‘Hardships never last’: Jenn Lichter’s path from Colombian orphanage to ultrarunning records

Jenn Lichter’s childhood followed a difficult path. The resilience she gained helped her achieve an unbreakable ultrarunning feat this summer

‘Hardships never last’: Jenn Lichter’s path from Colombian orphanage to ultrarunning records

TL;DR

  • Jenn Lichter broke the Western States 100 course record, previously thought to be unbreakable.
  • Lichter was adopted from a Colombian orphanage at age nine and faced challenges adapting to a new language and culture.
  • She experienced trauma related to her early life, which led to a diagnosis of anorexia.
  • Lichter found running as a means of control and later rediscovered her passion for the sport, leading to a professional career.
  • Her competitive spirit and focus on self-care propelled her to win major races and ultimately break the prestigious 100-mile record.