Ultrarunning champion “day jobs”
Many top ultra runners have held day jobs while achieving greatness. From doctor to firefighter, here we list some ultra champions and the occupations they held when they achieved some of their biggest victories.
Harvey Lewis, high school teacher. Former Backyard Ultra World Championship and Badwater champion.
Jasmin Paris, vet and scientist (Photograph above, by Kilan Jornet). Only woman to finish the Barkley Marathons (2024). Former Skyrunner World Series Sky Extreme champion. Multiple record holder.
Vincent Bouillard, product engineer. UTMB champion 2024.
John Kelly, company Executive Vice President. Spine Race champion and Barkley Marathons finisher.
Phil Gore, firefighter. Current world champion and record holder Backyard Ultra.
Anne Flower, emergency room doctor. 2025 Leadville 100 winner and record holder.
Karel Sabbe, dentist. Former Backyard World Champion. Multiple FKT record holder.
Sabrina Little, assistant professor. 5 x National Champion.
Man Yee Cheung, orthopedic doctor. 2025 winner Mt.FUJI 100 and GPT100 miler. Past Vietnam Mountain Marathon 100 champion.
Tra Giang, pharmacist. 2nd place VMM100km 2025.
Jeff Campbell, lawyer. Champion of VJM and many regional races.
Aurore Dacier, lawyer. Winner of TransJeju By UTMB. Multiple other wins and podiums.
Quang Tran and Nhon Trong, full time coaches, co-owners of Kilomet. Multiple Vietnam ultra wins and podiums.
Arnie Macaneras, mountain guide. Multiple champion of SEA races and ATM champion.
Giang Thi Linh, homestay owner and mountain guide. Multiple Vietnam ultra wins and podiums.
Can you think of another awesome runner who holds down an occupation while achieving amazing things?
Want to read more about one of these champs, Jasmin Paris? Check out her interview with her, conducted before her Barkely performance, here.
