The only obstacle is the mountain in front of you. 

Our Mission

Native Endurance offers unique endurance events for mountain purists.  We believe in honoring the origins of a sport.  That is why the only obstacles you will find on our courses are those provided by Mother Nature:  rocks, roots, mud, snow, wind, rain, ice, and anything in between.  We do not believe in constructing man-made features because it is not in line with our goal to reduce our carbon footprint.

​We take great pride in the selection and mapping of our courses. When you sign up for a Native Endurance event, you're getting the opportunity to compete in one of the most beautiful and challenging venues available - Vermont's Green Mountains.

Most of our races take place on state land, and we encourage you to consider donating to or volunteering to help the nonprofit organizations responsible for maintaining the trails: the Green Mountain Club and the Catamount Trail Association

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Who We Are

Native Endurance was founded by RJ Thompson, endurance athlete, mountain runner, backcountry skier, and winner of the Vermont 50K.  His love for the Green Mountains began in 2002 while studying at the University of Vermont, and his commitment to Vermont’s landscape motivated him to complete his M.S. in Environmental Studies from Green Mountain College.

In 2014, RJ attempted to set the unsupported speed record on the Long Trail, where his training included multiple 45-mile days in a row.  Though an injury sidelined him during the record attempt, another try is in the works.

Click here to listen to RJ's Vermont Edition interview with Jane Lindholm about the Long Trail.