Cole Watson

Cole began running cross country in middle school and eventually found himself competing for the University of Oregon. After college, he started a cross country program at Rogue Community College.  During that time, he continued to train rigorously and qualified for the 2016 US Olympic Trials with a half marathon time of 1:03:50. 

That summer Cole returned to Steens Mountain Running Camp as a coach. During a run, he got lost for approximately 35 miles. The longest he’d ever run before. This experience gave Cole the gift of adventure and the wild idea to attempt running ultras and other technical trail races. 

Later that year, he won the Mt. Ashland Hill Climb, Lithia Loop Trail Marathon, and The North Face California 50k. Soon after, he signed a contract with HOKA ONE ONE.

As a professional, Cole was runner up at the 2017 US 50k Trail Championships, set the Canyons 50k record in 2017, helped team USA to a silver medal at the 2017 World Long Distance Mountain Championships, and was the Chuckanut 50k winner in 2018. Furthermore, he qualified for the 2020 US Olympic Trials at the 2018 California International Marathon with a time of 2:18:05.

Along with running, Cole loves camping, fishing, and exploring with his dog Robie. Originally from Oregon, he currently lives in Folsom, California.