Here’s part 2 of my list of amazing ultra trail runners who go above and beyond of what you think is possible. If you haven’t already, go check out part 1, too.

So without any further ado, let’s jump right into this second part of incredibly inspiring people who always blow my mind with their mental and physical abilities.

Btw: I’m going to list only a short description and a link to their social media channels so you can browse through them and discover them yourself. Get ready for some mind blowing stories.

• François D’Haene

  • He’s one of the humblest people I’ve ever seen. The way he talks about trail running is exactly how I feel about it too.

  • His website and check out this video with Rich Roll

• Kilian Jornet & Emelie Forsber - What a couple!

  • I don’t even know where to start with Kilian. He is a Spanish professional sky runner, trail runner, ski mountaineer and mountain lover. His technique and passion is something else - I’ve never seen anything like this before. I get shaky knees only by watching his videos on YouTube. And his lovely wife Emelie is also a professional trail runner. They are both such an inspiration.

  • Go check out Kilian’s website and Emelie’s website

• Scott Jurek

  • Let me introduce you to another living legend: Scott Jurek - named as one of the greatest runners of all time. He has claimed victories in nearly all of the professional ultra road and trail running races.

  • Here’s his website

• Catra Corbett

  • Catra is pure rock’n’roll in my eyes! She struggled with drug addiction, turned vegan and became an ultramarathon runner, author, and a true inspiration.

  • Here’s her website

• Dean Karnazes

  • Hands-down: Any attempt to introduce Dean in a short paragraph will fail because he has simply achieved so many mind-blowing feats in the ultra running world. He’s also an incredible author of many books which I can only recommend.

  • Go check out his website

• Jim Walmsley

  • Jim is often considered to be the most gifted American male ultra runner. He has recorded many impressive wins and FKTs (fasted known times). I admire his talent and passion for trail running and also his kind character.

  • Here’s his Instagram account

• Mira Rai

  • Mira is a successful and incredibly humble ultra trail runner from Nepal. Her story has inspired thousands of young people, especially young women, all over Nepal. Go check out her website and her NGO as it’s beyond inspiring.

  • Here’s her website ‘Mira Rai Initiative’

• Anton Krupicka

  • Anton is a world renowned ultra runner and mountain athlete. He has won the Leadville 100 twice, the Miwok 100K, the Rocky Raccoon 100 Miler and many more - most of them without wearing a shirt ;) I am not joking. He’s probably one of the purest mountain runners out there and again, super humble and inspiring.

  • Here’s his website

• Ben Parkes & Sarah Place - Another cute couple!

  • Another super cute running couple! I can’t help it but tear up when I watch their videos when they run together and especially when, for example, Ben supported Sarah during on of her races and he started crying a bit at the end when she crossed the finish line because he was so proud of her and happy for her.

  • Here’s Ben’s website and Sarah’s website

• Jeff Pelletier and Audrée Lafrenière - One more cute running couple :)

  • Last but not least, I’d like to list Jeff and his partner Audrée. They go on trail running and fast-packing adventures and document their experiences at races and self-supported challenges on YouTube. Their videos are incredibly professional. Every time I watch their videos, I get this feeling inside and want to start pack my backpack right away and start running :)

  • You won’t be disappointed, go check out Jeff’s website and watch his videos.

Last but certainly not least: A shout-out to all the incredible humans out there who spend as much time as possible on the trails besides their main job simply for the love of the sports. It’s an incredible endeavour what you’re doing.