By Lauren Simpson
Cornell Athletic Communications

For many collegiate athletes, what is achieved during the four years donning their university's colors often mark some of the greatest accomplishments of their athletic careers. What Cornell men's cross country and track and field standout Max King '02 accomplished during his time with the Big Red was undoubtedly impressive, but it was just the tip of the iceberg.

Since becoming an NCAA All-American in the steeplechase and breaking Cornell's school record in the event (one of which he still holds) in 2002, King has embarked on a journey that has included more types of competitive running than can be counted on one hand. From trail running, to marathons, to ultra-marathons, if you can name it, King has probably done it, and done it successfully.

"I like to mix it up and do different things so that I can always keep things fresh," said King. "I think that's the main thing that has kept my motivation over the years, always trying something new."

It is that very desire to try new things, paired with a willingness to push his boundaries to unknown levels, which has helped King reach such great heights.

Of all that King has accomplished in his decorated running career, he is most proud of his two world championships, both of which are in completely different running disciplines. The first came in 2011, when he became the first American in 14 years to capture the World Mountain Running Championship. The second followed in 2014, when he won the IAU 100k World Championship, setting a new American record (6:27) in the process.

A 62-mile race may very well be the definition of pushing your boundaries, except for that's not even the longest race that King has run, having several 100-milers under his belt. Even at a distance this taxing, King appreciates what it means to continually challenge yourself.

"It's that whole other level of putting your body through that pain and suffering, digging yourself into a well, and seeing what you can get out of yourself," said King.

While King admits that he doesn't have a favorite race, the passion for trail running that he has developed over the years is impossible to overlook.

"If I'm going to take a run that I want to go do, or take a day and just enjoy my time out there running, I go run trails," said King. "Trails in general, and just being out there in a new area, is where I find that enjoyment in running."

King also derives great joy out of sharing his love of trail running with others, which inspired him to found a trail running camp in the western part of the United States. Now in its fifth year, it has become one of King's favorite pastimes.

"It's one of the best things I do all year, because it's teaching other people how to enjoy the mountains, be on a trail, and really enjoy their time outdoors," said King.

King's camp focuses on much more than just trail running, however, delving into topics such as map and compass navigation and wilderness safety. It even features a day when participants put in 25 to 26 miles on foot, with a combination of hiking and running. King's underlying reason for this should come as no surprise.

"It's that comfort level of pushing them outside their bounds and helping them gain confidence; that's what I really enjoy out of trail running camps."

King continues to push his own boundaries, in addition to helping others test theirs. As an athlete that's achieved so much on the running circuit himself, King plans to continue doing exactly this, giving back to the sport that has given him so much.

"Continuing the education piece and teaching more people about it is a big goal for me over the next couple of years," said King.

As far as running goes, more races are still in King's cards, and there's no doubt that he will continue to push himself to the highest limit.

"I'm at an age where I should be well past my prime, well past any kind of professional or competitive running aspirations, but I still have them," said King. "I'm still motivated to keep training and I feel like I have more to give, and more to get out of myself."