Megan Kimmel Obituary, Megan Kimmel, a legendary figure in the world of mountain and sky running, has passed away at the age of 45, leaving a profound void in the discipline she dominated over the past decade. The International Skyrunning Federation announced her death, describing her as an “outstanding mountain runner and a true skyrunner whose legacy will endure.” Rail running, and the broader skyrunning community, mourn the loss of a remarkable athlete whose achievements inspired countless enthusiasts worldwide.
Born in Denver in 1980, Megan’s journey to greatness began after a strong showing at the 2014 Skyrunning World Championships in Chamonix, where she finished second. Her ascent to prominence was swift and relentless. In 2015, she won the Dolomites SkyRace, setting a record of 2:25:57, a feat that exemplified her speed and stamina. Over the years, she accumulated an impressive list of victories, including wins at Matterhorn Ultraks, The Rut, Livigno SkyMarathon, Limone Extreme, and Yading Skyrun (twice). Megan’s versatility was evident, excelling across diverse terrains and distances.
Her record-breaking achievements extended beyond skyrunning. In 2018, she made history by shattering the Pikes Peak Marathon record, completing the 42-kilometer race in 3 hours, 32 minutes, and 19 seconds—more than 40 minutes faster than the previous record set in 1981. Megan’s exceptional performance at altitude showcased her unique talent and preparation, exemplified by her own words: “I knew what the race record was, but I didn’t think it was possible. I simply kept a healthy pace because I didn’t know who was behind me.”
In 2019, Megan continued to shine, finishing third at Transvulcania and the Mount Awa SkyRace. Her dedication extended beyond competition, as she balanced her athletic pursuits with her early passions for cross-country, ski touring, and mountain skiing. As a longtime member of the Salomon team, Megan inspired many with her resilience, versatility, and love for the mountains. Megan Kimmel’s legacy is etched into the history of skyrunning, an extraordinary athlete whose spirit will continue to motivate future generations.
