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Five Ultras in seven weeks

January 10, 2025

Five Ultras in seven weeks

Craig set an ambitious goal: to complete five marathon and ultra-distance trail runs in just seven weeks. For him, this wasn’t just about racking up kilometres but immersing himself in the challenges and beauty of trail running, exploring diverse terrains, and connecting with like-minded runners along the way. From running his home trails through the Brindies, to the iconic landscapes of the American Southwest, Craig’s journey became an inspiring tale of adaptation, perseverance, and the sheer joy of running.

The Original Plan

  1. 20 October - Brutus 60km Trail Run, Brindabella Ranges, ACT
  2. 26 October - Naatsis’aan 50km Trail Run, Navajo Mountain, Utah
  3. 2 November - X-Terra San Tan 42km Trail Run, Phoenix, Arizona
  4. 16 November - Stromlo 42km Trail Run, ACT
  5. 28 November - UTMB Kosciuszko 107km, NSW

This schedule demanded meticulous planning, not just for the races themselves but for the recovery and training in between. However, as any seasoned trail runner knows, the unexpected is always part of the journey.

Not everything went according to plan. The X-Terra San Tan 42km race in Arizona was cancelled due to low registrations, forcing Craig to adjust and race a reduced 22km distance instead. But instead of dwelling on this setback, Craig embraced the opportunity to explore the surrounding mountains and canyons, maintaining his training with non-competitive runs.

These extra adventures took him across Arizona, Utah, Mexico, and Texas, allowing Craig to immerse himself in the landscapes he loves. Among the highlights were a night run on the Javalina Jundred course with the Aravaipa Trail Runners in Phoenix and a scenic run through the Sabino Canyon with the Tucson Trail Runners. These experiences, though unplanned, enriched his journey and deepened his connection to the trail running community.

The Runs

Craig’s competitive trail running spanned an impressive 271km across challenging terrains:

  • At the Brutus 60km Trail Run, Craig tackled the steep climbs and technical descents of the Brindabella Ranges on home soil.
  • The Naatsis’aan 50km Trail Run  Here, he earned a first-in-age-group finish, a huge effort!
  • In Arizona, the reduced-distance X-Terra San Tan race didn’t stop Craig from securing a second-in-age-group finish.
  • Finally, the epic UTMB Kosciuszko 107km capped off Craig’s adventure. This iconic race tested his endurance to the fullest, with its demanding course and even more demanding wet conditions forcing the race to be paused.

A Bit of Forrest Gump Fun

In between competitive races, Craig made time for a lighthearted run from the cliffs of Monument Valley in northern Arizona to the iconic Forest Gump Hill—the spot where Tom Hanks’ character famously stopped running.

"For fun, I ran the 10km from the Monument Valley cliffs in northern Arizona to Forest Gump Hill where Tom Hanks’ character stops and declares “I’m tired. I think I’ll go home now” and turns around. Interestingly while there, I bumped into a Chilean fellow who was on his way to the NY Marathon where he was going to run dressed as Forest Gump. His get up was amazing, including facial hair he had grown for 4 years leading up to this event."

Over seven weeks, Craig covered an impressive amount of ground, not just in kilometres but in experiences. His story is a reminder that trail running is about more than just races—it's about the places you explore, the people you meet, and the personal growth that comes from tackling challenges head-on. Craig’s journey proves that while plans may change, the rewards of the trail always endure.


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