A curiosity for what the human body can accomplish and a genuine love for the outdoors has led Jeff Mogavero from one adventure to the next.
As the 29-year-old, Missoula-based runner joins the growing On trail team, he’s ready for his next challenge and plans to continue racing competitively while returning to some of the biggest events in ultra running.
Mogavero, originally from Pennsylvania, discovered his passion for trail running at a young age. While attending St. Lawrence University in upstate New York, Mogavero would challenge himself on long treks through the rugged Adirondack Mountains near campus. His most impressive bout in the park was summiting 24 peaks in 24 hours.
Upon graduating, he travelled west, working as a biologist at seasonal jobs and living out of an old van. Throughout these trips, he grew stronger as a runner, and his passion for the outdoors continued to build.
After a few years on the road, he’s ditched the van and permanently lives in Missoula, Mt., where he’s an active member in the trail scene. Along with coaching athletes, Mogavero serves as the race director for Running Up for Air Mt. Sentinel, a race that raises money for Climate Smart Missoula and its efforts to improve air quality for all Montanans.
“I’ve happily and whole-heartedly thrown my life at trail running for the last decade. Somewhere in that time a wild dream was born to run professionally. Now – many years and many thousands miles of running later – it’s happening! I am so excited to have On’s support and to be running for an innovative and forward-thinking brand. I can’t wait to keep chasing big scary dreams,” Mogavero said, on the start of the partnership.
After a big year in 2022, including a 3rd place finish at the UTMB Puerto Vallarta 100, Jeff has his sights set on UTMB championships in Chamonix, where he placed 16th in 2022. Before the championship in France, Jeff will head to Spain to race the Transvulcania 72K and Val d’Aran Pyrenees.
“Jeff brings new light and energy to the On Trail team. Jeff’s charismatic attitude and love for the outdoors are contagious to everyone he is around. In Jeff’s first year, 2022, racing in the UTMB World Series, he showed extraordinary grit and high performance. We are so excited to support Jeff as he chases the tops of podiums all over the world,” said David Kilgore, Athlete Partnership Manager Trail.