The Most Inspiring Stories From Ultramarathons: Tales of Grit, Determination, and Triumph

Ultramarathons are not just races—they are journeys of endurance, resilience, and the human spirit. Covering distances of 50, 100, or even more miles, these events test runners both physically and mentally. Along the way, extraordinary stories emerge—stories that remind us of the power of perseverance, the strength of community, and the triumph of the human will.

Here are some of the most motivational ultramarathon stories that will inspire you to push past your own limits, whether you're a runner or someone facing life’s challenges.

1. Courtney Dauwalter: The Queen of Pain

Known as one of the greatest ultrarunners of all time, Courtney Dauwalter is no stranger to grueling challenges. In 2017, she made headlines by winning the Moab 240 Endurance Run, a 240-mile race through the Utah desert, mountains, and canyons. But what made her victory extraordinary was the gap she achieved over the second-place finisher—over 10 hours!

What’s even more incredible is Courtney’s positive attitude and ability to embrace the suffering of ultramarathons. During her runs, she pushes through extreme fatigue, hallucinations, and physical pain with her trademark grit and humor. Her ability to endure has made her a role model for runners worldwide.

Motivational Takeaway: Embrace discomfort. Pain is temporary, but the sense of achievement is forever.

2. Tommy Rivs: A Story of Survival and Comeback

Tommy Rivers Puzey, a professional ultrarunner and beloved figure in the running community, faced one of the toughest challenges of his life in 2020 when he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer. At one point, his survival seemed uncertain, and he spent months in intensive care.

Despite losing significant muscle mass and being unable to walk at one point, Tommy fought back with relentless determination. In 2022, he completed the New York City Marathon, walking the course in an emotional display of perseverance. While it wasn’t an ultramarathon, Tommy’s resilience has inspired countless runners and fans. His story reminds us that endurance isn’t just about running but about overcoming life’s toughest challenges.

Motivational Takeaway: Never give up, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Strength comes in many forms.

3. A 70-Year-Old's 100-Mile Finish

Age is just a number, and Wally Hesseltine proved it when he completed the Western States 100 at the age of 70. The Western States 100 is one of the most iconic ultramarathons in the world, with a strict 30-hour cutoff. In 2016, Wally crossed the finish line with just 21 seconds to spare, becoming one of the most inspiring finishers in the race’s history.

Wally’s journey wasn’t easy—he faced cramps, exhaustion, and countless moments of doubt. But his unwavering determination and the support of his pacers and crew carried him to the finish line.

Motivational Takeaway: It’s never too late to chase your dreams. With persistence and heart, anything is possible.

4. The Blind Runner Who Conquered Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB)

Simon Wheatcroft, a visually impaired runner, is living proof that limits are meant to be broken. Using technology and his sheer determination, Simon completed the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world.

Running 105 miles through the Alps with 32,000 feet of elevation gain is challenging enough for anyone, but Simon did it while navigating the course with the help of a guide and assistive technology. His story demonstrates the incredible power of innovation, adaptability, and the human spirit.

Motivational Takeaway: Obstacles don’t define you—how you respond to them does.

5. The Barkley Marathons Finishers

The Barkley Marathons is infamous for being one of the hardest ultramarathons in the world. With a 100+ mile course through rugged Tennessee terrain, runners navigate unmarked trails, climb over 60,000 feet of elevation, and face harsh weather conditions. Only 15 runners have finished the race since its inception in 1986.

One of the most inspiring Barkley finishers is Jared Campbell, who has completed the race three times. His persistence and strategic approach to tackling the Barkley—an event designed to make you quit—show what’s possible when you combine preparation with mental fortitude.

Motivational Takeaway: Sometimes the toughest challenges are the ones worth pursuing. Success requires preparation, resilience, and grit.

6. Mirna Valerio: Breaking Stereotypes in Ultramarathons

Mirna Valerio, also known as "The Mirnavator," is an ultrarunner who is shattering stereotypes about what a runner "should" look like. As a larger-bodied Black woman, Mirna has faced criticism and negativity, but she continues to prove that runners come in all shapes and sizes.

Her journey into ultrarunning began as a way to take care of her health, and since then, she has completed multiple ultramarathons, inspiring countless people to lace up their shoes and hit the trails. Her advocacy for inclusivity in running is helping to reshape the sport.

Motivational Takeaway: Don’t let others define your limits. You belong on the starting line, no matter who you are.

7. Gary Robbins: The Value of Perseverance

Canadian ultrarunner Gary Robbins became famous for his attempts to finish the Barkley Marathons. In 2017, Gary came heartbreakingly close to completing the race but was disqualified for missing the final turn, finishing six seconds over the cutoff time.

Despite the disappointment, Gary remained a class act, using the experience as motivation to come back stronger. While he hasn’t yet finished the Barkley, his relentless pursuit of the goal inspires runners to never give up on their dreams, even in the face of setbacks.

Motivational Takeaway: Failure is part of the journey. Learn from it, grow, and try again.

8. The Ultramarathon Mom

Catra Corbett, known as the “Dirt Diva,” has completed over 100 ultramarathons, including the grueling Moab 240. What makes her story remarkable is how she turned her life around. After struggling with addiction, Catra found running as a way to rebuild her life.

Her journey from addiction to becoming one of the most accomplished ultrarunners is a testament to the transformative power of running. Today, she inspires others to use running as a tool for healing and self-discovery.

Motivational Takeaway: No matter how low you’ve been, you can always rise again.

9. The Four-Year-Old Crew Member

Ultramarathons are not just about the runners—they’re about the teams who support them. During the Western States 100, ultrarunner Jim Walmsley received an unexpected motivational boost from a four-year-old fan who handed him a popsicle at an aid station. The small gesture became a heartwarming moment that energized Jim to push through the race and secure his win.

Motivational Takeaway: Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference.

10. Running Through Grief

Many runners use ultramarathons as a way to process loss and grief. One such story is that of David Clark, an ultrarunner who overcame addiction and personal struggles to become an inspiration to others. After losing loved ones, he used running as a way to heal and honor their memories. His resilience and determination to keep going, even in the face of life’s hardships, show the therapeutic power of running.

Motivational Takeaway: Running can be a path to healing, helping you process emotions and find peace.