A Birmingham native has made history after winning one of the toughest ultramarathons in the United States.
Historic Win at Cocodona 250
Dr. Rachel Entrekin, a Birmingham native and University of Alabama at Birmingham graduate, won the women’s division and finished first overall at the Cocodona 250-mile ultramarathon in Arizona. She completed the race in 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 48 seconds, setting a record-winning performance.
The race took place over three days, beginning on May 4 and ending May 6. Entrekin competed against roughly 400 runners in an event known for its extreme difficulty and long-distance endurance demands. The course stretches from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff and includes more than 38,000 feet of elevation gain across rugged terrain.
Endurance Through Extreme Conditions
Entrekin maintained a steady pace of about 13 minutes per mile throughout the race. Reports noted that she only stopped for sleep three times during the entire event, with each rest break lasting less than 10 minutes. In total, she slept for just 19 minutes over the course of more than two days of running.
Despite the extreme physical demands, she stayed consistent and pushed through the entire course while maintaining competitive speed. Her performance placed her ahead of all other competitors, not just in the women’s field but across the entire race.
Alabama Athlete’s Path to Ultramarathon Success
Entrekin, who attended Bob Jones High School in Madison and later studied at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has competed in ultramarathons before. She previously ran the Cocodona 250 in 2024, gaining experience on the same challenging course.
She described a mindset focused on possibility and determination throughout the race, emphasizing self-belief as a key factor in her success. Her victory adds to a growing list of notable athletic achievements connected to Alabama runners on the national stage.
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