Ethan Veneklasen

I ran as a kid, but my running career really started in earnest in 2002.

A friend called and asked if I would run the San Francisco Half Marathon with her. My response, “Are you high? I haven’t run more than a mile since middle school!” Three days later (having gone out and bought a pair of running shoes), I ran my first half-marathon. It wasn’t particularly fast (1:43), but I felt like I had really accomplished something!

Two days later, I saw a documentary about the Western States 100 on television. I was utterly transfixed. The next morning, I attempted to sign up, only to find out that the race required a 50-mile qualifier. 10 weeks later, I completed my first 50-miler, the Dick Collins Firetrails 50 and immediately put my name into the lottery. Miraculously, my name was drawn and 11 months (to the day) later, I ran (and finished) the 2003 Western States 100 Endurance Run. 

Perhaps more important than finishing my first 100, Western States is where I met my wife, 4x Western States runner-up, Emma Winfield. Having a spouse that shares my passion for the trails keeps me both inspired and grounded. From her, I learned the joy of running for the sake of running (rather than just as training to race).

That said, I love to race! Trail or road, pin a number on me, shoot a gun and it’s “game on”! I seem to excel at the 50K and 50-mile distances, but I’m still trying to nail down this 100-miler thing (I expect to be chipping away this for many years to come). As a master’s runner, I love the fact that I am continuing to get faster, even as I get older. Distance is a great equalizer! 

I have four fantastic step-kids, three dogs: Snoop (golden retriever), George, and Layla (both pugs). Our home is never a dull place! 

In my free time, I enjoy co-hosting UltraRunner Podcast with Eric Schranz. I learn something new from every one of our guests and love the diversity and inclusive spirit of our community.

I have been experimenting with nutrition for many years and I am so happy to have found VFuel. It delivers a smooth release of energy (without spikes) and it really works well with my picky stomach. At least as importantly to me, it tastes FANTASTIC (I LOVE the Peach Cobbler and Mountain Berry in particular)! As I have continued to improve, VFuel has been a vital part of my training and race-day nutrition program.