Episode 711: 2026 Leadville 100 Champion McKendree Hickory

Today on the podcast, I’m so excited to welcome McKendree Hickory, the 2026 Leadville 100 champion! A huge day and a huge summer for her, and we get to hear all about that experience, what went into the training, how the race went down, and what she’s looking forward to next. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Mount to Coast!

McKendree has her PhD and is the Head of Coaching at Next Arrow, where she partners with senior leaders navigating rapid growth. I love that she can use her psychology, leadership growth, and the skills she uses for work in running as well, and we talk about that a little bit in the conversation.

On top of winning Leadville in 2026 in a time of 19:36:12, she’s also the 2024 High Lonesome 100 winner. McKendree finished third at the 2025 Run Rabbit Run 100 Mile, and she was part of a historic all-female overall podium at the Aspen Marathon.

This conversation is especially interesting, discussing both the work she does professionally in corporate environments as well as being a professional runner supported by Mount to Coast. She was so easy to talk to and super inspiring. Enjoy my conversation with McKendree!

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Run Hard Half: The Run Hard Half in Lexington, South Carolina, offers a 5K, 10K, and half marathon on November 14, with the event supporting the Run Hard Children’s Program and its work teaching life skills to kids through running. Go to RunHardHalf.org and use code ANOTHER10 for 10% off registration.

Mount to Coast is a performance footwear brand focused on supporting runners who push beyond traditional race formats, especially in the ultrarunning space. Rather than taking a standard approach to race weekend activations, the brand leaned into its identity by backing unique efforts like Double Boston, providing athletes with both gear and logistical support to take on unconventional challenges. Their C1 shoe is designed with long-distance comfort in mind, offering substantial cushioning that holds up over extended efforts on the road. The brand’s approach reflects a commitment to endurance, creativity, and meeting runners where they are, whether that’s chasing a personal best or taking on something entirely outside the norm.

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