Team Ultraverse

Andrew Becker

Andy is a husband, father of 2 boys, and a middle school teacher in Tigard, Oregon.. He started his endurance life in the triathlon world after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but found he loved distance running more than the other two sports. After a break from distance running when his youngest was born in 2020, Andy is back to training for his upcoming races.  “Ever since getting back into distance running I have been looking for supplements that work and are made with quality ingredients. Ultraverse Supplements came on the radar after listening to Chase and Casey on the “Run the Riot Podcast” talking about their product, and I had to try it.. This is the first product that hasn’t messed up my stomach, and I appreciate it is plant based. I like the flavors too.”

Stefanie Bieberle

“In-between busy roles as a wife, mom of an active pre-teen, healthcare professional, and business owner, I maintain a side-hobby of ultra-racing.  I am a life-long athlete who did not start running consistently until after age 30.  In 2018, I competed in my first ultra race at Rockin’ K, and since then, I have completed 50+ more.  For many, up to 2023, I had a terrible time managing nutrition and keeping food down throughout races and even for some hours afterwards.  Then in ’23, I learned all about Ultraverse Proxima C Endurance Fuel and began using it exclusively—it has been a game-changer!  Being able to fuel well during races makes not only for the race being a better experience, but recovery after is easier and more efficient.  I also direct a race in June — Heat Wave 6/12/24 Hour Ultra (a Kansas Ultrarunners’ Society event) — and provide Proxima C for my racers …it’s nothing but the best!” 

Ed West

Although Ed is an over-50 runner, he is fairly new to ultramarathon distances. He ran my his ultra in November 2019 at age 52 and has come to love the sport. Each course, its elevation and terrain, and the weather create a unique and challenging experience. 

 Building a strong base as an older runner with limited experience came with some adversity. Trying to balance the quality and quantity of mileage while adequately recovering during each training phase was difficult. I found myself wondering if constant soreness was part of the cost for being in the best shape of my life! Simultaneously, I was also learning how to properly hydrate and maintain proper nutrition during training and racing. Unfortunately, many of the lessons learned came the hard way. I often found myself dehydrated and lacking the calories needed for a quality run. While I was conscious of this, my mind would not allow me to take in what I needed. Simply put, the idea of eating the calories needed and drinking (I tried most everything) enough to be at the top of my game was too much for my mind to allow. 

     Thankfully, Ultraverse Supplements became available at the time I needed them the most. Chase and Casey Hammond were the race directors for my first 100-miler, so the trust I had in them was enough for me to try both T-30 and Terminus. A few months later, Proxima C was released, and now all three products are a part of my training program. 

     Almost immediately after starting with T-30 and Terminus, I noticed that my recovery during training runs was quicker and more complete than before. I no longer regularly started a run still sore from the previous day, and the quality of each run improved. I found myself able to take on a more intense training schedule by consistently taking the T-30 daily and finishing each long run or high-intensity run with Terminus. I can’t overstate the difference I experienced!

     Proxima C completed the trifecta by offering a source of liquid calories that also provides other necessary nutrition. I ran a 50-miler, a 100-miler, and a 140-miler in 2023 almost exclusively with it as the sole source of calories, nutrition, and hydration. Not only is it effective in terms of its ingredients, I can stick with it for the duration of a race without the typical fatigue that comes with other products. 

     My racing schedule for 2024 will be my most challenging, yet, but I have greater confidence in my ability to train and compete with Ultraverse Supplements. I would highly recommend Ultraverse Supplements to any endurance athlete looking for the right combination of nutrition and hydration to perform at a high level. 

Rene Fosdal-Griffin

Caleb Harvey

Caleb Harvey, of Topeka Kansas can be found chasing miles, pacing, crewing or volunteering across the state. Caleb started running in 2018 and began pursuing Ultramarathons in 2021. Some favorite events of Caleb’s are Hell Creek at Wilson Lake, KS, Top City half marathon in Topeka, Sanders Saunter 50k Charity Race at Clinton North Shore Trails, outside of Lawrence KS, Prairie Spirit Trail/Rails to Trails Extravaganza, from Ottawa to Iola & back.

Rachel Baker

Ashley Forshey

Shane Plemons

Kelli Means

Travis Knobbe

   I started running back in 2014 to lose some weight and get in better shape – my sister-in-law soon talked me into signing up for a half marathon that fall and I’ve been running ever since.  In 2022 running a 100 miler had started to form and I found Ultraverse’s Cowboy 100 inaugural year was that fall.  Got introduced to Chase and Casey, along with Proxima-C and have been doing their races and using their products ever since. 

   I’m not a big eater when I run so having the ability to get calories from my hydration in Proxima-C has been a game changer for me, along with the mild flavor that allows me to keep using it without getting tired of it. 

