(SOUTHERN CO) – The Leadville 100-mile trail race is one of the most demanding endurance challenges in the world. Starting at 10,000 feet and climbing to elevations over 12,000 feet, this race tests even the most seasoned ultra-runners with its rugged terrain and extreme altitude. This summer, a Colorado local, Shay Gerhart, is gearing up to take on this prestigious event,  and her path to Leadville is an inspiring story in itself.

Three years ago, Shay was hiking the Colorado Trail, making her way up Hope Pass, when she encountered a group of runners speeding past her. Curious, she asked what they were doing. Their answer: they were training for the Leadville 100. At the time, Shay had never even heard of a 100-mile race or let alone the sport of trail running.

Fast forward to today, and Shay has been running for two years now. After experiencing a difficult year mentally, she sought a meaningful goal to rebuild her strength and spirit. “I wanted a pin in the future to remind me why I’m here, a challenge to work toward,” she said. That early conversation about Leadville stuck with her, and she decided that the Leadville 100 would be her comeback race.

Running 100 miles at high altitude is no small feat. Shay is tackling the challenge by training smart and hard. She temporarily lives in Ouray, Colorado, at about 7,500 feet to help her body acclimate to running at that altitude. Twice a week, she embarks on “peak bagging” adventures, which tackle long, technical climbs mimicking the rugged and elevated terrain she’ll face during the race. For example, last weekend she completed the challenging Aero and Vestal Peaks, which require both endurance and technical skill.

By spending long days high in the mountains, Shay is building the strength and stamina she will need to endure the race’s punishing elevation and distance!

With determination and her solid training plan, Shay Gerhart is ready to take on the Leadville 100 and make her mark on one of the most iconic races in trail running.