Run Koppy

person running on hiking trail

RUN, MICHAEL, RUN!

In June 2025 Michael Koppy aims to be the oldest person to ever complete the Western States 100-mile Endurance Run. Support Michael as he traverses the Sierra Nevada foothills to raise awareness for the programs and communities supported by the Duluth Area Family YMCA.

HISTORY

Michael Koppy, has a guaranteed entry into the June 2025 Western States Endurance Run. If he completes this prestigious 100-mile run within the 30-hour time limit, he will be the oldest person ever to have done so (at age 74)! In the 70+ age category, only two men and one woman have ever completed Western States within 30 hours. When one does, it’s a big deal, and it attracts a lot of attention in the world of endurance athletes.

After nine consecutive years of entering the lottery for the Western States without success, Koppy is thrilled to get a guaranteed entrance in 2025. Each of the past nine years, he has qualified to participate by completing a run of at least 100 miles. In May 2024, Koppy completed the Cocodona 250 miler with a course record in his age category which qualifies him for next year. Now that he has a guaranteed entrance and has met the qualification criteria, all of his training between now and June of 2025 will be directed towards a record-breaking finish in the Western States 100. It will be his crowning achievement to date. But this is more than just a personal goal of his, Koppy wants to use his minor celebrity status to do some good in the world. He will also be running to raise funds for and awareness of the mission and programs of the YMCA.

WHY

The Duluth Area Family YMCA holds a special place in Koppy’s heart. A retired educator and survivor of both polio and the foster care system, he is raising funds to support the Y’s youth development and healthy living programming.

Join Michael Koppy in support of the Y through a gift to the Duluth Area Family YMCA or your local YMCA.