Palisades Ultra Trail Series

Since the age of 14, Coach Smith has been coaching and organizing competitive events for the community. Living in Idaho Falls since 2006, he has coached 100s of youth runners as a track/xc coach at Taylorview Middle School, Idaho Falls High School, and as the founder/owner of the increasingly popular High Five Flyers Track/XC youth club team. His pedigree includes directing some of the largest running events in East-Idaho, including the High Five Relays XC race, the Wolverine Classic MS Track Invite, as well as the Tiger/Grizz Track & Field Invitational. His own running exploits have taken him to the finish line of the 2014 Boston Marathon, numerous trail ultras, as well as a sub-30-hour finish at the 2016 ‘Bear 100’. Coach Smith is excited to help runners find their limits through the ultimate test at the PUTS!

PUTS committee member Jenn Walker feels fortunate to be part of a race that involves her favorite pastime: Namely, galavanting through a wilderness in which she is prone to trip and create Facebook-worthy scars! In addition to being a world-class chef, Jenn is an avid ‘back of the pack’ runner who keeps content shooting dozens of pictures ranging from the smallest flower to the biggest sunset... all the while packing a pistol to keep herself and her trail buddies safe :) 
Jenn is also involved in helping to put on another SE Idaho trail running event, the annual Spitfire Ultra Trail Challenge.

Jeff is the founder of the Idaho Falls Trail Runners group, SRTA Non-Profit board member and one of the founding board members of the Palisades Ultra Trail Series. Jeff has raced several trail races but enjoys nothing more than going on some wild backcountry trail running adventure. Discovering hidden trail gems and capturing pictures before most "normal" people roll out of bed is pretty tough to beat. Jeff has helped establish and put on multiple annual events including Dizzy Horse Backyard Ultra, Idaho AgFest, Palisades Ultra Trail Series, Soup-In-The-Snow Fun Run, and the Yeti-Spaghetti Fun Run. He has also volunteered as a Scoutmaster and youth leader. Most importantly Jeff is a husband and father of 4.  Born and raised in Mackay, Idaho Jeff grew up in the shadow of the Lost River Range. He learned to swim in the Big Lost River and now considers "home" to be wherever there is wild backcountry.

Chris Carney is a Marine retired from active duty. He now focuses his energy on running, college and real estate. At 52 years old he feels he is just getting started as a runner and looks forward to many years of participation within the running community. Chris is involved with a number of south east Idaho races, both road and trail. As a board member for Palisades Ultra Trail Series or as Race Director for The Idaho Falls Marathon his primary concern is to the runners and improving their experience while racing. As a seasoned runner Chris has a solid base of experience to draw from which benefits those he runs with. Whether it’s a social run, and adventure run, a local 5 or 10k, completing any number of marathons, or picking up the challenge of another 100 miler. Chris says, “Just F’n Run!”

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Spencer is originally from the hills of Tennessee, he has found that getting high (in elevation) and avoiding arrest (of a stagnant lifestyle) are better than drinking moonshine!
His love of sports, experience in Gymnastics and more than 10 years in Martial Arts are what eventually brought him to push his limits even further. With 4 100-mile finishes so far, he is looking forward to at least 2 more in 2019!
As with many other people, one of his favorite things about the ultrarunning community is the unique camaraderie and support amidst the competition, and he is grateful for the ability to be a part of it.
He looks forward to seeing everyone at the start line of their PUTS adventure and helping to get them to the finish line!