   In our running group, we have runners of all abilities that show up to these events and the reason we keep coming back is because Chase and Casey not only put on amazing races, but they cheer for our members that complete 1 loop at Eternal just as much as the ones out there for 12 loops.  Everyone was strangers back in 2022 for my first Ultraverse race but in 3 short years, the races have been an event to see friends and an extended family.  I always look forward to their races, which all are unique and challenging but available and inviting to all types of runners.  

Spencer Bergsten

I’m a husband, and a father to 2 amazing girls. I teach Physical Education in the Kansas City area. As a teacher, I try to practice what I preach, and stay active for my health and enjoyment. I’ve always liked running, but grew up more of a sprinter. My brother Dillon got me into ultra-running in 2023; our first race being one put on by Ultraverse. Instantly, I was hooked. Chase and Casey are awesome people, and their race volunteers and the people that come to the races are just super friendly and fun to run and talk with. I instantly felt welcome and comfortable with running tons of miles with other awesome people just out there trying to challenge themselves and cheer each other on. It feels like family coming to these events and I always look forward to seeing everyone.

Since then, I’ve been going to a lot more races, completing my first 100-miler at Hell Creek in October of 2024. In October of 2025, I set my PR running a 100-miler in under 17 hours at Rails-to-Trails 100-Mile Race. I continue to run Ultraverse races and I regularly order Proxima C from them for my training because it is a great product that helps me perform at my best. I have some really big goals left to accomplish, but in the meantime, I’m just enjoying the journey and seeing what this body can do. I’m excited and thankful to join this team and to represent a company with great people and products I believe in.

Amber Smith

Amber is a life-long Topeka native and married with two daughters. She was a competitive swimmer for many years, but did not start running until 2020 when gyms and group fitness classes were unavailable. After a few charity 5k races, she set a goal to train for a half marathon, then a marathon, and quickly adopted the philosophy of “It’s up to you how far you go. If you don’t try, you’ll never know.” (Merlin, The Sword in the Stone.) This curiosity led her to fall in with the
amazing local running community and continually set her sights on the next challenge—whatever time, distance, or course that may be.

Having done primarily half and full marathons, fueling wasn’t something I had ever put much thought into. I also dislike the feeling of ‘fullness’ when I’m running. When fueling started to become an important component of training and races, I tried a few different options but quickly found and stuck with Ultraverse Supplements. The research and data behind the products speak volumes, but most importantly—they worked for me. Thinking back to how tired and sore I was after my first marathon to now, after 50k or longer efforts is laughable. T-30 and Proxima-C provide sustained energy without a crash, and Terminus has been a recovery game-changer.

TJ Harms-Synkiew

I love running because it provides a lot of meaning and gives me a sense of purpose. Low moments in races provide me with lessons I believe make me a stronger and more confident person in my personal life. We all go through tough things in life, and ultra running can be a healthy way to cope.

The running community has also been extremely meaningful to me. In my current chapter of life, building community and close personal relationships is very important and crucial for my well-being, and the running community has been great for that. 

In the past year, I’ve run 3 sub-24-hour 100 milers in backyard ultra formats, with a PR of 158 miles in that format, my first 200-miler, an unofficial 100, the Bighorn 100, and completed 1,070 miles in 26 days at Burrito League Tempe, in addition to many other ultra-distance races and casual runs. 

The remainder of this year, I’ll be running the Ouray 100 (featuring over 40,000 feet of gain), Leadville 100, and Run Rabbit Run 100, and hopefully more. Follow my journey on Instagram and Substack.

Recently, I acquired my UESCA Ultrarunning Coaching Certification and started my own brand: Coach Crew Pace, which provides professional help to runners of all abilities. My experience as a runner, volunteer, crew, pacer, and spectator at heaps of races allows me to be very versatile. DM me on Instagram or check out my website, Coach Crew Pace.

I love Ultraverse races because they take pride in their strong community. Many of their races suit all levels and are a great way to achieve new distances, PR, and have a good time. This tight-knit, positive atmosphere allows everyone to thrive, regardless of performance. 

JJ Goodrich

Currently, JJ is on a mission to run 50 races in each of the 50 states! The races will range from a 1 mile road race to a 100 mile ultra trail race, and everything in between! He is also raising money for nonprofit charity, Running For Rescues in the process! They use donations raised by runners to help save animals in need across the U.S. Please check out their website or his fundraiser page via the link below! https://gofund.me/c9dc2729  “Ultraverse Supplements have been helping me take my fitness to another level. I believe in these products after using them consistently and because of the science, knowledge, and amazing people behind them. T-30 gives me the sustained energy and mental focus to tackle tough runs followed by a long, physical day at work. Terminus gives me a confidence in my recovery game and makes me feel revived after harder or longer efforts. I am so excited to be on Team Ultraverse and look forward to growing from here.  I am proud to announce I was signed as a professional runner for 2026 by Ultraspire. Could not have gotten here if it weren’t for Ultraverse Supplements believing in and sponsoring me for the past several years now! 
“

