It's not how far, it's how far up.
29029 was created to give ordinary people the opportunity to do something extraordinary. We bring together a small group of like-minded people for a weekend experience so transformational that it will unlock a better version of you.
How many vertical feet did you gain? That's the simple question that 29029 co-founders Marc Hodulich and Jesse Itzler routinely asked one another after long runs. They soon realized that measuring a workout not in how far, but in how far up, was an exciting new way to challenge themselves and the idea for 29029 was born. What started as a single mountain challenge has since grown into multiple event formats — including TRAIL, a three-day trekking experience — united by the same belief: hard things change people.
Learn more about the origins and philosophy of 29029 →In the modern world we get fewer and fewer opportunities to step outside our comfort zones and do something truly memorable. We believe that doing hard things — whether that's climbing a mountain for 36 hours or trekking three consecutive marathons on TRAIL — can unlock a better version of each of us that's too often hidden away.
We've seen the positive impact that these challenges have had on thousands of participants and hope you'll join our community of gritty, committed people.
Colleen Rue is a 2x Ironman finisher, ultra-marathoner, and endurance fanatic. Known as the Voice of the Mountain at 29029 events, Colleen brings our community together and is each climber's biggest support on event weekend. She also hosts the 29029 Podcasts and many of our training calls.
Hayley is responsible for bringing new ideas to life for the 29029 community. She is also our Retail Director for the online store as well as the onsite tent at every event. You can find her in the apparel tent getting to know participants and ensuring they have the best products for on and off the mountain.
Sydnee brings over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. She has worked at some of the world’s most prestigious events, such as the Oscars and the U.S. Open, where attention to detail and elevated service are paramount. At 29029, Sydnee delivers that same level of luxury and care to every food and beverage experience on the mountain.
As Head of New Business Ventures, Brian is building the future of 29029. He brings two decades of business building experience, a background in ultra endurance racing, and is proud to have been a participant in (and completed!) the very first 29029 challenge in 2017.
Luke Ahearn helps bring the brand’s signature experiences to life through thoughtful planning, and an eye for memorable details. Luke comes from a background running professional tennis events. A lifelong adventurer with a passion for the mountains, Luke is driven by bringing people together and helping to inspire people to find their Everest.
As a 29029 2x alumni, Kyndell understands firsthand the needs of the participants. With over 10 years of relationship management experience in various industries from luxury real-estate to non-profit event planning she strives to be one step ahead; to know what you might need before you need it. Kyndell believes in the life-changing impact our events can have and works to create the opportunities for those moments to happen.
Chris is a former Olympic swimmer that quickly joined the ranks of world-class triathletes. Besides age group winning triathletes, he has coached Western States top finishers, Ultraman winners and plenty of swimmers towards age group nationals and Olympic Trials. Chris is focused not only on the physical training, but heavily focuses on the mental side as well. 29029 is as much mental as it is physical. Whether just starting out, or looking to reach the top levels in the ultra-endurance world, he has the proven results to work with any athlete. Many of Chris’s former athletes were beginners in the endurance world and have now moved on to athletic events and adventures they never thought possible. 29029 is all about making possibilities a reality.
Coach Wooch has conquered 29029 at 6 different mountains and has personally coached more than 100 29029 participants to red hat finishes over the years while becoming a legend in the 29029 community along the way.