Erin Ton

ABOUT:

I was born and raised in Colorado. After graduating from Cornell University in upstate NY, I immediately moved back to the mountains in Colorado. I do not come from a "traditional" running background and have only been pursuing the sport for a couple years. My love for trail running emanated from climbing all of Colorado's 14ers. My strength is on steep, technical terrain and I usually prefer FKT efforts to organized races. What motivates me to trail run is a curiosity for exploring natural spaces as well as a curiosity for exploring my own physical/ mental limits.

What are your 5 proudest moments? 

1. Self-supported FKT for 2xR2R2R of the Grand Canyon (Oct 2022)

2. 1st Place in the 2022 Transalpine Run, an 8 day stage race across the Alps, starting in Germany and ending in Italy (Sep 2022)

3. Completing all the 14ers in the lower 48, including the 15 California 14ers and Mount Rainier in Washington, which are all way more technical than the Colorado 14ers.

4. Hitting 1.3+ million vertical feet of climbing in 2022

5. Repeating 22 Colorado 14ers while wearing high heels... yup, you read that right 

Q+A: 

Who is your favorite running partner and why?

I am lucky to have so many amazing running friends! I feel so inspired and empowered every time I run with my friend Maude. Maude comes from a road background so she pushes me to work on speed and turnover. I also really enjoy the freedom training solo. It serves as time for me to destress and think. 

What is your go-to hype song?

September by Earth, Wind & Fire

What was the first La Sportiva product you tried?

The La Sportiva Bushidos. They are the best shoe for technical mountain terrain I have ever used. I am addicted. 

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

Animal welfare is a very important issue to me. I have been plant-based for over a decade and used to volunteer at the Boulder Humane Society and the Wild Animal Sanctuary. 

Resting Heart Rate:

I actually don't know my resting heart rate! I only started wearing a watch in January 2023 and usually run based off feel.