Next up for West Seattle ultra runner: ‘Highest ultra marathon in the world’

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Riley Nachtrieb on Mount Yale in Colorado)

When last we heard from West Seattle ultra runner Riley Nachtrieb, she ran the 132-mile Olympic Discovery Trail in May. Now – she’s getting ready for a new adventure. She sent this update:

I will leave for India on August 26th to run the 17,600 ft Khardung La Challenge on September 9th (13,000 ft start, 17,600 ft summit, 10,000 ft finish).

Not only is this a big feat in altitude, as I am coming from sea-level in Seattle, I will also be the first person from the US, and the youngest to ever run this race.

I will run 45 miles across the Khardung La Pass, located in Leh Ladakh, Kashmir Jammu, India – at the base of the Western Himalaya Mountain Range. This is also known as the highest motorable road in the world.

I am really excited for this next adventure, since I completed my goal to set the first recorded run across the Olympic Peninsula in May. I have been traveling to Colorado in the past months in preparation for the Khardung La race.

I want to thank the West Seattle Community for always supporting me and my love for running. I will not have a live tracker for the race.

Read more abut the race here – where it’s described as the “highest ultra marathon in the world.” Minimum age to run it is 20 – and that’s how old Riley happens to be.

Jim P. August 22, 2022 (12:00 pm)

You go, girl.I’ve hiked over an 11,000+ foot pass in the Sierras and that was hard enough. This is incredible.

rose August 22, 2022 (12:09 pm)

To be corny, but it sounds like Riley is “Reaching for the Stars” and she will be so high she can actually grab on to a few! Be safe and keep running!

HS August 22, 2022 (12:24 pm)

So exciting!! Have an amazing run and experience :)

Amazing! August 22, 2022 (12:52 pm)

That is AMAZING! We wish you the best of luck!

BJG August 22, 2022 (4:39 pm)

You are an inspiration dear Riley. Run fast, and stay safe. West Seattle is proud of you!

Also John August 22, 2022 (5:21 pm)

That sounds like an epic adventure. I would consider the run a small part of this upcoming adventure. Have fun and be safe.

Mile Higher August 22, 2022 (5:39 pm)

High altitude endurance running is no joke. Endurance athletes train in Colorado Springs for a reason. If this runner is heading up there straight from sea-level with no acclimation to high-altitude exercise she’s asking for trouble.