Manitou’s Revenge is a 53-mile endurance foot race that traverses the beautiful and picturesque landscape of the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York, highlighted with over 15,000 feet of vertical, single-track ascent. The brainchild of race director Charlie Gadol, the route is known for its treacherous, rocky ascents and descents, with long mileage between aid stations and often completed in the dark. Rumor has it that you run on rocks for 53 miles, missing the roots and dirt along the way.
A graduate level, if not PhD, ultramarathon, the race has drawn its name and inspiration from Native American legends embedded deep within the Catskills. The name originates from the Algonquian language meaning “mysterious being” or simply “mystery” that represents the unknown power of life and the universe. Within these legends, there’s mention of a powerful Catskill Witch residing in the mountains. The Witch possesses abilities to control the elements, capable of bringing floods and storms upon those who show disrespect.
Limited to120 runners due to the unique wilderness areas that the route traverses, this year’s event saw 119 optimistic and gritty endurance athletes toe the line for the challenge, each with their own strong trail pedigree. Mother Nature made her contribution to the adventure by adding her own dynamic. Plenty of rain fell in the week leading up to race day and resulted in a very warm and humid event, along with a wet and slippery course that included swollen creeks through the Catskills as temperatures crept into the high 80s.
There were 95 runners who made the 23.5-hour cutoff. Daniel Grip claimed his third overall title in 11:09:22 in four attempts. Erica LuBera led a strong women’s field to catch the 2025 title in 13:20:16, outlasting multiple past winners in a surge toward the finish line. Rounding out the heroic finishers was Mickaela Marichal, completing her first Manitou’s. Thrown into the mix were Tom Dehaan, 62, and David Hollenbaugh, 56, who have completed every Manitou’s, and Joe Limone and Sheryl Wheeler who each finished their 10th.
As with many trail running events, Manitou’s does not exist without its strong and dedicated support team. Many of these incredible individuals have run and supported the race for multiple years.