STORY BY KAREN BOSSICK

PHOTOS BY THOMAS SMILEY

Runners cruised through spectacular fall colors and superb fall weather, thumbing their noses at a forecast that had called for snow, as they tackled the fifth annual Legends Never Die Trail Race held Saturday, Oct. 4, at Oregon Gulch north of Ketchum.

It wasn’t exactly a breeze, however, as those doing the 55K Ultra Marathon amassed 6,781 vertical feet and those running the Half Marathon gained 2,450 vertical feet. Fortunately, they had energetic volunteers and spectators cheering them on.

Timmy Parr set a new course record for the Men’s Half Marathon with a time of 1 hour, 34 minutes 37.7 seconds.

Three course records were broken, with each record holder earning a $200 prize. Top finishers also received gear from Vimazi and lululemon.

Shane Berry set a course record for the Men’s Ultra Marathon with a time of 4:47:35.9. Leigh Anne Wasteney claimed the course record for the Women’s Ultra Marathon with a time of 5:56:17.9.

Timmy Parr set a course record for the Men’s Half Marathon with a time of 1:34:37.7. The winner of the Women’s Hal Marathon was Taylor Ganz with a time of 1:57:48.7.

“This was our best year yet,” said Race Director Thomas Smiley, who was inspired to name the race after his grandfather, a legendary hero during World War II. “Keep chasing the hard things—that’s where the legends are made.”

Breah Kirk, 13, was the youngest finisher of the Half Marathon with a time of 2:43:15.

Ten percent of the race proceeds will be donated to Higher Ground and the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. The 6th annual Legends Never Die is set for Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Complete race results are online at https://competitivetiming.com/legends-never-die-results/.

Runners give two fingers up at the staging area as the sun peeps over the hills.

Runners fan out over Oregon Gulch.