I get asked about my experience competing in Mount Marathon CONSTANTLY, so I decided to make an all-encompassing video detailing my 10 years of racing. It was a wild ride, and looking back over the footage I actually can’t believe I was even allowed to compete in the steep, technical, and dangerous race that is Mount Marathon.
I first heard of Mount Marathon when I was in 4th grade, and I begged my parents to let me sign up. Due to having brains and eyes, they were skeptical. They made a rule that I had to go hike the mountain at least three times before race day, and my mom even recruited a Seward local to show us the trail and help guide me on the best route. The first time I hiked up the mountain, I started crying. I felt like I was so close to the edge and could fall off at any moment; the steepness and technical terrain terrified me, but, with the help of our guide, Jackie Marshall, I was able to get through the training hike. From there, it only got easier, and, by race day, I felt confident enough to go for it.
My first year in the race was nothing notable: I was just a face in the crowd. However, that year introduced me to the intensity and excitement involved with the race, and I was hooked. I kept coming back year after year, striving to improve on my time, beat my rivals, and test both my physical and mental toughness. Click on the video below to see how Mount Marathon made me into the runner I am today.
