CO🇺🇸
Born December 14, 1995Sponsor Nike ACG, Precision Fuel & Hydration
UTMB 924ITRA 941Wins 4Podiums 7

American ultra-trail runner and writer who has quickly risen to the elite ranks of 100-mile racing. Known for his thoughtful race reports on his Substack 'Chasing Trail,' Olson made history in 2025 by winning Western States 100 in his second attempt, holding the lead for over 94 miles and finishing in 14:11:25. A Nike ACG athlete, he combines aggressive front-running tactics with resilience under pressure, demonstrated by his ability to hold off a strong field despite suffering from severe dehydration and stomach issues in the final 30 miles of his Western States victory. Father to Marshall, he balances elite performance with family life.

Race Results

2025
3 races2 wins
DNF
81.2km
5,413m+
Canfranc
1st
162.2km
5,500m+
14:11:25
1st
126km
6,764m+
12:17:25
2024
4 races
3rd
Reto VULCANO/40K
Oct 13
40km
2,491m+
4:34:15
12th
101km
6,050m+
11:16:18
5th
161km
5,500m+
14:40:12
2nd
82.3km
5,200m+
9:02:57
2023
3 races2 wins
2nd
100km
4,200m+
11:02:28
1st
Javelina Jundred/31K
Oct 29
30.8km
470m+
2:07:16
1st
Grindstone Trail Running Festival by UTMB/100K
Sep 23
99.7km
3,353m+
8:54:43

Career Highlights

2025: Historic Western States 100 victory in 14:11:25, leading from mile 6 to finish despite severe dehydration; won Transgrancanaria Classic in 12:17:25
2024: Strong performances including 5th at Western States 100 (14:40:12), 2nd at MIUT 85, 12th at CCC, and 3rd at Reto VULCANO 40K
2023: Breakthrough year with wins at Grindstone 100K (8:54:43), Javelina Jundred 31K (2:07:16), and 2nd place at Ultra-Trail Cape Town 100K

Key Achievements

Western States 100 Winner (2025) - 14:11:25
Transgrancanaria Classic Winner (2025) - 12:17:25
Grindstone 100K Winner (2023) - 8:54:43
Javelina Jundred 31K Winner (2023) - 2:07:16
Ultra-Trail Cape Town 100K Runner-up (2023) - 11:02:28
MIUT 85 Runner-up (2024) - 9:02:57
Western States 100 - 5th Place (2024) - 14:40:12

Notable Traits

Writer and content creator - publishes thoughtful race reports on Chasing Trail Substack
Member of Nike ACG trail team
Father - races with family support and often references son Marshall
Known for leading races from the front rather than tactical sit-and-kick racing
Strong performances in technical, mountainous terrain
Suffered and recovered from significant mid-race struggles at Western States 2025 to hold the win