Hal Koerner - Coach

Hal is one of the most recognizable and well-known ultrarunners in the US with a list of accomplishments as long as anyone. He ran his first ultra in 1998 and has since completed over 150 ultras, with podium finishes in over 100 of those races.

 

He broke the FKTs on the Colorado Trail and John Muir Trail (which have been improved since then). Hal was named one of the top 10 ultra runners in North America for 9 years. Most recently, in 2025 he was inducted in to the Trailcon Nike ACG Trailrunning Hall of Fame. 

 

Some example races he’s experienced, and can therefore help you to train for with course specific knowledge are: 

 

- Western States 100 (two-time winner, 2007 and 2009)

- Hardrock 100 (2012 winner) 

- Javelina Hundred (two-time winner)

- Angeles Crest 100 (two-time winner)

- Bear 100 (five-time winner)

- Canadian Death Race (2010 winner)

- Rocky Raccoon 100 (2012 winner) 

- UTMB

- Leadville 100

- Vermont 100

- Miwok 100k

- USATF 50 Mile Trail Champion 2005 (White River 50)

- American River 50 miler

- Zane Grey 50 miler

- JFK 50 miler

- Way too Cool 50k

- Chuckanut 50k

- Pemberton 50k

- Promise Land 50k

 

Qualifications/Experience:

 

- Author of "Hal Koerner's Field Guide to Ultraruning (Training for an Ultramarathon from 50k to 100 Miles)"

- Race Director: Pine to Palm 100, Lithia Loop Trail Marathon, Siskiyou Outback Trail Runs ( 8k,15k,50k,100k, and Brink 100)

- Owner of a specialty running store, Rogue Valley Runners

- 2025 inductee to the Trailcon Nike ACG Trailrunning Hall of Fame

- Aid station captain at Western States 100

- One of the stars of the classic ultra movie, "Unbreakable" (see below).