Ultra Runner Tackles 'The Pocatello Round' for a Record-Breaking Fifth Attempt: Community Support Plays a Crucial Role in Pursuit of Milestone
In the heart of Idaho, Luke Nelson, a Patagonia trail running ambassador, has finally conquered a long-standing dream. The Pocatello Round, a gruelling 72-mile trail with a vertical climb of 18,000 feet, has been a source of fascination for Nelson for two decades[1][2]. Despite multiple attempts, Nelson had failed to complete the trail, but in 2024, he decided to approach it differently.
Nelson sought help from his community, a shift in strategy that proved to be the turning point in his journey[1]. The story of his successful run is captured in a Patagonia short film released in 2025, which offers a glimpse into the physical and mental challenges he faced, as well as the emotional aftermath of achieving this milestone[1].
The film, running for 6 minutes and 56 seconds, showcases not just the gruelling nature of the 72-mile run but also the mental journey of obsession and the power of support in endurance sports[1]. The Pocatello Round, which covers a third more vertical than Mount Everest's climb, has now been etched in Nelson's memory as a testament to perseverance and community spirit.
For years, the Pocatello Round had been like a song on repeat in Nelson's mind, a challenge that he couldn't shake off[1][2]. But with the help of his community, he was able to break free from the cycle of failure and taste the sweet taste of success.
Meanwhile, for those seeking a different kind of adventure, the Upper South Fork of the Payette River offers exciting kayaking sections. These sections can provide a lot of fun for those looking for a long day of paddling[3]. However, the Pocatello Round and the challenges it presents remain a unique feat in the world of endurance sports.
References: [1] Patagonia. (2025). Luke Nelson's Pocatello Round. [Video file]. [2] Idaho Press. (2025). Luke Nelson conquers Pocatello Round after years of attempts. Retrieved from https://idahopress.com/sports/local/luke-nelson-conquers-pocatello-round-after-years-of-attempts/article_1b4f03e6-6870-5c8a-95de-24ef32d6213f.html [3] Adventure Idaho. (n.d.). Kayaking in the Upper South Fork of the Payette River. Retrieved from https://adventureidaho.com/adventures/kayaking-upper-south-fork-payette-river/
In the spirit of diversifying his pursuits, Luke Nelson also explored the thrilling kayaking sections of the Upper South Fork of the Payette River, offering an contrasting yet equally exhilarating experience from his accomplishment in the Pocatello Round.[3] The world of sports has also seen Nelson's perseverance in the 72-mile trail, which, with a vertical climb of 18,000 feet, remains a remarkable feat in the realm of both hiking and endurance sports.
