"When we ran the mile in Lower School around StC’s track, I thought that was the biggest deal,” said alumnus Michael Doyle '03. Little did Doyle know then that he would someday complete the Moab 240, one of the most challenging competitive footraces in the world. The 240-mile race in Southeast Utah takes participants through two national parks, two mountain ranges, an assortment of deserts and canyons, and the process is a non-stop moving effort. 

 

“Moab was an incredible, yet wildly demanding experience. Aside from the pain and sleep deprivation, it really was a beautiful and fun race that rewards preparation, grit and teamwork” said Doyle.

 

To physically prepare, Doyle ran up to 110 miles per week. “I was running at least a marathon to fifty miles every Saturday,” said Doyle. However, he believes that preparing himself mentally for the race was even more important. “At no point did I think I wouldn’t succeed, but you need to be able to take hits and react quickly when things don’t go as planned. You build up the strength and fitness, but your mental fortitude is hands-down the most important aspect as it will be tested,” said Doyle.

 

The race attracts endurance athletes from around the world, and one of the best parts of the event for him was meeting people from a variety of backgrounds, each with unique stories and motivations. “It’s really cool and humbling to meet these types of athletes,” he said. “They just have these fundamental driving forces.” 

 

While pursuing an MBA in 2018, Doyle began trail running with his classmates. He’d previously completed Ironman triathlons and various endurance events, but trail running offered an avenue to blend competition with his love of the outdoors.

 

Doyle ultimately traces his motivation for competing at such a high level to his time at StC. “They instilled two things in us: a focus on academics and an appreciation for competition. In school, you create these foundations that you don’t fully realize until later in life,” said Doyle. “They are what helped me to get where I am today, both in business and sport.”