Search

RUN247 / Running News / Trail Running News / ‘Keep hoping and believing’ – Western States winner hopes her AMAZING injury comeback will inspire others

‘Keep hoping and believing’ – Western States winner hopes her AMAZING injury comeback will inspire others

Jonathan Turner
News Director
Published on

Abby Hall crowned a quite incredible comeback from a serious knee injury when she ran away with a career-defining victory at Western States last weekend.

The American had a rollercoaster ride just to grab a place in the race, getting a last-gasp Golden Ticket after a spot rolled down when EmKay Sullivan took a pregnancy deferral.

And in an understandably emotional reaction to by far her biggest win to date, Hall says she hopes it will give hope to others who are battling injury demons.

Advertisement

Keeping the dream alive

She said: “I really felt like the whole day that I was kind of supposed to be here and that it was going to find its way to work out.

“There were definitely some blows along the way and I’ve had some rough hundreds [100-mile races] in the past so this officially dispels the belief that I’m not good at hundreds.

“You have to keep the dream alive through thick and thin, through the dark times, through the moments where no one’s watching.

“That is the stuff that makes the days like this. I really believe that with my whole heart.”

‘See it through’

And reaching out to others, she added: “So to anyone out there who is going through their own version of that, I mean, I see you. I relate in my own way – keep going, keep seeing it through, keep hoping and believing.

“And keep your love for – if we’re talking in the context of sport – keep your love for the sport at the forefront, and that will never lead you astray.”

Lovely words from a fantastic champion after what was yet another memorable edition of the oldest and most iconic 100-miler out there.

Abby Hall bib number 22 WEstern States 2025
Abby Hall on her way to Western States glory [Photo credit: UTMB]
Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  

Latest Running News

David Roche Javelina Jundred 2024 photo credit Aravaipa Running
David Roche says he was “a patient in a coma” at Western States as he unpacks brutal DNF
John Kelly Appalachian Trail 2025 photo credit Coros
I’ve never seen those numbers in my life’ – John Kelly stunned by HR data from Appalachian Trail attempt
Jack Scott lets the emotions sink in after winning the Montane Winter Spine Race 2024
From heartbreak in the desert to an international call-up – Jack Scott finds ‘redemption’
Katie Schide after winning the 2022 UTMB
Katie Schide on getting out of “tricky spot” at Hardrock thanks to help from pacer
Katie Schide wins Canyons Endurance win 2024
Hardrock 100 2025: Pommeret and Schide take titles – but event overshadowed by tragedy
trail running on your terms

Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...