‘ellooo runner 👋 This week, we’re traveling to Hungary for the Budapest Half Marathon, to Arizona to watch Kilian Korth take on the Cocodona 250, and we meet Jim Walmsley. Besides that: shorts with all the pockets and a video you have to send to your (non-running) partner.

Before we dive in, one quick poll:

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Now let’s get started ⤵️

250 miles (around 400 km) through the Arizona desert, in one go. That’s the famous Cocodona 250. Just reading that gives me shivers. There's no shortage of videos from this race, and plenty of them are impressive. But this one from Kilian Korth still stood out. 

Kilian Korth lined up for Cocoon three times. This short doc, Still Standing, follows him on that third attempt.

He is an exceptional runner, but he's so grounded and normal about it that you'll probably catch yourself relating to him more than you'd expect. The people around him make this video extra special. His friends, his mum, and his girlfriend keep showing up for him along the course (what an epic mom you have, Kilian). 

It’s not all sunshine and roses, though. Far from it, actually. But that’s exactly what makes this so good. There’s no masking the pain.

I won't spoil the rest. It's an hour long, really well made, easy to watch, and inspiring. Save it for after your Sunday long run, or put it on tonight to get hyped for the weekend.

How far would you go for one race?

Jim Walmsley packed up his life in Flagstaff, Arizona, and moved to a small village in the French Alps with his wife Jess. The reason? UTMB. He wanted to win it, and living in the mountains around Chamonix felt like the way to get there.

His record there wasn’t pretty. Fifth, a DNF, another DNF, fourth… and then in 2023 he won it. And it wasn’t just any win! He set a course record of 19:37:43. The first American man ever to do it. I highly recommend watching this incredible doc from Wahoo Fitness.

Jim didn’t stop there. He went on to win many other titles, including four Western States titles (plus the course record), and six UltraRunner of the Year awards. And then in 2025, he won the OCC by 20 seconds and became World Long Trail champion.

He is also one of the athletes in Learning to Fly, a new movie now streaming on Prime Video 🍿 I haven’t seen this one yet, but it’s on my list (so don’t be surprised if you see it coming back in the watchlist sometime soon!)

One of my favourite European cities is Budapest (Hungary). I’ve been twice, and both times didn't disappoint. It’s a gorgeous place with lots to offer. And the thermal baths make for a great post-race spa (I recommend this one).

The Budapest Half Marathon is Hungary's largest half marathon, with individual, relay, and 10 km distances. Entries for the individual half are capped at 18,000. Last year, the half attracted runners from about 80 countries.

In 2027, the race takes place on Right now, only registrations for the half distance are open. The current entry fee is €70.

When it comes to racing (road or trail), the one thing I desire most from my kit is pockets. You don’t want to finish a (half) marathon without your phone or be on the trails without enough fuel to get you to the end.

Sure, vests are handy (and sometimes an absolute must), but you know what’s really great? Shorts that do it all. You can’t have enough of those. If I could (afford it), I’d swap all my old running shorts for ones with storage.

One great brand for these types of shorts is Rabbit. They’ve got solid options for both men and women.

Both of the ones pictured above have no shortage of pockets, meaning you can carry your phone, gels, and even a small soft flask. I’ve read the reviews, and they’re all positive. Many reviews say they don’t ride up and don’t show sweat marks. YAY!

Good options for your fall races (or just long runs). Don’t like those colours? Don’t worry, Rabbit’s got plenty more, including different fits. Have a look for yourself.

Marathon training isn’t easy. We all know that.

But if you’re putting in all this effort… then your partner should too, right? 😉

That’s it for another edition of RunLetters. I hope you found something that inspired you, made you smile, or motivated you to lace up again.

Here’s to a great weekend ahead ☀️

Caroline