Jim Walmsley’s Journey from Military Life to Ultrarunning Stardom
Jim Walmsley’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of running. Once a military service member, he found his true calling in ultrarunning, a sport that has defined his life and career. His journey is not just about athletic achievement but also about overcoming personal challenges and finding purpose through movement.
A Life Shaped by Running
Walmsley describes himself as an overactive individual who thrives on movement. For him, running is more than a physical activity—it’s a way to channel his energy and find clarity. His job involves running up to 140 miles a week, often on challenging trails. This lifestyle keeps him engaged and focused, allowing him to avoid the restlessness that comes with downtime.
Currently, he is preparing for the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Spain and the Pyrenees. This event is a significant milestone in his training and a chance to showcase his progress. The mental and physical benefits of this preparation are clear. “I get to do longer runs that take me to fun places,” he says. “It’s back to a happy part of my relationship with running.”
From Military Service to a New Path
Walmsley’s journey began at the United States Air Force Academy, where he was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. There, he worked 24-hour shifts in a small, underground room as a nuclear missileer. This environment was far from ideal for someone who loved running. Despite the challenges, he managed to run whenever possible, often venturing into the Montana wilderness.
However, his time in the military was short-lived. A combination of a proficiency test cheating scandal and an earlier DUI charge led to his discharge. This period was difficult for Walmsley, and he struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts. Even now, reflecting on those times is painful. “I haven’t looked back on it too much,” he admits. “It’s still a triggering time, and I like being more in the present.”
Rebuilding Through Running
After leaving the military, Walmsley sought professional help and took a job at a bike shop in Flagstaff, Arizona. It was there that his love for running was reignited. He created a routine around his training, planning each run with enthusiasm. This structure brought stability to his life and helped him move forward from the challenges he faced.
“Running became a bright point for me,” he explains. “It made me happy and gave me something to talk about. The positive feedback from running was a contrast to the negative experiences I had in life.”
This renewed passion for running led him to embrace ultrarunning. He realized that his previous experience in track and cross-country running was just the beginning. The world of ultrarunning offered new challenges and opportunities.
The Challenges of Ultrarunning
Ultrarunning is a demanding sport that tests both physical and mental limits. Races can last many hours or even days, with participants navigating brutal conditions and punishing terrain. It requires endurance, resilience, and a deep understanding of one’s body.
Walmsley’s background in traditional running formats made the transition to ultrarunning challenging. “Getting brought up in American running culture has set me up to have a bunch of fallacies,” he says. “I’d say it makes me not patient enough.”
Over time, he learned the importance of patience and adaptability. He discovered that walking up steep inclines is often faster and more efficient than running. He also learned to manage his fueling and eating habits, even when his stomach rebelled against it.
A Career Defined by Success
Despite the challenges, Walmsley has achieved remarkable success in ultrarunning. He holds the world’s best 50-mile time (4:50:08) and is the course record holder and four-time champion at Western States, an iconic 100-mile ultramarathon in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.
His victory at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) in 2023 was a defining moment in his career. The race, which covers approximately 108 miles and includes 9,900 meters of elevation gain, is considered one of the most difficult and spectacular footraces in the world.
Looking Ahead
Walmsley recently skipped this year’s Western States race due to a knee injury exacerbated during a 120-kilometer run in Chianti, Italy. While frustrated, he is focusing on future-proofing his knee to ensure long-term health.
“I would rather find myself healthy and competing for UTMB again,” he says. “But this year, I’m more afraid about regressing, and I hope to move past this injury.”
Patience has been a key lesson in his ultrarunning career. He understands that taking time to recover is essential for long-term success. “I would like to hope that I’ll be a lifetime runner,” he adds. “It helps me mentally to keep moving.”
Walmsley’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of running. From military service to ultrarunning stardom, his story is one of growth, resilience, and the pursuit of passion.
