She has won virtually every race she’s entered over the last few years including repeat victories at trail running’s biggest events, but it wasn’t to be at Cocodona 250 for Courtney Dauwalter.
The ultrarunning GOAT was trying a different challenge by moving up markedly in distance from the 100 miles of UTMB and Western States to a 256-mile epic in Arizona.
And all was going to plan early on despite challenging conditions featuring hail, snow and lots of rain.
So much so that she was first overall into the Whiskey Row aid station after 77.2 miles, with the race organisers saying: “The energy was unreal. The fanfare in downtown Prescott was something we have never seen anything like it at Cocodona.”
Entrekin defends women’s crown
However the shock news came at the 108-mile point that she was out of the race, with her crew posting on her Instagram feed: “Well, shoot. Court finished her run this morning at mile 108.
“She’s doing fine and very thankful for all the cheers both in person and from afar. Thanks for being part of our team! 🙏”
That left defending champion Rachel Entrekin in the lead of the women’s race and she would go on to claim a brilliant record-breaking success – and finish fourth overall.
‘Unfinished business’
And after a bit of sleep, Dauwalter took to Instagram herself for a quick recap of her race.
She said: “Ran 108 miles! 🎉 …But the race was 256 miles.😔 Dang.😅
“The questions and curiosity about running those additional 150 miles to Flagstaff will have to keep hanging around a little bit longer. Total body shutdown stopped us early this time but feeling grateful to have experienced those first sections of the Cocodona course, the amazing volunteers & folks out cheering. What a beauty!🌵
“Unfinished business can be a great springboard for the next thing.💥”
It remains to be seen what the next target is for Dauwalter but there is the mouthwatering prospect of both herself and fellow American Katie Schide lining up at UTMB again this year, having between them won the last five editions of trail running’s blue riband event.
