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.
Coach Brian Skouras brings 38 years of athletic and coaching experience to help busy professionals achieve goals they once thought impossible. A lifelong endurance athlete and former cyclist who began racing in Italy at 18, Brian has competed and coached across cycling, triathlon, running, ultrarunning, and 29029. His coaching blends structured endurance training with strength, nutrition, and mindset work — all designed to fit real-life schedules. Whether preparing for a first 5K, marathon, ultra, or 29029 event, Brian believes everyday people can accomplish extraordinary things with the right plan, the right mindset, and a coach who truly believes in them.
From beginner to Boston and beyond, LJ's journey from novice to elite athlete speaks volumes: marathons including the prestigious Boston Marathon, multiple 29029 events, triathlons up to the Ironman 140.6 distance, and the ultimate test — The Run Across America. She didn't just participate; she conquered these challenges while building the expertise to guide others. Coaching for over 25 years, she specializes in beginner and intermediate athletes and is living proof that it's never too late to discover your athletic greatness.
Coach Grant is no stranger to the climb. After rebuilding his own life through movement, time in the mountains, and a mindset forged on long roads, cold plunges, and steep trails, he found his purpose: helping others reclaim their strength through challenge. As a performance coach, endurance athlete, and guide, Grant blends physical training with mental resilience, meeting people exactly where they are and moving them forward with intention. His background in leadership and recovery work shapes a coaching style centered on growth, accountability, and compassion — and a belief that adversity can become altitude, turning struggle into momentum one step, one breath, one climb at a time.
Coach Nicki helps everyday athletes prove it's never too late or too busy to take on an Everest-sized goal. A lifelong runner who didn't hit the trails until 36, she understands what it feels like to show up unsure and juggle real life while chasing something big. A former CEO, business owner, and firefighter, she brings expertise in psychology, mental toughness, and first-responder mental health to her coaching, meeting athletes exactly where they are while holding them to the standard required to grow.
Coach Joe is an endurance juggernaut who has completed more than 150 ultra-marathon events in the past five years alone. He specializes in working with hikers and runners across distances from 5Ks to 100 miles, integrating science-based practices with his own endurance experiences to help athletes realize their potential is far greater than they ever imagined. He loves working with people who want to push beyond the traditional race calendar to create their own unique goals — a custom-built trail experience or a long-distance hike they've always dreamed of.
Coach Eric has spent 20 years leading others to a life full of experiences and greater fitness. With a passion for 'whole-person management,' he focuses on helping individuals with endurance and personal growth, believing that when people do hard things they become better in all areas of life. Eric is a great coach — and example — for the business leader working to fit fitness into an already busy life.