The 2019 U.S. 1,500m champion, Craig Engels, strayed from the track on Friday in Phoenix, Ariz., to tackle trail running for the first time–and quickly learned just how brutal the sport can be. His mission? Overtake four-time Western States champion Jim Walmsley on the Echo Canyon Summit Climb Strava leaderboard. But despite his speed on the track, Engels’ 18:35 effort over the 1.71-km climb left him straggling behind Walmsley’s mark by a hefty two minutes and 37 seconds.
The Strava segment is located in Echo Canyon Recreation Area in Phoenix, stretching for just over a mile, with 378m of ascent. Walmsley’s 15:58 record tops the leaderboard by nearly 30 seconds. “Oh my god,” Engels said in an Instagram video after his run. “That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It was literally rock climbing–not even a run. I’m going to be so sore.”
At least Engels admits Jim is a legend, writing on Instagram, "
Dear Jim,
You’re a stud, and I’m a fool. Mad respect to your sport; we are different breeds. I shall continue running in circles and you continue as king of the mountains 👑.
Sorely,
Craig
