From a Colombian orphanage to professional trail running champion, Jenn Lichter's story proves that sometimes the hardest journeys lead to the most extraordinary destinations.
Jenn Lichter is a 29-year-old professional trail runner who competes primarily in distances ranging from marathon to 50-mile races. Born in Bogota, Colombia, she grew up in an orphanage before being adopted at nine years old and moving to La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Her trail running career took off after working as a hiking guide at Glacier National Park, where she discovered her passion for mountain running during her off days. In September 2021, she competed in The Rut, her first major trail race, which led to her being discovered by The North Face team manager Esther. She signed with The North Face in 2022 and has been with the brand since.
Lichter has achieved significant success in her professional career, winning races like Broken Arrow (setting a course record in 2022) and Speedgoat, where she placed second after taking a wrong turn. She won the 2024 Broken Arrow 46K and notably won a beer mile competition between Broken Arrow and Western States that same year.
Beyond running, Lichter identifies as an artist, describing art as her "first true love". She enjoys baking, cooking, gardening, and DIY projects. Currently, Lichter is preparing to debut her first 100K race at Black Canyon, marking a step up from her established success in the 50K distance. She is sponsored by The North Face and Tailwind Nutrition and works with agent Kelly Newlon to manage her professional career.
Jon chats with Jenn about:
victories at Broken Arrow and other races
how Jenn handles suffering and discomfort during races by honoring past training efforts
the role of curiosity in Jenn's approach to running and exploration
recovery from eating disorders and partnership with Tailwind nutrition
approach to authentic brand partnerships and social media presence
Stay connected:
Follow Jenn:
https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlichter/
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