This is My Story…
I feel most alive when I’m running up a steep mountain.
Both of my parents are from Jiquilpan, Michoacan, Mexico. I was born in California and grew up on an Avocado Ranch in Cambria.
Life hasn’t always been easy being Mexican/American. I always felt like I had to choose sides until I realized we need people being a bridge between two cultures.
My goal is to use trail running for much more than individual reasons. I hope to bring peace, unity, and love to runners of different backgrounds and cultures.
I race for the USA team and i’m proud of it. I’m also equally proud that my family is from Mexico.
Thanks for joining me on this journey.
MARIO MENDOZA
World Records
- Former 100k Treadmill World Record Holder 6:39 in 2020
- Former 50k Treadmill World Record Holder 2:59 in 2020
USA Trail/Mountain/Ultra/Team Member
- 6th Overall at IAU Trail World Championships 2018
- Top USA Male
- 9th Overall at IAU Trail World Championships 2017
- Top USA Male and Team Bronze Medal
- 10th at WMRA Mountain Running Championships Long Distance 2017
- 2nd USA Male and Team Silver Medal
- 11th at WMRA Mountain Running Championships Long Distance 2016
- Top USA Male
- 19th at WMRA Mountain Running World Championships Long Distance 2015
- 3rd USA Male and Team Silver Medal
USATF Trail Runner of the Year:
- 2018
- 2017
- 2013
- 2010
USATF Trail Championships
- 15 top 3 podium finishes from 10k up to 100 miles
USATF Trail Running National Champion:
- USATF 100k Trail National Champion 2018
- USATF Marathon Trail National Champion 2017
- USATF Marathon Trail National Champion 2015
- USATF 50 Mile Trail National Champion 2015
- USATF 10k Trail National Champion 2013
Additional Highlights:
- 3rd at Puerto Vallarta by UTMB 2023
- 3rd at Quad Dipsea 2023
- 1st at Broken Arrow Triple Crown 2022
- 1st and CR at Tillamook Burn 50 miler 2021
- 1st at Lake Sonoma 50 miler 2021
- Three Sisters Wilderness Loop FKT 2021
- 1st and CR at Run the Rock 50k 2020
- 1st and CR at Ultra Trail of Taiwan 2019
- 1st and CR at Peterson Ridge 40 miler 2019
- 1st and CR at Ultra Trail Mexico 100k 2018
- 1st and CR at McKenzie River 50k
- 3rd Place Lake Sonoma 50 Miler 2018
- 2nd Place USA 100 Mile Trail Champs 2017
- 1st Place Oregon Coast 50k 2017
- Tie for 1st Mt. Bachelor Under Armour 50k 2017
- 1st Place Copper Mountain Under Armour 50k 2017
- 3rd Place Lake Sonoma 50 Miler 2016
- 2nd Place Chuckanut 50k 2016
- 1st Place Swiftwater 50k 2016
- 1st Place Cayuga Trails 50 Miler 2015
- 1st Place Trailfactor 50k 2015
- 2nd Place Ultra Race of Champions 100k 2015
- 1st Place Gorge Waterfalls 50k 2014
- 1st Place Flagstaff Skyrace 2014
- 2nd Place USA Marathon Trail Champs 2014
- 2nd Place USA Half Marathon Trail Champs 2014
- 2nd Place 10k Trail Champs 2014
- 2nd Place USA 50k Trail Champs 2013
- 1st Place Angels Staircase 60k 2013
- 2nd Place USA 50k Trail Champs 2012
- 1st Place Mckenzie River 50k 2012
- 2nd Place USA Half Marathon Trail Champs 2011
- 3rd Place USA 15k Trail Champs 2011
- 2nd Place USA Marathon Trail Champs 2010
- 2nd Place USA 15k Trail Champs 2010