Running has been an integral part of Adrian MacDonald’s life since as far back as he can remember. A two-time Leadville 100 champion and lifelong runner, Adrian has continuously sought new challenges and opportunities to share his love of running with others. His dedication to the sport goes beyond personal accomplishments, as he now coaches high schoolers and serves on the board of the Fort Collins Running Club, aiming to create more lifelong athletes. In 2023, Adrian has set his sights on one of the world’s most competitive and challenging footraces - the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), as an ON-sponsored 100-mile specialist.
Moving Beyond Marathons
Adrian’s passion for pushing his physical and mental boundaries led him to transition from running marathons to 100-mile races. The allure of the 100-mile distance, with its unmatched challenge, was enough to excite and drive him during the pandemic when many traditional races were canceled. Racing 100 miles provided Adrian with a new level of focus and structure, pushing him to train harder and embrace the ultra-distance community.
The Support Crew in Ultra Distances
For successful ultra runners like Adrian, the importance of a reliable support crew cannot be overstated. These races demand much more than individual effort, and having an experienced athlete on the crew team can be a game-changer, especially for those new to ultras. The support crew plays a pivotal role in managing nutrition, providing motivation, and handling logistics during the grueling race.
Conquering Leadville and Becoming a Trail Running “Name”
Adrian’s life took a remarkable turn after winning the Leadville Trail 100 Run, not just once, but twice. This monumental achievement catapulted him into the limelight, garnering a massive social media following and attracting attention from brands and media outlets alike. With newfound recognition, Adrian signed a professional running contract with ON Running and became a household name within the trail and ultra running community. Despite this seemingly overnight success, Adrian’s journey was built on years of dedication and unwavering commitment to his passion.
Preparing for the Ultimate Challenge: Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB)
Having achieved success in hilly US ultra marathons, Adrian now sets his sights on even more daunting terrain - the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. Known as one of the most competitive, technical, and difficult races in the world, UTMB poses a challenge unlike any other. With UTMB taking at least 4 hours longer than the Leadville 100, covering a mind-boggling 33,000 ft, compared to 18,000ft throughout Leadville, Adrian has had to rethink his preparation and approach to race day. For Adrian, this involves meticulous attention to nutrition, incorporating more real food into his race day fueling plan, extensive training on comparable terrain and topography to the mountainous UTMB course, and thoughtful consideration of racing and pacing strategies to tackle the rigorous rugged terrain.
Pushing Beyond Limits and Giving 100%
One of the most inspiring aspects of Adrian’s journey is his ability to dig deeper and push beyond limits when faced with adversity. He believes that it is during the most challenging moments that we have the opportunity to unlock performance levels we didn’t think were possible. Giving 100% is not just about physical effort: it’s a mindset that requires mental fortitude, unwavering determination, and a commitment to the pain of pushing in spite of discomfort.
While Adrian MacDonald’s rise can be mistaken for an overnight success story, the reality is far from it. His relentless pursuit of greatness in the world of ultra-distance running is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a willingness to go beyond one’s comfort zone. From conquering Leadville to preparing for the ultimate challenge of UTMB, his journey embodies the essence of a lifelong runner and a true ambassador for the sport. As Adrian continues to inspire others and share his love of running, his dedication will undoubtedly continue to develop lifelong runners and motivate more to embrace the limitless possibilities that come with pushing beyond our perceived limits.