This week on The Trailhead, Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard sit down with one of ultrarunning’s most quietly legendary figures: Junko Kazukawa. A two-time Leadwoman, breast cancer survivor, and one of the few athletes to complete both the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning and the Leadwoman series in a single year, Junko’s story is a masterclass in resilience and joy.

Born in Sapporo, Japan, and now based in Denver, Junko shares how she started running in the U.S. after coming over as a student, how she trained through cancer treatments, and why she still lines up for 100- and 200-mile races at age 62. She talks about the identity and community she’s built through the sport, how her view of fitness has evolved over decades, and why she believes “glutes are everything.”

We also hear about her favorite races around the world, from the Tour de Géants to Mount Fuji, and what keeps her motivated to take on new challenges even as recovery gets harder with age. Whether you’re chasing your first ultra or your 26th, Junko’s joy and perspective will make you want to lace up and keep going.

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