Rachel Entrekin Shatters Records to Win Cocodona 250 Outright

Key facts

• Rachel Entrekin won the Cocodona 250 with a time of 56:09:48.
• Entrekin is the first woman to win the Cocodona 250 outright.
• She set a new overall course record, surpassing the previous mark of 58:47:18.
• Entrekin also holds the women's course record from 2025: 63:50:55.
• The 34-year-old runner is from Birmingham, Alabama, and trains in Conifer, Colorado.
• Kilian Korth, the men's champion, finished second overall in 57:28:36.
• The race covers 253 miles with nearly 12,000 meters of elevation gain.

Historic Victory in Arizona Desert

Rachel Entrekin has etched her name in the annals of ultra-endurance running, achieving a historic victory at the Cocodona 250 in Flagstaff, Arizona. The 34-year-old runner not only secured her third consecutive win at the challenging 253-mile race but also became the first woman in its history to win outright, besting the entire field of competitors. Her performance was a masterclass in pacing and resilience. Entrekin took the overall lead around the 50-mile mark and maintained an astonishing pace, setting a new overall course record with an official time of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 28 seconds. This shattered the previous record of 58 hours, 47 minutes, and 18 seconds, cementing her dominance. The win is particularly significant as it marks the first time a woman has claimed the top spot in the race's history, a monumental achievement in a sport often dominated by male athletes. Entrekin's triumph underscores a growing trend of female athletes pushing the boundaries of human endurance and challenging established norms.

A Strategy of 'Dirt Naps' and Unwavering Momentum

Entrekin's approach to the grueling 253-mile race, which traverses varied terrain with nearly 12,000 meters of elevation gain, was marked by efficiency and a unique sleep strategy. She described her rest periods as "dirt naps," taking only brief intervals of five to seven minutes at aid stations, interspersed with a couple of longer, yet still minimal, naps over the three days and two nights of competition. "I slept five minutes, then seven minutes, then seven minutes," Entrekin stated shortly after crossing the finish line, her voice filled with the exhaustion and elation of her accomplishment. "My goal was to only have dirt naps." This relentless forward motion, supported by a six-person crew and her parents, Carol and Robin, allowed her to maintain a steady physical and mental state, a stark contrast to many competitors who faltered under the race's immense demands. Her ability to navigate the race's inherent challenges with a positive outlook, as she noted, "You can choose your attitude, I’ve learned, so I’d rather choose to be positive," proved instrumental.

Dominance Over a Stacked Field

The Cocodona 250 is renowned for attracting elite talent, and this year was no exception. Entrekin lined up against a formidable roster of ultra-running stars, including Courtney Dauwalter, Heather Jackson, and Mika Thewes on the women's side, and a highly anticipated men's field featuring Kilian Korth, Joe McConaughy, Jeff Garmire, and Michael Versteeg. Entrekin's performance was so commanding that she led the entire field, including the men, for over 24 hours, establishing a two-mile lead against eventual men's champion Kilian Korth. This commanding lead only widened in the final 50 miles, showcasing her exceptional endurance and tactical prowess. Korth, a celebrated figure who won the 2025 200 Triple Crown, ultimately finished second overall in 57 hours, 28 minutes, and 36 seconds. His race was not without its own drama, including a significant spill and a critical decision to take a longer sleep break, which he acknowledged might have saved his race after struggling with mental challenges and muscle pain.

A Legacy of Record-Breaking Performances

Entrekin's victory at the Cocodona 250 builds upon a history of exceptional performances at the event. In 2024, her first year of participation, she won the women's race in 11th overall with a time of 73 hours, 31 minutes, and 25 seconds. The following year, 2025, she set a new women's course record of 63 hours, 50 minutes, and 55 seconds, finishing fourth overall and becoming the first woman to break into the top five, ahead of all but three male competitors. Her latest win not only surpasses her previous records but also elevates her status as one of the preeminent ultra-endurance athletes in the world. The 34-year-old, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, now resides and trains in Conifer, Colorado, a testament to her dedication to the sport.

The Emotional Climax and Lingering Impact

The final miles of the Cocodona 250 were an emotional journey for Entrekin. As she neared the finish line in Flagstaff, Arizona, the weight of her historic achievement began to sink in. "I think I basically wept from the second I got off the single track until I crossed the finish line," Entrekin shared, describing the overwhelming wave of support from her crew and family awaiting her arrival. Her victory is more than just a personal triumph; it is a landmark moment for women in ultra-endurance sports, demonstrating that the highest echelons of athletic achievement are within reach for all. The race, which pushes athletes to their absolute limits through extreme weather and challenging terrain, now has a new benchmark set by its first-ever outright female champion.

The bottom line

• Rachel Entrekin achieved a historic victory at the Cocodona 250, becoming the first woman to win the race outright.
• She set a new overall course record with a time of 56:09:48, surpassing the previous mark by nearly two hours.
• Entrekin employed an extreme sleep strategy, opting for very short "dirt naps" to maintain continuous momentum.
• The 34-year-old runner from Alabama has been undefeated at Cocodona for three consecutive years.
• Her win challenges traditional perceptions in ultra-endurance sports and highlights the growing prowess of female athletes.
• The Cocodona 250 is a 253-mile race with significant elevation gain, attracting top international ultra-runners.