WATCH: Humans of Hoka, Adam Peterman

Last year was monumental for Adam Peterman, 27, from Missoula, Montana. From his beginnings as a high school track and cross-country star to winning Western States 100 in June 2022, while topping it off with a first place finish representing the USA at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, Peterman is hungry for another successful season in 2023, centered on Western States.

“Up until Western States, I would say I flew under most people’s radar,” said Peterman. “With how my 2022 racing season was, I’m now going into 2023 with big goals and a big old target on my back. I don’t mind the added pressure because it’s a privilege that I’ve earned.”

Hoka’s latest film, “Humans of Hoka: Episode One,” takes an intimate, artful look into the life and ascent of Peterman. We sit at his parents’ dining room table and flip through early photos of their wiry son. We hear from his trail running mentor, Mike Foote, about the importance of their friendship and early adventures together. And we watch Peterman drift toward the biggest victories in the sport, with the occasional bout of nausea and fatigue—for he too is human.

“I’m going into 2023 with big goals and a big old target on my back. I don’t mind the added pressure because it’s a privilege that I’ve earned.”

“Working with the guys at Rabbitwolf on this episode was so much fun,” said Peterman. He mentioned Stephen Kersh as the main person behind the camera, who is also an elite ultrarunner with a strong resume of finishes that includes an eighth place finish at Western States, in 2021. “I think that made the whole process of being followed around and filmed a lot less intimidating.”

Perhaps most importantly, though, we watch Peterman fall repeatedly in love with his home trails and his beloved Mount Sentinel. The film captures his appreciation for the sport, as well as the land and water, even a day of fly fishing with his father.

As the days get longer, the racing season will pick up steam, but Peterman doesn’t plan on doing much different than what worked for him in the past. “Consistent high volume training, long days in the Montana backcountry with my friends, and remembering not to take myself too seriously,” he said. “It’s going to be a fun year!”

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