Rachel Entrekin Sets New Record in Cocodona 250

On May 6th, 3:09 pm, Rachel Entrekin broke the world record of the Cocodona 250 by 2 hours and 37 minutes. Entrekin, who has trained running far distances for 17 years, passed the finish line in 56 hours and 9 minutes.

The Cocodona 250, held in Black Canyon City, Arizona, is known for being one of the hardest ultramarathons, leading up to an elevation of 38,791 feet, along 5 different trails, and through the Sonoran Desert. It spanned days, and many runners didn’t finish because of fatigue or injuries.

Entrekin had a time of 63 hours and 50 minutes last year, so she was shocked and happy for her sudden jump in time. This year, she was extensively ahead of the male second place finisher by 6 hours. Many female athletes are influenced by her breaking the usual stereotype that men are faster and stronger than women.

In these 56 hours, Entrekin took 3 short naps on the side of the road and ate only mashed potatoes to conserve energy and time. “Why not you?” she later revealed as the mantra she was thinking about as she ran. Entrekin put herself in the mindset that if anyone could win, why couldn’t it be her? She said after the race that this helps push away the negative thoughts that she had throughout the race telling her to give up.

Rachel Entrekin’s shocking race time has shown everyone how positivity can help you win, and that women do not necessarily have to be weaker than men. Her new time may inspire athletes everywhere to push past their limits and believe in themselves.