B.C.’ s Emilie Mann smashed the women’s course record at the Run Rabbit Run 100-miler in Steamboat Springs, Colo., on September 15th, finishing in 19 hours, 48 minutes, and five seconds. Mann shattered the previous record of 20:16:54 (set by Colorado’s Michele Yates in 2013) by nearly 30 minutes—and she credits more than just logging miles for her success. The race, notorious for its punishing altitude (it begins at over 2,000 metres and includes 6,000 metres of climbing) pushes athletes to their limits; here’s what Mann told Canadian Running helped her dominate RRR.
It was an impressive 100-mile debut for Mann, who, in 2023, won the Golden Ultra 60K distance, the Sinister 7 50K and the Squamish 50-Mile (running the third-fastest women’s time in the race’s history). Back in 2019, she won the Canadian Long Distance Mountain Running Championship and went on to compete at the World Mountain Running Championships in Argentina, where she finished 57th in the long distance (41.5-km) category. Mann, who is sponsored by Merrell, currently makes her home in Kelowna, B.C.
Running with legends
From the start, Mann found herself running alongside by some of the biggest names in the ultra-trail world. Rather than being intimidated, Mann felt lifted up by the top women competitors. “It was so fun to meet them in person,” she said, of running alongside U.S. runners Leah Yingling (who eventually finished second in 20:19:25), Emily Caldwell (third in the 2021 edition of RRR) and Clare Gallagher (2022 Leadville 100 champ) among other elite women. “When I passed each of them, it was like passing your biggest fan; even when they were in a low, they were so supportive.” These trail-running “celebs” became part of Mann’s motivation to push through, adding a special spark to her 100-mile journey.
A team effort
Mann had her partner, Tim Ropchan, crewing for her every step of the way, and she credits their teamwork as a significant part of her success. Their first aid station transition didn’t go as planned—Mann accidentally left wearing two different shoes! “Tim sprinted after me with the correct shoe,” she says. “We nailed all the other aid stations, though.” His steady support was critical in keeping her grounded as the miles piled up.
A coach who set the bar high
Mann credits her coach, Dave Stevens of Nelson, B.C. (Stevens also won RRR in 2019), with giving her the strategy that ultimately led to her victory. “He told me to respect the distance but set a lofty goal,” she explains. She fought the urge to start too fast and held back her speed in the early stages. “It really paid off. I had no major lows aside from an upset stomach for maybe 15km.” This careful pacing, so challenging to do in a longer race, helped her maintain momentum and set her up for a strong finish.
Inspiration from the best
Mann, who grew up in Fernie, B.C., also carried personal inspiration with her in the form of a name written on her thigh—that of beloved Fernie race director Abi Moore, who was killed in a car accident in July. “I wrote Abi Moore’s name with a heart beside it,” she shared, paying tribute to a fellow runner who continues to be a huge inspiration. Abi’s husband, Mike, told Mann that RRR was one of the races Abi had always wanted to do. “I would have loved to race with her,” Mann said. Abi’s name was a powerful connection that helped Mann power forward.
The kindness of fellow runners and volunteers was another key element that lifted Mann throughout the race. Whether competing in the elite category or as regular runners, “everyone was so kind and happy to chat—even at 3 a.m.,” she said. The trail running community’s camaraderie gave her the mental boost she needed during the toughest parts of the race. Mann’s incredible race-day performance was not only due to her fitness and fast feet, but also credited to the support, strategy and inspiration that carried her across the finish line.
