2016 Tillman Scholar Adam Popp Takes on the Western States 100

Adam Popp continues to push the limits of what’s possible.

A 2016 Tillman Scholar, Adam lost his leg in 2007 while serving as an explosive ordnance disposal technician (EOD) in Afghanistan. For years after, Adam maintained what he describes as a “couch potato” lifestyle, stepping away from physical activity and the active life he once knew. That all changed, however, when he received his first running prosthetic in 2015.

Since then, Adam has set several Guinness World Records, including becoming the first above-knee amputee to finish a 100-mile ultramarathon. On June 28, he tackled yet another impressive challenge: The Western States 100. The annual endurance race, which takes place in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, is the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race and includes 18,000 feet of climbing and 23,000 feet of descent. Adam prepared for the race with fellow amputee and ultrarunning legend Dave Mackey, who supported him on race day as both a crew member and pacer.

“[Dave] is indispensable,” he told UltraRunning Magazine ahead of the race. “Both in the knowledge he has as an elite able-bodied runner and also as an amputee runner. He’s become a great friend and running partner … Who else would you want in your corner?”

He added that he hopes his and Dave’s participation in the race “proves how important” the adaptive sports community is and creates “more equity and opportunities” for athletes with disabilities in the future.

For a deeper look at Adam’s path to the Western States 100, check out coverage from UltraRunning Magazine and iRunFar.