Courtney Dauwalter

Courtney Dauwalter is an American professional ultramarathon runner widely regarded as one of the greatest endurance athletes in history. Born on February 13, 1985, in Hopkins, Minnesota, she gained international fame for dominating some of the world's most grueling trail races, including the Western States 100, the Hardrock 100, and the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). Renowned for her unmatched mental toughness, signature baggy shorts, and relaxed attitude toward race nutrition, Dauwalter has redefined the limits of human endurance in long-distance running.

Early Life and Background

Growing up in Minnesota, Dauwalter was a multi-sport athlete competing in track, cross-country running, and Nordic skiing. During her high school career at Hopkins High School, she won four state championships in Nordic skiing. She attended the University of Denver on a Nordic skiing scholarship, earning a bachelor's degree in biology. She later completed a master's degree in teaching at the University of Mississippi through the Mississippi Teacher Corps. Dauwalter spent several years working as a middle school and high school science teacher in the Denver area before deciding to pursue professional ultrarunning full-time in 2017.

Ultrarunning Career and Achievements

Dauwalter's ultrarunning career skyrocketed in 2017 when she won the inaugural Moab 240-mile endurance race, finishing first overall and beating the second-place runner by over 10 hours. In 2023, she achieved an unprecedented feat in ultrarunning history by winning the "Triple Crown"—securing victories at the Western States 100, the Hardrock 100, and UTMB all within a single summer, setting course records at Western States and Hardrock. Known for pushing through extreme physical distress—a mental state she famously terms the "pain cave"—she has consistently set course records and won major events around the world, including the Tahoe 200, Big's Backyard Ultra, and Transgrancanaria.

Personal Life and Public Image

Dauwalter resides in Leadville, Colorado, with her husband, Kevin Schmidt, who frequently crews for her at major races. Distinct from many professional endurance athletes, Dauwalter trains intuitively without a coach, structured schedule, or strict dietary restrictions, famously fueling her runs with candy, nachos, and soda. She is sponsored by major sports brands including Salomon, Tailwind Nutrition, and Näak. Through her approachable demeanor, signature oversized shorts, and uplifting presence, Dauwalter continues to inspire running communities worldwide.