Mike Coutu

Mike Coutu of Easton, Maryland had just finished running in Ireland when we caught up with him. His running resume includes a regular runner’s wishlist of epic races, except he has actually done them. His next big runs are to support veterans and their mental health; read the details here as to how you might partner with him.

When did you start running? 
I’ve always been a runner as I played soccer growing up, into high school and college, and eventually in the military. I started running recreationally for races in 2014. 

What’s your running journey been like? Did you jump right into ultras or was it a gradual buildup? 
It was slightly gradual and then I dove in headfirst. I ran my first road half marathon in 2014, my first trail race in 2015, my first ultra in 2016, and then a 50k, my first 50 miler, first 100k, and first 100 miler in 2017. I caught the bug and the rest is history as they say.

To say you’ve had epic adventures is an understatement. You just ran the Kerry Way Ultra 200K, 120 miles around the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. Was this your first race outside the United States? 
This was my second year (I ran in 2024) running the Kerry Way Ultra 200k and my second finish there. It was my first international race and had been on my bucket list since 2015. I fell in love with Ireland, this race, and the community – and I plan to go back for my third year in 2026. It is a great first international race for anyone and along with the solo 200k they offer a 200k relay option as well as a 101k and 58k. You can’t beat the beauty of Ireland and the Ring of Kerry. 

What are your most notable races?
My most notable races are the Badwater 135, Kerry Way Ultra 200k, Cruel Jewel 100, Habanero Hundred 100, Badwater Salton Sea 81 Miler, Black Forest Ultra 100k, and DUC 100k. 

You are a Navy veteran. First, thank you for your service. Second, tell us about the race you’ll be doing to support veterans, the Dark Sky 220.
In 2026, I am running the Cocodona 250. I am running on a “charity bib” which means I have partnered with the Warrior Trail Foundation and am raising $6,000 to earn my entry into the race. This November 11th on Veterans Day, I will embark on a 220 mile run in Pennsylvania called the Dark Sky 220 which is a race put on by the Warrior Trail Foundation. These two races go hand in hand for me as they support a cause near and dear to my heart. I had originally signed up for another 100 miler in October but when I found out WTF was hosting their own race, I knew I needed to be a part of it. There are also the Cherry Springs 100 and the Wooly 50k – each race has an entry fee of $22 which symbolizes the 22 veterans we lose to suicide every day, along with that you are encouraged to raise at least $300 for the foundation. There are plenty of spots left so feel free to sign up and join in on the fun!

Here is a little more about the foundation: “The Warrior Trail Foundation is dedicated to supporting veterans by harnessing the power of endurance sports and the outdoors. Through trail running, rucking, and community events, we provide opportunities for warriors to challenge themselves, reconnect with others who share their experiences, and rediscover a sense of purpose beyond military service. Our mission is to build resilience, foster camaraderie, and inspire growth on and off the trail, reminding every veteran that they are never alone in the journey.”

What is the deadline for you to receive donations? 
Donations will be accepted through May 5, 2026, the start of the Cocodona 250. We have raised $2,013 so far and my personal goal is to have $4,500 raised by the end of December. These donations go directly to the Warrior Trail Foundation and help provide our nation’s veterans with coaching, community, camaraderie, gear, etc. that gets them out on the trail and into nature. There really is nothing better than trail therapy. More information on the foundation can be found at the website here: https://warriortrail.org/

And donations can be made here: https://runsignup.com/_ijustfeltlikerunning_

How do you train for ultras?  Are there non-negotiables of training? 
I typically run 5-6 days a week and try to get at least 1-2 days on the trails. Typically during the work week I am running roads and I hit trails on the weekend. I also strength train with bodyweight exercises 1-2 days per week. It’s hard to have non-negotiables when you have a busy schedule but what I like to focus on is being consistent and hitting certain weekly goals set by my coach. If I can hit weekly mileage, time on feet, and make it to the trail then that is a win for me.   

What do you do when not running? 
When I’m not running I am spending time with my wife, stepson, and dogs, working at our horse farm, traveling, listening to running podcasts, nerding out over new running gear, finishing my degree, and being a fan of the great sport of ultrarunning. 

Will we see you at Algonquin 50K this year? How many have you done? 
I have been at Algonquin the past three years; the first two years I ran DUC 100k, and last year I helped my parents do the finish line food. They used to own Market Street Deli in Pocomoke and have done food the past three years. Never count me out of DUC 100k. I’d love to run again in 2026; it’s my favorite Delmarva ultra.

Anything you’d like to add?
I’d just like to take a second to thank a few people – Tom Coutu, my hero & father, he’s always believed in me; Tom Westcott, my friend and high school soccer coach, he introduced me to running outside of organized sports, and taught me how to love the run; my wife Caitlin and stepson Conner, they always support and believe in me, and have crewed some of my toughest ultras, I love you guys!; all of my Dallas Dirt Runners/Trailhead Running Supply crew, you guys rock; my coach Karl Meltzer; and lastly Trent & Gabe of the ALQ/DUC crew, thanks for creating such an amazing running community – the best on Delmarva, dare I say THE WORLD!