Recap: mammoth trailfest. 2025

This year, we partnered up with the good folks of mammoth trailfest. to create an adaptive category for their 21K race. We also welcomed adaptive runners to the 1K and 10K race distances as well. It was a beautiful weekend of community, conversation, and trail running.

Race Director Tim Tollefson at the starting line of the 10K holding a pink flare to signal the start of the first race event. (Photo credit mammoth trailfest)

Over the past few years, Born to Adapt has been building an adaptive blueprint to help make existing trail races (more) adaptive-friendly. We could think of no better partner race than mammoth trailfest., founded and co-run by our good friend Tim Tollefson.

“We crafted trailfest. from a place of community, stewardship, and storytelling,” said Tim Tollefson. “So when Zach pitched the idea of using Mammoth as a test run for what Born to Adapt had been building it was a partnership lock.” B2A founder Zach Friedley visited Tim at Mammoth Lakes a few months before the event to scope out the route, ensure accessibility for adaptive athletes, and of course, get in some high-fives at high altitude. Thanks to Visit Mammoth Lakes, a few of the miles (and smiles) were captured on camera.

We’re grateful to our partners, who share our vision for the future of trail racing. “Working with Born to Adapt has been like hitting the ‘easy button,’” Tim said.

“They have the lived experience and toolkit to create an inclusive space, all we did was listen and give them a platform to make the difference. We are lucky to have people like Zach in our community and look forward to adaptive inclusion being a worldwide universal offering in trail.”

This year, 5 adaptive athletes toed the starting lines: Leah Kaplan (21K), Joel Sampson (21K), Shaun Wahl (10K and 1K), Heather Shorey (Devil’s Back Ascent), and Zachary Friedley (21K). What did they have to say about their experience?

Joel Sampson and Zach Friedley at 11,000’ and the midway point of the 21K.

“Mammoth was mentally challenging, but also incredibly meaningful because we got to represent,” said Leah Kaplan, a competitive triathlete who chose mammoth trailfest. as her first trail race ever.

“Being out there wasn’t just about the miles! It was about showing what’s possible and being part of something bigger than myself. The community was so open and kind, and what struck me most is that nobody asked about finish times. Instead, it was all about encouragement, support, and celebrating each other. Crossing the finish line felt like a moment where everyone was there for you, no matter your pace or your story. That sense of belonging and shared purpose is what made the weekend so impactful.”

Leah Kaplan at the summit, and midway point, of mammoth 21K.

A big congrats are in order, as all of our adaptive athletes finished their respective races. And we’re grateful to Tim and everyone at mammoth trailfest for making us feel right at home in the high mountains. We can’t wait to return for mammoth trailfest 2026, and look forward to bringing our Born to Adapt blueprint to other iconic races around the country.

If you’re interested in joining us next year — whether you want to run or just come cheer folks on — sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social, as we’ll let you know when registration is open.

Shaun Wahl (center) with Zach Friedley (left), who just finished the 21K, and race director Tim Tollefson (right).

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