courtney dauwalter attempts 500-mile colorado trail

DURANGO, Colo. (Aug. 3, 2020) – World-renowned ultrarunner and Tailwind Nutrition athlete Courtney Dauwalter will be lacing up this week to attempt the 500-mile Colorado Trail. 

The current overall fastest known time (FKT) on the Colorado Trail is held by Bryan Williams who, in Sept. 2017, ran it from Durango to Denver in an astounding eight days and thirty minutes. The women’s FKT is held by Betsy Kalmeyer who, in 2003, completed the trail in nine days, ten hours and fifty-two minutes. The FKT on the trail in the opposite direction (Collegiate West), from Denver to Durango, is held by Tailwind athlete Joe Grant.

Following the same route Williams ran from start to finish, Dauwalter will run the Northbound route. The specific route—called Collegiate West— is higher than the Collegiate East route and requires more climbing. While Collegiate West is more scenic, it can be more dangerous if the weather is inclement. 

Dauwalter will have a support crew along the way.  In addition to her husband Kevin Schmidt, she will be accompanied by several crew members and pacers including record-setting ultrarunner and Tailwind Nutrition employee, Maggie Guterl.

Dauwalter will carry her food and water. Her pack will also include essentials such as a rain jacket and non-caffeinated Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel which is her primary and continual source of complete nutrition and electrolytes along the way. She will get fresh water with Tailwind at each segment. During the segment, she will have to refill her bottles from high alpine water sources using filters. Her husband always has a bottle of Tailwind Rebuild recovery drink at each crew spot.  

In addition to drinking Tailwind in her hydration system, she will use Honey Stinger waffles and chews. At crew spots, Dauwalter will consume some of her go-to race foods such as pierogies, pancakes and cheeseburgers.

When asked about her motivation for running 500-miles, Dauwalter humbly said, “I’m excited to have the chance to test myself on a new distance and to explore more of beautiful Colorado with my feet.” 

In the days leading up to the feat, Dauwalter will spend a few days in Durango, also the headquarters and hometown of Tailwind. Dauwalter has been a Tailwind athlete since 2018. Tailwind’s specially formulated drink mixes help athletes perform and compete at their highest level without the worry of food allergies or sensitivities. It offers a complete nutrition source that is easy on the gut. While she loves all of the flavors, Dauwalter’s personal favorite is Lemon.

Guterl will be posting real-time updates via Dauwalter’s Instagram as well as Tailwind Nutrition’s Instagram. Dauwalter will also be carrying a Garmin inReach tracker. The link to the tracker will be posted for everyone to follow along. 

Due to COVID-19, Dauwalter and her crew will be practicing social distancing for their safety, and for the safety of others on the trail. The crew kindly asks that no spectators come out. Your virtual support is greatly appreciated! 

For more information on Tailwind Nutrition, please visit https://www.tailwindnutrition.com/.