Effect is changing the way the world sees running. Every week, host Dominic Schlueter sits down with the fastest, smartest, and most inspiring people in the sport to share untold stories, elite insights, and powerful conversations that move the culture forward. Whether you're chasing a personal best or dreaming bigger about what running can mean in your life, The Running Effect is your home for passion, performance, and possibility. 🚀 Join the movement that's reshaping running media. More than a podcast — a revolution in how running is told, lived, and loved.

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Caleb Olson Won Western States 100 in the 2nd Fastest Time Ever—While Working Full-Time, Raising a Baby, and Wearing the Wildest Shirt on the Internet

THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST

38 minutes 36 seconds

3 days ago

Caleb Olson Won Western States 100 in the 2nd Fastest Time Ever—While Working Full-Time, Raising a Baby, and Wearing the Wildest Shirt on the Internet

If you follow ultrarunning, you’ve probably heard the name Caleb Olson recently.

In 2025, he broke through in a big way, winning the Western States 100 in 14:11:25, the second-fastest time ever on that iconic course.

But his rise wasn’t sudden.

Raised in the Seattle area, Caleb was an All-ASUN runner at Liberty University, with PRs of 3:51 in the 1500m and 29:11 in the 10,000m. He entered the ultra world in 2018 and has built his career on quiet consistency and smartcoaching.

Now running for the Nike ACG team, working full-time as a software developer, and adjusting to life as a new dad, Caleb is hitting his stride. In the last two years, he’s racked up major results.

In 2023 he got his Golden Ticket at the Grindstone Ultramarathon; in 2024 he came in 5th at Western States in his debut, while also securing 2nd at the Madeira Island Ultra-Trail 85K; and then in 2025 he set a course record during his win at Transgrancanaria in a time of 12:17:25.

This led to his historic victory at Western States this past July.

Trained by Jack Kuenzle and shaped by a background in mountaineering and triathlon, Caleb has become one of the most versatile and mentally tough athletes on the trail scene today.

In today's conversation, Caleb takes me through his win at Western States, all that went into it, how he handles doubts and builds confidence, his crazy NIKE shirt he wore that broke the internet, being a new dad, what is next for him, and so much more.

Tap into the Caleb Olson Special.

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