Will Murray, a former high school math teacher turned ultrarunner, has emerged as a distinctive voice in the trail community, blending analytical precision with a laid‑back, analog lifestyle.
His recent performances — second place at the Black Canyon 100k and a course‑record win at the Javelina Jundred — have cemented his reputation, even as he navigates setbacks like atrial fibrillation and a broken ankle that forced him out of the 2025 Western States 100.
The Making of a Trail Strategist
Murray’s coach, John Fitzgerald, describes him as a student of the sport whose mind works like a chess player, constantly adapting to terrain and fatigue.
Training partners Jeff Mogavero and Jenn Lichter have echoed this sentiment, noting how the trio shares a collective culture that values gut feeling over data.
After a stint teaching in New Jersey and a move back to Bellingham, Washington, Murray transitioned to tutoring, freeing up time to focus on technical trails and a more intuitive approach to racing.
He eschews the social‑media circus, preferring instead to savor the process of improvement, a philosophy that extends to his simple, un‑branded approach to gear and nutrition.
Despite a recent ankle injury sustained on a Cal Street training run, Murray remains optimistic about the 2026 Western States 100, planning to return next year with a rhythm‑driven strategy rather than strict time goals.
His partnership with Brooks, marked by a recent shoe deal, reflects a pragmatic collaboration that aligns with his low‑key brand ethos.
Off the course, Murray draws parallels between ultrarunning and baseball, seeing both as games of timing, intuition, and resilience.
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Murray’s story illustrates how setbacks can be reframed as learning opportunities, and how a supportive team culture can amplify an athlete’s unique strengths.