About

 

“I focus on the “the person,” not solely “the runner,” but who they are on the inside. I use personal strife as a mechanism for self actualization. It’s not a “race” to me.. it’s an endurance run filled with individuals on the search of personal freedom or enlightenment.” ~ “Sherpa” John Lacroix

Since his first ultra in 2005, “Sherpa” John Lacroix has completed over 50 Ultra-Distance events throughout the United States. In 2008, he became the first person in history to run non-stop across New Hampshire’s widest points (RANH); 125 Miles from the western-most point to the eastern-most point of the state. He then repeated the journey in 2009. To date, he remains the only individual to have done so. In 2017 he ran from the lowest point in Colorado, 202 Miles West before summiting the states highest point, Mount Elbert at 14,439′. His 2017 run was completed to raise awareness for Mental Illness and funds for The National Alliance on Mental Illness-Colorado Chapter.

He is also the former race director, and founder, of The New England Ultras 200 Mile Run, the first 200 Mile trail race in the Western Hemisphere (2008). Sherpa also played a pivotal role in the establishment of Obstacle Racing in North America as one of the original founders of the Peak.com Death Race. He has helped design a number of obstacle racing courses in both Vermont and Colorado starting as far back as 2007. He was also on the Peak Races staff from 2006-2010 where he served as an Assistant Race Director, and their expert in course marking of remote and navigationally challenging areas.

As a philanthropist he has raised over $40,000 for various charitable causes including The American Diabetes Association, The LiveStrong Foundation, Conservation New Hampshire, The Seacoast Science Center, and The Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire from 2005-2010 through his athletic endeavors.

John graduated from The University of New Hampshire with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology: Outdoor Education; with concentration areas in Hospitality Management & Recreation Management. He has previously worked as a Professional Guide in Boulder, CO where he led various adventure activities for tourists, as well as designed and facilitated Corporate Adventure Training experiences. John’s clientele has included, Former New England Patriot Tedy Bruschi, local and national professional and collegiate teams and organizations, as well as a collection of Fortune 500 & 100 Companies.

Sherpa John has completed a number of popular and iconic ultra marathons including; The Western States 100 (2x), Leadville Trail 100, Vermont 100 (6x), Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 (2x), Grand Teton 100, Bighorn 100, Cascade Crest Classic 100 (2x), The Miwok 100K (2x), San Juan Solstice, Zane Grey 50, Grand Canyon R2R2R (3x), Trans-Zion, Trans-Bryce, 1 Successful loop at The Barkley Marathons, and countless Fat Ass runs. He bring his more than a decade of experiences in Ultra Running to The Human Potential Running Series.