SIX03 Endurance: Trail Running in New Hampshire

603Podcast with Dan Egan

603Podcast with Dan Egan
SIX03 Endurance: Trail Running in New Hampshire
Apr 25, 2025 Season 2 Episode 3
The people places of New Hampshire, Hosted by Dan Egan

Join Dan Egan on the 603podcast as he interviews Founder of SIX03 Endurance, Tom Hooper. Hopper takes us through the remarkable evolution of a New Hampshire statewide running group with hundreds of members, nine major events, and pub runs in cities throughout the Granite State.

"Nobody likes doing things alone," Hopper explains, revealing how the social connections formed through SIX03 extend far beyond the trail. These tight-knit "pods" of runners transform from workout partners into lifelong friends. 

The episode dives deep into the psychological aspects of ultramarathon running, where Hopper shares insights from his experience in 100-mile races: "You go through every emotion, every feeling, everything," he says, describing the mental strategies needed to push through "when your sugar gets low and you go into some really dark spots." His approach to breaking down seemingly impossible distances—"10 miles 10 times, not a problem"—offers valuable perspective for anyone facing daunting challenges.

The technical, unforgiving terrain of New Hampshire's White Mountains creates a distinctive running culture that differs dramatically from the "dusty, buttery horse trails" out west. This challenging landscape has forged local athletes who compete at national and world championships, with Hopper himself working as staff for USA Track and Field at international competitions.

Whether you're an experienced ultrarunner or just "trail curious," this conversation illuminates how community transforms individual  efforts into something more meaningful. SIX03 Endurance continues to evolve, with plans for live streaming events and the prestigious 2025 US National Championship coming to Mount Sunapee. Join us for an inspiring look at how shared challenges create unbreakable bonds on and off the trail.


Registration is open for all SIX03 trail races this season. 


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For more information about the 603podcast visit 603podcast.com

Episode Artwork SIX03 Endurance: Trail Running in New Hampshire 32:08 Episode Artwork Hannah Kearney: The Granite State's Mogul Queen 39:26 Episode Artwork New Hampshire's Mogul and Freestyle Skiing Legacy at Waterville Valley: Insights from Nick and Suzi Preston 53:39 Episode Artwork Randy Pierce: New Hampshire-based Blind Mountaineer and Marathon Runner on Resilience and Achievement 50:16 Episode Artwork New Hampshire Presidential Primaries & Politics with Neil Lavesque (New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College) 41:25 Episode Artwork Lindsey LaPointe: New Hampshire Adventure Writer, Outdoor Enthusiast, and Local Hiking Expert 47:16 Episode Artwork New Hampshire's Old Man of the Mountain: A Historical Perspective with the Museum of the White Mountains' Director Meghan Doherty 50:51 Episode Artwork Moose Ecology and Conservation in New Hampshire with Henry Jones (Fish and Game Department) 52:16 Episode Artwork NH Local Radio Station: Roy Prescott on North Conway's 93.5 WMWV 1:02:11 Episode Artwork Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study: Lindsey Rustad on Connecting Science and Community 1:02:22 Episode Artwork New England Healing Sports Association (NEHSA) with Executive Director Carly Bascom 33:02 Episode Artwork The Balsams: Les Otten on the History and Revival of an Iconic New Hampshire Resort (Great Northwoods Region) 1:55:18 Episode Artwork The Big Nansen: The History of Ski Jumping in New Hampshire with Scott Halvorson 42:51 Episode Artwork Dave Cropper: Surfing in New Hampshire and Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Shop (Seacoast) 36:08 Episode Artwork Mark Hayes: NH Mountain Biking and Highland Mountain Bike Park (Merrimack County) 53:49 Episode Artwork Ty Gagne: Author, Speaker and Risk Expert (White Mountains) 1:06:45