Athlete Experience
What Our Athletes
Have to Say
“If you’re looking for that next endurance event to test you physically, mentally, and emotionally, this is it. Mindset is everything. Finishing all 10 laps was an incredibly proud moment for me after a very grueling experience.”
Heather Hakes
Solo Half Everest 2024 Finisher
“Elevation Everest 2025 was somehow even more amazing than last year! The staff is wonderful and supportive, Base Camp is a party that never stops, and the trail itself is simply beautiful. Elevation Everest is more than just a race - it’s a place where people can come together to push themselves, to do hard things, and make memories that last a lifetime.”
Casey Duncan
Solo Half Everest Finisher 2024 & 2025
“The perfect balance of grind and joy — Elevation Everest was hard, fun, and beautifully run. Incredible organization, amazing community, and easily one of my favorite races ever.”
Raquel Harper
Solo Half Everest 2025 First Place Female
“Incredible event all the way through, from the pre-race community calls with helpful tips to prepare, up through the event. Staff were there to support and cheer everyone on every step of the way, and the supportive community that was created is amazing. Will definitely be back and I’d recommend this event to anyone looking for a challenge!”
Austin Long
Solo Half Everest Finisher 2025
“This is a top tier event with all the details taken care of. If you're looking to come push yourself, this is the place to do it. The sponsors, the layout, the staff, all designed to help you succeed. Would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to turn themselves inside out!”
Tim M
Solo Half Everest Finisher 2025
“We were told that Elevation Everest was going to be tough. That it was going to test our will, our commitment, our patience and our dedication. It did all that and more! Out of all the Spartan races, Marathons “full and half” that I have completed, this by far was the most difficult and challenging! And believe it or not, I absolutely LOVED it!”
Calvin Conroy
Half Everest 2-person Relay Finisher 2025
“This is the best organized event I have ever participated in - and I have done a LOT of different types of physical events! Their spirit, their energy, their thoughtfulness, and their true caring of you as an athlete is just outstanding!!”
Debbie Hornor
Solo Half Everest Finisher 2025
“One of the true highlights was the incredible community, meeting fellow participants along the course and sharing the journey with such motivated, supportive people made it all the more special. From the warm-up run the day before to the encouragement throughout race day, the whole experience was more than I could have asked for. This challenge has lit a fire under us, we’re already planning our Seven Summits training and setting even bigger goals. Huge thanks to the entire team for making it all possible.”
Dan Knutilla
Solo Half Everest Finisher 2025
“This has been one of the hardest years of my life. This race kept me motivated and was a gift to me just not the day of the race but for the entire year. What Dan and the team bring to this race creates a place where people can learn, grow and thrive.”
Nicki Coghill
Solo Half Everest, 3rd Place Female, 2024 & 2025
“As a mom, I don't often feel like the center of my universe. Hiking up that hill all day and feeling supported and encouraged by my family and every single official and volunteer involved in this event was such a pleasure! It was hard and it was epic and I feel more proud of myself than I think I ever have before. The vibes were excellent, the cowbell was life-giving, the setting was gorgeous. I now know I can do anything and I can do it with a smile.”
Julia Loidolt
Elite Full Everest Athlete, 2025
“An incredible challenge for any athlete, and delightful to see so many older athletes. The event is well run and the communication in the months leading up to the event was superb. Dan and his crew were awesome.”
Susan McKenzie
Solo Half Everest Finisher, 2025
“At 62 years young, this was my first ‘official’ endurance event. Age is a number and a mindset…my goal: push and leave it all on the mountain. If I can do this, anyone with mental and physical motivation will be successful! Great event!!!”
Ed
2025 Athlete
“I made so many new friends on this course, as we had the time to talk during the hike, and I felt more encouragement from these athletes than any other race I’ve ever been in. Everyone was truly in this for the group and I felt that bond-ship on the mountain. Can’t wait to try Elevation Everest again soon! I’ll be back.”
Jorge Suarez
Half Everest 2024
