Running 135 Miles: The Loneliest Race on Earth

Mark
Jul 3, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Nov 6, 2025

In the demanding world of endurance sports, Jarom and Heath Thurston stand as incredible examples of resilience and connection. These brothers have not only pushed their physical limits but have crafted lives enriched by the lessons learned through community, perseverance, and vulnerability. Their insightful conversation on the Double Helix podcast unveils the trans-formative impact of sport and connection on personal growth and mental health.

The Journey Begins

Jarom Thurston, an ultra-marathoner known for running grueling 135-mile races, and Heath Thurston, a retired professional triathlete deeply involved in the swimming community, both hail from Utah County where competitive swimming was a family cornerstone. Their athletic pursuits have been shaped by family influence, early exposure to sport, and an enduring passion for endurance disciplines. Jarom’s ultra marathons have taken him across terrains like Brazil’s demanding mountains, while Heath’s triathlon career was honed by swimming and coaching.

Overcoming Challenges

The Thurstons openly share the obstacles they’ve faced. Jarom’s ultra marathon path began humbly, spurred by his brother’s achievements and driven by sheer curiosity and will. His journey wasn’t without setbacks — including injury and physical hardship — but unwavering support from family and fellow athletes made all the difference. Heath battled depression and anxiety even while performing at a professional level, highlighting the critical importance of mental health alongside physical fitness. Their stories illustrate how resilience is cultivated not just by physical training but by embracing vulnerability and community.

Lessons Learned

Throughout their conversation, several key lessons emerge, applicable both to sports and life:

Get involved: Taking the first step to immerpowese yourself opens the door to growth and connection.
Be vulnerable: Honest sharing fosters deeper support and accelerates progress.
Find your tribe: Surrounding yourself with understanding and motivating people sustains endurance.
Love the journey: Shifting focus from competition to enjoyment enhances motivation and well-being.
Ask questions and be curious: Continuous learning strengthens competence and confidence.
Support others through tough times: Shared hardship unites and inspires growth.
Embrace setbacks: Viewing setbacks as opportunities to learn fuels long-term success.

The Power of Community

For Jarom and Heath, the connections in their athletic communities have been transformative. Whether crewing during ultra marathons, mentoring athletes, or simply sharing experiences, the support systems they’ve built provide vital encouragement. This social support acts as a mental and emotional anchor, proving essential in pushing through physical and psychological barriers. Research supports this, showing that community involvement promotes mental resilience and improves athletic performance (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010).

One Thing You Can Do Today: Get Involved and Reach Out

Inspired by the Thurstons’ advice, take a proactive step today—get involved in a community or sport that interests you and reach out to others with curiosity and openness. This could mean joining a local running group, attending a triathlon clinic, or simply starting a conversation with someone who shares your interests. Studies show that social engagement enhances mental health, motivation, and personal growth, making it one of the most effective ways to build resilience and joy in life.

Jarom and Heath Thurston’s stories affirm that endurance is not just physical but deeply rooted in connection, mindset, and support. Their experiences offer valuable lessons on embracing vulnerability, community, and the joy of the journey. For those seeking inspiration and practical insights into the science of connection, their conversation on Double Helix is an unforgettable resource.

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