Courtney Dauwalter, UTMB winner, says she has not reached her potential yet as she explores ‘how far humans can go’
- One of the best ultra runners in the world loves ‘troubleshooting’ with human potential on long runs, exploring sleep deprivation and crazy distances
A resume that reads like ultra runner Courtney Dauwalter’s shows an athlete at their peak. But Dauwalter believes she can get even better.
“I hope I’m not getting close to my potential. I hope there's plenty more to discover. I keep plugging away at it and just show up on every start line and giving it my best,” Dauwalter, 35, said.
The American’s list of wins is incredible, but what makes it more impressive still is the range of distances, terrains and climates. Last August, she won the 171km Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, beating the next woman by an hour, adding another prestigious win alongside her 2018 Western States victory. She has taken first place in “short” races like the 50km Continental Divide Trail Run in 2018, where she won outright. In 2017, Dauwalter won the MOAB 240km outright, beating the next closest competitor by a mind blowing 10 hours.
“I just find running to be so simple,” Dauwalter said. “The whole process of getting out the door is so simple, then the action is so simple. I just love that all you have to do is throw on some shoes and get outside and see what happens. Compared with other endurance sports it’s easy to choose running.”
“I like that you get more out of it, if you put more in. The more work you put in, the better you will feel doing it,” she said. “It’s such a cool mode of transport that takes you out into the middle of nowhere, and that’s what makes it so special.”