AUBURN, CALIF. — The 2025 Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB once again turned the Sierra foothills into a stage for extraordinary effort and determination. Across punishing climbs and unforgiving descents, hundreds of runners dug deep, pushing themselves to the edge in pursuit of personal breakthroughs and hard-earned finishes.

Aroa Sio and Tom Sullivan fought through every mile of the 100, crossing the line in two incredible 2nd places. Júpiter battled hard for 7th in a fierce 100K. Grant gave it everything he had — sometimes courage looks like knowing when to stop. And Tommy Rivs ran the 25K with pure joy, back where he loves to be.

“This weekend I got to try something new. Running one hundred miles.”

For Tom Sullivan, this wasn’t just another race. It was his first time attempting the 100-mile distance, and a major step forward in a journey that began with a single 30K not long ago.

With a belief that we’re all capable of more than we realize, Tom pushed through a day of intense highs and lows. He took the lead at Foresthill, held it until mile 92, and ultimately crossed the finish in a remarkable second place. But his focus was never on podiums—it was about running with intention.

“When I got lonely out there, I told myself that I would run the next mile for a friend… so when it got hard, I had my people out there with me.”

The race became more than a test of endurance—it was a tribute to the people who’ve been part of his journey. In the loneliest miles after Devil’s Thumb, through poison oak near Cal 2, and up the endless road to Driver’s Flat, Tom leaned on memories and friendships to keep moving forward. 

By the final stretch, he was joined by friends, cheered on by teammates, and lifted by the presence of his family. Alongside fellow runners like Aroa Sio, Júpiter Careracasas, and Tommy Rivs, Tom helped turn this race into something far larger than individual results. It was a celebration of heart, team spirit, and the quiet courage to keep showing up.

In the end, the trail left its mark on everyone—physically, emotionally, and deeply.

“My toenails might never be the same. Neither will I. Isn’t that the point?”