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Ever wonder what happens when you take a collegiate mile record holder and unleash her on mountain trails? Sophie Wright is showing us exactly that as she transitions from Western Washington University track star to mountain running phenom. Fresh off her selection to the 2025 Trail Team Elite Team, Sophie joins the Steep Stuff Podcast to discuss her approach to the upcoming Sun of Peace Scramble race.

With a resume that includes the mile record at her university, a top-five finish at the legendary Mount Marathon race, and an overall win at Cirque Series Alyaska, Sophie brings serious credentials to this qualifying event. What makes her story particularly fascinating is the contrast between her track background and her growing prowess on technical mountain terrain. "I've been trying to get out of that mentality from college running where every hard workout is on the track," Sophie explains, detailing how she's focused on accumulating vertical gain and threshold training rather than traditional speed work.

The Sun of Peace Scramble's unique double-loop format presents strategic challenges, with Sophie planning to "stay calm and collected" on the first loop before attacking the more technical second section. Despite never having raced on East Coast trails, her confidence stems from years navigating Alaska's notoriously challenging mountain routes. Her goal? A top-four finish that would earn her a spot representing Team USA, a lifelong dream. "I do want to race hard for everyone who has helped me grow up to be this runner," she shares, capturing the blend of personal ambition and community gratitude that fuels her running. As Sophie prepares to relocate to Colorado immediately after the race, we're witnessing the exciting evolution of a rising trail running star who refuses to place limits on what she can achieve. Subscribe now to follow Sophie's journey and hear more compelling stories from the trail running world.

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