Ultrarunning

On July 9, Bluebs set south from Katahdin to reconnect with the Nobo Class of 2025, cheer on their journeys, spread trail magic, and promote The Grove as a hostel by hikers, for hikers.

Since his goal was smiles + miles, Bluebs moved quickly. From shelter to shelter, hostel to hostel, and state to state, he traversed the 1170 miles to Harper’s Ferry in less than three months. 

In New England, he crossed paths with steady streams of hikers, but once he hit the Mid-Atlantic, the trail quieted down and his pace surged. Thirty-mile days became the norm and in this rhythm, a new passion was unlocked.

Back home in Franklin, he briefly crossed paths with Kristian Morgan and crew as they pushed toward Springer in pursuit of an FKT. Inspired and energized by this connection, Bluebs registered for his first ultramarathon, The Naturalist, and finished 11th out of 150 runners.

We didn’t expect that Bluebs would return from his “half Sobo” as an ultrarunner, but the trail is a place of surprise, growth, and evolution. Proud of this new chapter with the trail, we’re excited to see where it leads.

For now, the next stop is Bryson City/Fontana for the Tsali Ultra this January.