Trail Runner
Hanh Wright
Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia
Hanh Wright is an outdoor athlete, hike leader, and adventure enthusiast preciously in Arizona but now calling Utah home. An ultra-runner, mountain biker, skier, climber, cyclist, golfer, and yogi, she spends her time exploring wild places and helping others build confidence outdoors.
Known for embracing “type-three fun,” Hanh believes resilience is built one challenge at a time. Whether leading group hikes, supporting runner friends, or tackling all-day mountain adventures, she’s driven by the experiences, friendships, and growth that happen along the way.
SHOP THE KIT
When everything goes sideways in your world, what does "comfort in the chaos" actually look like for you?
Comfort in chaos looks like finding a few things I can control when everything else feels uncertain. It’s getting outside for a run, hike, or bike ride to touch grass and prioritize things that actually matters.
What's the gnarliest day you've ever had in your element, and how did it change the way you operate now?
I’d say, it was completing that Timberline trail in Oregon - 42mi+ , 6+ glacier river crossing with water up to my hips, unknown terrains, 9k+ of average elevation gains with the last 10 miles at a gradual uphill in the rain. I did it in a day with a good friend of mine. Much like so much of my long treks, I was reminded that finding a route back to a good headspace is crucial. Mind over matter! When I have really good days, I mentally put it in my special memory bucket.
What do you chase more: the perfect result or the feeling you get getting there—and why?
Definitely the feeling! The finish line is an accumulation of daily input towards the big goal, all the trials and error to fine tune for that big day. Getting there is like the biggest exhale of, “oh yea, damn, I did it!” I don’t chase “perfection” anything.
What's one non‑negotiable ritual or mindset you rely on before you step into high‑pressure conditions?
Easy, making sure I am fueled efficiently
What's a small thing that instantly flips your switch—pet peeve, superstition, or ridiculous habit your crew loves to clown you for?
I leave tags on things so if you’re borrowing my gear and there’s a tag or plastic cover on it, leave it!
Think back to a day on trail when everything went wrong—weather, terrain, group energy. What did you do first to keep people moving forward?
I make sure the energy I’m putting out is positive, find at least one thing I can do to be helpful to the situation or for someone.
What’s one moment in the backcountry where you knew your calm was the only thing standing between order and chaos?
Backpacking the remote trails is the Grand Canyon! Man, it was calmly stepping one foot in front of the other knowing that I have everything I need if I’m not able to find my people again.
What’s the funniest or most ridiculous trail moment you’ve had—wildlife encounter, gear mishap—that still gets told around the fire?
I’ve got two, running almost right into a moose while running in a Big Sky, yikes would not recommend! And witnessing a black bear playing on a snow patch in the North Cascades.