Rachel Entrekin has etched her name into the history books, becoming the first woman to win the overall title at the grueling Cocodona 250 ultramarathon—and she did it with a few dog-petting breaks and power naps along the way.
The 34-year-old American shattered expectations by outpacing a field of elite male and female runners to claim victory in a record time of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 48 seconds. This marks a dramatic improvement from her previous best of 63 hours, 50 minutes, and 55 seconds, shattering the overall course record of 58 hours, 47 minutes, and 18 seconds.
"I think I basically wept from the second I got off the single track until I crossed the finish line," Entrekin told Run after her historic win. It was an emotional finish for the two-time women's champion, who had previously won the female division but never the outright race.
What makes her journey even more remarkable? The small, joyful moments she carved out during the 253-mile desert challenge. According to Canadian Trail Running, Entrekin made time to stop and pet dogs along the course. She also embraced strategic rest, telling Run: "I slept five minutes, then seven minutes, then seven minutes. My goal was to only have dirt naps." Her support crew of six, including her parents, helped manage these brief respites.
Entrekin's path to ultrarunning stardom wasn't always clear. She didn't play team sports in high school, doubting her own abilities. But everything changed in 2012 when she took up running seriously while studying exercise science in college. She went on to earn her doctorate in 2016, proving that perseverance pays off both on and off the trail.
"Why put my body and mind through such stressful exercise you may ask, because it's fun and you get to explore so much stuff," she told the Madison Record in 2025. "The biggest hook for me is I see lots of the world in a short time frame."
The Cocodona 250, despite its name, covers a punishing 253-mile course through Arizona's rugged terrain. Runners face 38,791 feet of elevation gain, with a high point of 9,241 feet, all while battling desert conditions. It's widely considered one of the toughest ultramarathons on the planet—a true test of endurance and will.
This year's race was marked by tragedy, as a runner died on Tuesday due to a medical emergency. The event continued in the runner's honor, with organizers asking participants "to carry the memory of this runner with you on the trail."
For Entrekin, this victory is more than a personal triumph—it's an inspiration for anyone who's ever doubted their potential. Whether you're tackling a 250-mile race or just your morning jog, her story reminds us that with grit, a little rest, and maybe a dog or two along the way, anything is possible.