Diamond in the Rough: Preston Cates

Ask anyone at last month’s Canyons 100K which athlete was grinning ear-to-ear at aid stations and clearly having the absolute time of his life, and you’ll likely get one answer: Preston Cates.

“It was a treat. Just being out there running and smiling. I was so happy to run with people who were in a very liked-minded place,” said the 23-year-old a few days after finishing sixth at The Canyons Endurance Runs 100K. He was just 21 minutes off the podium in one of the most competitive ultras in the country, and this was just his third official ultra finish.