In episode four, season three of HOKA One One Top Trails, we visit Chicago, Illinois. Here, Saxon Harrar and Sam Welch show us that Chicago has more to offer trail runners than hot dogs and pizza. They lead us on a run along the Bullfrog Lake Trail- a part of the Palos Trail System which offers about 30 miles of various trails just southwest of downtown Chicago.

Saxon and Sam also show us some of their favorite in-town running locations, such as the 606 Trail, which is a roughly eight mile urban concrete trail on an elevated, recycled train platform going through Bucktown and running along interesting art sculptures and graffiti. Afterward, Saxon and Sam who are both outdoor enthusiasts, go climbing at one of their favorite gyms in town, First Ascent.

Later, Saxon shows us his place in Bucktown and gives us a look at his morning ritual before meeting up with Sam for a run on the 606 Trail. Hosts Matt Barnhart and Ian Terpin meet up with Saxon and Sam at one of their favorite coffee shops, Everybody’s Coffee. The four of them discuss the lakefront trail and some of the local history.

We also hear from Scott Kummer, the founder of the Flatlander Ultra-Runners group, a trail group based in the Chicago area with no dues or fees. The only requirement is to commit to crew or pace another member, and to volunteer at one ultra per year. Scott also invites Saxon and Sam on his running podcast “10 Junk Miles” which has amassed a sizable audience (the episode featured is available on itunes as “Episode 58 - Saxon, Sam, Hoka and Kid”).

Finally Laura Sanders (Manager, Fleet Feet Lakeview), describes the Sunday Fleet Feet run through Wrigleyville, but this time with a special twist- “Hokas and Mimosas.” Every runner gets to try out the new Clifton 4 shoes and enjoy a mimosa after they run past Wrigley Field, home of the 2016 World Series Champions, Chicago Cubs.