A person in a yellow shirt, black shorts, and a hat runs uphill on a rocky mountain trail with trees and a lake in the background.
A man with a mustache wears a black cap and a yellow shirt with black stripes, standing outdoors with blurred greenery in the background.

Mike Cappi

DISCIPLINE:

  • Mountain Running® Team

ABOUT ME:

I grew up in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, outside of Philadelphia, but have called Salt Lake City home since 2017. What motivates me to get into the mountains each day is the endless options that the Wasatch Range provides for connecting and exploring new routes. I’ve always held La Sportiva in high regard for its deep mountain heritage in the style of mountain running that I enjoy doing having a standard of quality for gear I can trust on long, technical, and demanding days.

 

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

1. 1st Place Bear 100 — September 2025
A culmination of years of patiently building from shorter mountain races to the 100-mile distance while staying true to the style of running and mountain exploration I love.
2. 2nd Place at Snow Peaks 50 Mile — June 2025


Earning a Bear Tag and the opportunity to race my first 100 miler was a pivotal moment in my progression as a runner.
3. 1st Place at RUFA Grandeur Peak 12 Hour — February 2024


Coming back after finishing second the year before and completing eight laps without poles.
4. 5th Place at The Rut 50K — September 2023


A race where I started to realize I could compete near the front in high-level mountain races.
5. Completing the WURL — September 2020


My first ultramarathon and the longest day I had ever spent moving through the mountains. It opened the door to everything that followed.

 

Q+A: 

Who is your favorite running partner and why?

Tyler Valovic. We’ve been pushing each other since I first got into ultras, whether on long mountain runs, fast climbs and descents, or winter backcountry tours. He’s always up for a big adventure, and some of my favorite days in the mountains have been on new and unique link ups that we have had the opportunity to dream up together.

What is your go-to hype song?

“My Mind Is a Mountain” by Deftones

What was the first La Sportiva product you tried?

The Akyra. I used them on many of my early traverses in the Wasatch, and the traction on those shoes helped me build my skill set as I transitioned from lead climbing to scrambling focus prior becoming more involved in racing.

Which charity/advocacy organizations do you support or belong to?

I’m a member and donate to Save Our Canyons, an organization dedicated to protecting the beauty, wildness, and environmental integrity of the Wasatch Mountains. Living and training in these mountains has given me a deep appreciation for protecting the landscapes that provide so much opportunity for exploration, recreation, and connection. I also support Trails Utah and its work advocating for, planning, building, and maintaining sustainable trails throughout the state. As a runner who is constantly looking for new places to explore, I believe thoughtful trail development and stewardship are essential for creating meaningful outdoor experiences while protecting the landscapes we enjoy.

 

RESTING HEART RATE:

46 bpm. It changes with training volume and intensity, and it’s one of the metrics I use to help guide adjustments to my training from week to week.

Bio and Banner photos: © Ceza Dzawala