Catra Corbett: The Dirt Diva of Ultra Running

Photo: Howie Stern

Catra Corbett is not your typical ultrarunner. Known as the "Dirt Diva," she’s one of the most colorful, inspiring, and groundbreaking figures in the world of ultra-endurance sports. With her vibrant tattoos, daring fashion, and infectious personality, Catra has carved out a unique place in the ultra-running community. But her story is more than just about running; it’s about redemption, resilience, and discovering purpose through the trails.

From overcoming addiction to running some of the toughest and longest races in the world, Catra Corbett’s journey has inspired thousands. Here's a closer look at her remarkable life, career, and legacy.

From Addiction to Redemption

Catra Corbett’s journey into ultra-running didn’t begin in a typical way. In her earlier years, she struggled with addiction, which led to a turbulent lifestyle filled with challenges and self-destructive behaviors. By her mid-20s, Corbett knew she needed to make a change, and in 1994, she made the life-altering decision to get clean and sober.

Running became her escape, her therapy, and her path to rediscovery. What started as a way to heal her mind and body turned into an obsession—and eventually, a career. Her transformation from addiction to a world-class ultrarunner is one of the most inspiring comeback stories in sports.

Her Philosophy on Recovery and Running

For Catra, ultra-running and sobriety go hand in hand. She often credits running with helping her stay grounded and giving her a sense of purpose. She’s an advocate for using physical activity to overcome addiction, and she frequently shares her story to inspire others to make positive changes in their own lives.

Breaking Boundaries in Ultra-Running

Catra Corbett has achieved feats in ultra-running that most athletes wouldn’t even dream of. She has competed in—and completed—some of the toughest ultra-endurance races in the world. From 100-mile events to multi-day stage races, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.

Notable Achievements

1. Over 100 100-Mile Races CompletedCatra is one of the few athletes to have completed over 100 100-mile races. This monumental accomplishment has cemented her as a legend in the ultra-running world.

2. 200-Mile RacesCatra thrives in extreme challenges, and her success in 200-mile races—such as the Bigfoot 200, the Tahoe 200, and the Moab 240—showcases her unparalleled endurance and mental toughness.

3. Yosemite Double CrossingIn 2004, Catra became the first woman to complete a double crossing of Yosemite National Park, running from one side of the park to the other and back—a grueling 150-mile journey through some of the most rugged terrain in the United States.

4. Fastest Known Times (FKTs)Catra has also set FKTs (Fastest Known Times) on numerous trails, proving her dominance in the sport.

5. Self-TranscendenceIn 2006, she participated in the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race, the longest certified footrace in the world, further demonstrating her commitment to pushing physical and mental limits.

What Makes Catra Unique?

Catra Corbett’s approach to ultra-running is as unique as her personality. Here’s what sets her apart from others in the sport:

1. A Bold, Vibrant Personality

Catra is instantly recognizable on the trail, thanks to her colorful tattoos, bright hair, and unique sense of style. She embraces her individuality and brings a sense of fun to the often-gritty world of ultra-running.

2. Mental Strength and Positivity

Catra thrives in grueling races because of her mental toughness and positive outlook. She embraces the suffering that comes with ultra-running and uses it as an opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection.

3. Advocacy for Sobriety

Catra is open about her struggles with addiction and uses her platform to inspire others. She often participates in races wearing shirts with messages about sobriety, showing that it’s possible to overcome life’s darkest moments.

Training and Lifestyle

Catra’s approach to training and life is as unconventional as she is. She often runs with her dogs and enjoys spending time in nature, which she calls her sanctuary.

• High Mileage: Catra is known for her high-volume training, regularly logging long runs and back-to-back efforts to prepare for ultra-distance events.

• Vegan Lifestyle: As a proud vegan, Catra fuels her body with plant-based foods, proving that you don’t need animal products to excel in endurance sports.

Overcoming Challenges on the Trail

Like all ultrarunners, Catra has faced her share of challenges on the trail. From injuries to extreme weather, she’s learned to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity.

Her mental resilience has helped her overcome the inevitable lows of ultra-running, including sleep deprivation, exhaustion, and the occasional feeling of wanting to quit. Catra views these moments as opportunities to dig deep and test her inner strength.

Author and Storyteller

In 2018, Catra Corbett released her memoir, "Reborn on the Run: My Journey from Addiction to Ultramarathons." The book chronicles her transformation from addiction to ultrarunning, sharing her struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way.

Key Themes in Her Memoir:

• The healing power of running.

• Finding self-worth and confidence through the sport.

• The importance of community and connection in recovery and running.

Her book has been praised for its honesty, humor, and inspiration, making it a must-read for runners and non-runners alike.

Legacy and Impact

Catra Corbett’s impact on the ultra-running world extends far beyond her race results. She’s an inspiration to anyone who has faced adversity and a role model for those looking to turn their lives around.

Inspiring Women in Ultra-Running

As one of the most prominent female ultrarunners, Catra has helped pave the way for more women to enter the sport. Her fearless attitude and unapologetic individuality have shown that there’s no one "right" way to be a runner.

Community Builder

Catra is also known for her generosity and support of other runners. Whether pacing friends at races, sharing advice with beginners, or simply cheering people on, she embodies the supportive spirit of the ultra-running community.

Catra Corbett’s Philosophy

At the heart of Catra’s journey is a belief in transformation and the power of perseverance. Her philosophy is simple:

• Embrace the Suffering: Pain and struggle are part of the process, and overcoming them leads to growth.

• Celebrate Your Uniqueness: Be proud of who you are and never be afraid to stand out.

• Keep Moving Forward: Whether it’s in running or life, progress comes from taking one step at a time.

Conclusion: The Dirt Diva’s Enduring Legacy

Catra Corbett is more than just an ultrarunner—she’s a force of nature. From her incredible race results to her inspiring journey of redemption, she’s proven that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and find strength in the face of adversity.

For those who follow her story, Catra is a reminder that life is full of second chances, and with grit, determination, and a love for what you do, anything is possible. Whether she’s crushing 200-mile races or sharing her story with the world, Catra Corbett continues to inspire runners and non-runners alike to live boldly, authentically, and with purpose.