Scott Jurek

Speakers & VIPs

Scott Jurek

Scott began trail running in his childhood years, scampering through the woods in his backyard. His connection with nature included hunting, fishing and camping with his family in northern Minnesota, where he was born and raised. Scott dabbled in competitive running in junior high track, but didn't start logging serious miles until his sophomore year in high school to prepare for nordic ski racing. It wasn't until these long summer runs on trails with ski poles that he truly discovered his passion for trail running.

On a challenge from good friend and training partner, Dusty Olson, Scott ran his first ultra, the Minnesota Voyager 50 Mile, at the age of 20 in 1994. After placing second, Scott affirmed his love for the trails and found a new talent for ultra trail distances.

Scott attended Physical Therapy school at the College of St. Scholastica and graduated with his Master's Degree in Physical Therapy in 1998, to fulfill his desire to guide people toward a path of wellness and optimal health.

On his own journey towards optimal health, Scott began transitioning to a vegetarian whole foods diet in 1997, while competing in several ultra trail races per year. In 1999, he adopted a vegan diet out of further health and environmental concerns. Scott continues to fuel his body on a completely vegan diet while competing in 10-12 ultramarathons per year in addition to his rigorous training schedule. All seven of his consecutive wins at the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run were performed on vegan fuel.

Scott currently makes his home in Seattle, Washington with his wife, Leah, a massage therapist. They enjoy spending time running, preparing food, attending yoga classes, spending time with friends and working with their clients. In addition to their private physical therapy and massage therapy practices, they own and manage Beyond Running, their camps and coaching business.