Later Becomes Never: Hannah Allgood's path to Western States

When Hannah Allgood laced up for her first 50K in 2019, she was chasing something quieter than podiums or PR's; she was after a deeper connection to the trails she now calls home. A self-proclaimed late bloomer to the sport, Hannah didn’t grow up competing, nor did she run in college. Her entry came through weekend outdoor adventures with her husband, she found something worth pursuing on the trails. And now, just a few years after her first race, the Golden Gate Dirty 50k, she’s on the start line of Western States 100 as one of the top female contenders.

"That distance was so scary and unknown at that time. Following that race, I realized that I had a lot of room for improvement, but also that I had a new hobby as an adult to pursue."

That pursuit led her deeper into the mountains and into herself. For Hannah, what has begun to emerge is that the trail was never about comparison. It was a place of freedom.

"Trails made me less nervous because I didn’t feel the pressure to hit certain paces or compare what I was doing to someone else. Ultras felt like a space where the mental side mattered just as much as physical speed."

Hannah Allgood (left) on the podium after her first 50K race

Looking Toward Western States

Hannah enters race week having strung together weeks of solid training, a quiet inner belief shaped over years, and a team of people who’ve stood beside her through it all. Looking upon the biggest opportunity in her career to date, she finds herself pausing to reflect on how far she’s come.

"It is easy to get caught up in the tough days but I can always ground myself in the fact that all of this is a surprise to me and that I have already fulfilled the first dreams that I had in this sport."

For Hannah, Western States represents a chance to be part of something bigger, a community of strong women continually reshaping what is possible in trail running.

"They say pressure is a privilege and I feel lucky to be standing on this start line with so many incredible female athletes and run on the trails that so many have done before me."

Hannah on a training run in Colorado

Training With Purpose

Hannah’s story isn’t just about big moments. It’s also about the in-between ones, the quiet choices that have shaped her success. The early morning runs before work, the strength sessions that keep her injury-free, and the steady commitment to training even when motivation fades. It’s the quiet choices, repeated over time, that have shaped her success.

"One thing that I always come back to is 'Later Becomes Never'. This pushes me to go after the big scary goals and give it everything that I have in that moment because I may not get that opportunity again."

A sample week from Hannah's training calendar

Letting go of traditional timelines has been a key part of her growth. Hannah didn’t follow a formula. She carved out her own way and in doing so proved that success in trail running isn’t about how soon you start, it’s about how deeply you commit.

"One of the biggest things that I have had to unlearn is that idea that there's a right timeline or path to success. For a long time, I felt like I was trying to prove something or prove that I belonged because I didn't come from the typical running background as most of my competitors. Letting go of that has been crucial to my success."

That mindset shift didn’t happen overnight. Over time, Hannah has learned to see pain and struggle as teachers, not barriers. She’s learned to stay present, adapt and listen.

"I've learned that the discomfort in my legs and lungs don't always mean stop but rather listen, adjust to the situation and trust your training."

Her evolution as a runner has been intertwined with her relationships, especially her husband, who has supported and grown with her through the journey, and her mother, whose unwavering support laid the foundation long before Hannah ever stepped onto a trail.

"My mom has never run an ultra but she instilled the values of hard work, dedication and gratitude into me. She keeps me grounded."

Left: Hannah and her husband, Gil, at Quandry Peak, CO, Right: Hannah and her mom at Manitou Incline, CO

Why It Matters

Standing at the start line of Western States this week, Hannah's not just reflecting on her own journey. She’s also thinking about the women who might be standing where she once stood just a few years ago, unsure, but hopeful. For them, and for herself, she carries a message of confidence and belief:

"Go after those big dreams, even if right now you are the only one that believes you can achieve them. You don't need to wait for permission or perfect timing to go after your goals. Progress isn't usually very loud or visible, but if you keep showing up and take the small steps to your goals those will compound in time."

During the toughest miles at Western States she’ll return to the words that grounded her through training: calm, light, brave. And when she crosses that finish line, she knows exactly what she’ll feel.

"Grateful for the opportunity to compete in a historic race with my closest friends and husband supporting me."

Hannah’s journey is not linear. It is a reminder that success looks different for everyone. Hers is a story built on patience, persistence and the kind of strength that doesn’t always need to shout to be heard. she’s showing us that sometimes the most powerful paths are the ones you create yourself.