Kilian Korth is part of a new group of endurance athletes known for being steady, disciplined, and thoughtful. Starting as a competitive swimmer in the United Kingdom and now setting records in ultra-distance running in the United States, his journey shows a careful and strong approach to both physical training and mental strength.
Facts: Kilian Korth
| Facts | Details |
| Full Name | Kilian Korth |
| Birth Year | Circa 1995–1996 |
| Age (2025) | 29 years old |
| Birthplace | Bury St. Edmunds, England |
| Nationality | British-born American |
| Current Base | Colorado, United States |
| Parents | Kathy Korth, William Korth |
| Siblings | Two |
| Education | American University, Washington, D.C. |
| Degree | Political Science |
| GPA | 3.64 |
| Academic Honors | Patriot League Academic All-League (2016) |
| Early Sport | Competitive Swimming (Backstroke) |
| Notable Early Wins | Regional backstroke championships (2010, 2012) |
| Current Sports | Ultramarathon Running, Backcountry Skiing |
| Coaching Role | Ultrarunning Coach, Everyday Ultra |
| Brand Affiliation | Icelantic Skis (Demo Team Ambassador) |
| Social Handle | runtoughmindset |
| Known For | Triple Crown of 200s sweep (2025) |
Early Life and Personal Background
Kilian Korth was born around 1995 and grew up in Bury St. Edmunds, England. He was raised in a caring family with his parents, Kathy and William Korth, and two siblings. From a young age, Kilian showed an interest in sports and worked hard, which helped him later in his career as an endurance athlete.
Today, Kilian lives in Colorado, USA, but his British childhood helped shape who he is. The mix of guidance and freedom he had growing up prepared him well for the challenges of ultra-endurance sports.
A Foundation in Competitive Swimming
Before Kilian Korth became known for running very long distances that take days, he was a competitive swimmer. As a young swimmer, he focused on the backstroke and did very well, winning regional backstroke championships in 2010 and 2012.
Swimming taught him important skills like being consistent, paying attention to technique, and getting used to long hours of training. Even though swimming is very different from ultrarunning, the mental strength he built—pushing through discomfort while staying focused—helped him a lot. This early part of his athletic life helped prepare him for his later success in endurance sports.
Education and Academic Excellence
Korth attended Lakenheath High School in England, where he balanced academics with competitive athletics. His pursuit of higher education led him across the Atlantic to American University in Washington, D.C.
At American University, Korth majored in political science, continuing to compete as a swimmer while maintaining strong academic performance. His dedication was formally recognized in 2016 when he earned Patriot League Academic All-League honors, graduating with a 3.64 GPA. This academic achievement reflects the same discipline and long-term thinking that would later define his endurance career.
Transition from Swimming to Ultramarathons
After finishing university, Kilian Korth decided to stop swimming. Instead of choosing a common sport, he started ultra-distance trail running. This sport needs patience, careful pacing, and strong mental toughness.
He began by running 50-mile and 100-mile trail races, slowly running longer distances as he gained experience and confidence. He focused on adapting his body and mind rather than running fast. Over time, Kilian started running races over 200 miles, becoming one of the few athletes who can keep going strongly for many days.
Establishing a Presence in the Ultrarunning Community
As Kilian Korth ran longer races, he became well known not just as a runner but as a thoughtful part of the ultrarunning community. He focuses on good preparation, clear thinking, and respecting the natural places where he trains and races.
Besides racing, Kilian works as an ultrarunning coach with the “Everyday Ultra” program. He helps other runners build steady training habits and set realistic goals. His coaching is based on real experience, with a focus on being consistent and mentally ready.
The Triple Crown of 200s: A Defining Achievement
Korth’s career reached a historic milestone in 2025, when he accomplished one of the most demanding feats in modern ultrarunning: winning the Ultra Trail Triple Crown of 200s in a single year.
The Triple Crown consists of three grueling races:
- Tahoe 200 Endurance Run
- Bigfoot 200 Endurance Run
- Moab 240 Ultra Marathon
Korth won all three events in 2025, becoming the first athlete to sweep the entire series in one year. Even more remarkably, he set a new combined men’s record time of 156:30:20, surpassing the previous record by a wide margin. This achievement placed him firmly among the elite figures in ultra-endurance history.
Individual Race Highlights
Each of Kilian Korth’s Triple Crown wins was a big achievement. At the Bigfoot 200, he not only finished first but also set a new course record, showing he can perform at his best on different types of land and in tough conditions.
At the Tahoe 200, he showed steady pacing and strong mental control, which are very important for racing at high altitudes. His win at the Moab 240, one of the longest and hardest ultramarathons in the world—completed the Triple Crown and showed his amazing endurance.
Life Beyond Running: Skiing and Outdoor Exploration
Korth’s identity as an athlete extends good beyond running. He is an avid backcountry skier and serves as a demo team ambassador for Icelantic Skis, reflecting his deep involvement in mountain sports. Living in Colorado allows him to train year-round in challenging environments that test both physical and mental limits.
He has also undertaken extended wilderness expeditions, including a 16-day trek in Alaska, which he describes as one of his most meaningful outdoor experiences. These expeditions highlight his appreciation for solitude, exploration, and the mental clarity found in remote landscapes.
Training Philosophy and Mental Approach
One of the most important parts of Kilian Korth’s success is his mindset. Ultra-distance races require runners to handle uncertainty, tiredness, and discomfort for a long time. Kilian believes that mental strength can be built with practice; it is not something you are just born with.
He shares his ideas about training, racing, and life through podcasts and social media, often using the name “runtoughmindset.” His messages are honest and real, focusing on lessons learned from trying hard, facing challenges, and never giving up.
Age, Physical Profile, and Public Presence
As of 2025, Kilian Korth has been described in media coverage as a twenty-nine-year-old athlete, suggesting a birth year around 1995–1996. His exact birthdate and physical measurements, including height, are not publicly documented, a reflection of his preference for keeping certain aspects of his life private.
A Measured Legacy in the Making
Kilian Korth’s story is about more than just winning races or breaking records. It shows patience, a love of learning, and a deep connection to endurance as both a physical and mental challenge. His move from swimming to ultrarunning, his focus on education, and his big Triple Crown win all show a careful and steady path, not shortcuts.
As ultra-endurance sports become more popular, Kilian is a great example of what can be achieved with steady focus and respect for the process. Whether he is racing, coaching, or exploring, his influence in the endurance community will likely keep growing—quietly, carefully, and with lasting effect.