Jonathan Prosser

Jonathan is from Topeka Kansas, a husband, & father of two sons. He loves traveling and trail running, & is now pursuing a dream of race directing, with his first successful race the Skyline Scramble in Topeka. His running journey began with an intentional choice to start living a healthier lifestyle. He went from struggling on a 2-mile loop of sidewalk in 2017, to completing his dream race, The Leadville Trail 100 in 2022. “Consistency is the key for me, and focusing on what’s right in front of you. Ultraverse Supplements have been outstanding, helping me achieve new goals in my endurance running and are taking my health and fitness to a new level. After using these products consistently, learning the science, and knowing the people behind these products, I am convinced that T-30 gives me the mental focus and strength for my tough training runs. Terminus is my best friend in recovery; it has helped me recover from my runs faster & better than anything else I’ve tried. It’s easy to mix and has a great taste. Proxima C is also a great endurance electrolyte drink. It’s not too sugary and is super easy on my gut. The results of using these products are showing; I feel my endurance strengthening.”

Dillon Bergsten

Dillon began running Ultraverse races in 2023, and shortly after that, he began attending multiple races each year. He is a gritty runner, and brings joy to all events he is a part of. He never sent us a bio, because he is probably too busy running around with crazy amounts of energy!

Lisamarie Fosdal-Griffin

Brian Gillaspie

I am from Topeka, KS and have been married 27 years and have two grown children.  I ran cross country in high school but had about a fifteen year gap before I started running again around 2012. I ran my first ultramarathon, the Psyco Wyco 50k in 2018. I run road races on occasion but now run nearly all of my training and race miles on trails.  I have run everything from flat rails to trails at Prairie Spirt to mountain races such as Ring the Springs 100 and the Pikes Peak Marathon.  I love Ultraverse products and races and have ran all of their Kansas races, completing the Ultraverse Kansas Slam in 2024.

I first started drinking Proxima C in 2023.  After a DNF at the Hell Creek 100 that year, I decided it was time to change my hydration strategy and Proxima C has been my drink at every race since then.

In addition to running, I also like to talk about running a lot (just ask my wife) so if you want to hear to me talk running have a listen to the Buckleheads Podcast.

My A race for 2025 is the Ouray 100.  That is where all of my focus has been this year but there is a good chance you will see me running the Hell Creek 100 again in the fall.

Amanda Cross

Hey everyone! I’m Amanda, and I’m out here representing Western Kansas!

I started this running thing back in 2021 when I signed up for my very first race—a 20-miler at Hell Creek. (Proof that good friends and a few drinks can sometimes lead to questionable decisions.) After that race, I told myself over and over that I could never do anything longer than 20 miles.

Well… here we are five years later, and I’ve completed five 100+ mile races, along with plenty of “little” ultras in between.

One of my favorite things that running has given me is the incredible friendships I’ve made along the way. The ultra running community is truly one of a kind—supportive, encouraging, and always willing to help each other reach the finish line.

I also don’t think there are better race directors out there than Chase and Casey. They consistently put on outstanding events, and their supplements have become a huge part of my training and racing. The quality is top-notch, and they’ve made a noticeable difference in my performance.

I’m incredibly grateful and excited to be part of Team Ultraverse, and I can’t wait to keep seeing everyone out on the trails, chasing big goals and making great memories together!

Farold Hoover

Living in Oxford, KS, at 61 years old, I’m the older but still competitive guy in the ultra-running world. I show up to remind people that age is only a setback if you dwell on the number. I’ve been married 37 years, have three grown children and no grandkids. I started running again in 2021 after losing 100 pounds and reclaiming my health. While walking to lose weight, I realized I missed running, bought a pair of shoes, and quickly found out I couldn’t run like I used to. I started by running from one telephone pole to the next, walking between them, and slowly adding distance as my endurance grew. Once I reached half marathons, I saw a race that also included a 100-mile event. It was storming, but when the race director started the race, every 100-miler walked out the door into the weather. I told my wife I wanted to be that guy. She didn’t realize how serious I was. Since then, I’ve completed several ultras, learned hard lessons from DNFs, and finished distances up to 220 miles. I couldn’t have made a better decision that day. The older you get, the harder it is to build fitness and endurance, so you have to hold on to what you’ve got if you want to stay competitive. A strong crew is a big part of that. My wife, Traci, and daughter, Erin, crew most of my races. Discovering Proxima C at The Sticks in 2024 also pushed my running to a new level. I had not had much luck with supplements before, but Proxima C helped turn that race around, and I finished 4th overall with 78 miles. I don’t like picking the low-hanging fruit when it comes to races. I look for the toughest events I can fit into my schedule, whether 50 miles or 100. Ultraverse, along with Casey and Chase’s race directing and problem-solving, has been key to my success with what I have to train on. If you enter an Ultraverse race, you’re getting into some of the toughest races in the Midwest. If you leave with a buckle, you earned it. I’ve set my sights on Kansas state age-group records in 2026 and 2027, and with Ultraverse in my corner, I have the best advantage to reach those goals while having the most fun an old timer can legally have.