Zeke Tiernan

About

Zeke Tiernan is an American ultrarunner from Colorado who built his competitive career from a Division I cross-country background — he was a 10K All-American at the University of Colorado Boulder in the late 1990s — before transitioning to mountain and ultra racing and becoming one of the most respected podium fixtures at the Leadville Trail 100, arguably Colorado's most celebrated 100-mile event. A high school teacher by profession, Tiernan has finished every Leadville start on the podium: third in 2008 (18:36), second in 2010 (18:25), and second again in 2012 (16:44) — three consistent, high-placing performances at an event that draws among the largest and most competitive American ultra fields annually. Described by those who have raced beside him as 'compact but strong, smart, tough and courageous,' he represents the Colorado ultra tradition of athletes who maintain full professional lives while training to compete at the highest level. Growing up in Colorado, Tiernan has always known Leadville as a defining race in the state's endurance culture, and his consistency there over a multi-year span speaks both to his talent and to a deep, experiential understanding of altitude, mountain running, and what it takes to compete well in the high Rockies.

Notable Wins

• — Leadville Trail 100 3rd 2008 (18:36)
• — Leadville Trail 100 2nd 2010 (18:25)
• — Leadville Trail 100 2nd 2012 (16:44)

Race History