Lisa Smith-Batchen is an ultra-runner considered to be one of North America’s top endurance athletes. Stories about her athletic achievements have appeared on the covers of The NY Times, The LA Times, The Washington Post and Winning Magazine. Additionally, she has appeared in Runner’s World, Sports Illustrated for Women, ESPN Magazine, Outside Magazine, Ultrarunning and many more national and international publications.

Lisa is the only American woman to win the Marathon Des Sables (women’s division), a seven day endurance event across the Sahara Desert. She has won the women’s division of the Badwater Ultramarathon (not once, but twice!) and was featured in Running Under the Sun, a film about Badwater. Her numerous accomplishments include completion of more than 30 ultra marathons (races that exceed 26.2 miles), 90 marathons, and 7 Ironman triathlons — not to mention being a wife, mother of two young children, coach, blogger, and founder of Dreamchasers Outdoor Adventure Club.

In July 2008 Lisa will run her 9th Badwater race, an event recognized as ‘the world’s toughest foot race,’ it covers 135 miles from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA in temperatures up to 130°. It’s a demanding and extreme running race, yet she continues to push herself time after time toward becoming the first woman to complete the Badwater 10 times. Lisa’s inspiring ability to overcome extreme challenge is often motivated by a greater purpose. From more than 2 decades, she has been a dedicated fundraiser for the Religious Teachers Filippini, a charity that has helped educate women and children around the world for more than 300 years.

Run With Purpose: “Never doubt that a small group of committed individuals can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead

When Lisa isn’t training for, running, or crewing an endurance event, she is a trusted coach who works with everyone from weekend warriors to Olympic hopefuls. With more than 20 years of experience as a personal trainer and coach, she is a proven motivator and an expert on health, fitness and nutrition.  {Read Lisa’s Tips From a Pro»}

Badwater Double: In 2006, Lisa completed the Badwater race, continuing past the finish line to summit Mount Whitney (14,491 feet, the tallest peak in the US) then retracing her steps back to the Badwater. That’s 300 miles! See Lisa complete a lifelong goal in this video.