Person running outdoors wearing a light gray cap, white and pink gradient athletic shirt, and a hydration vest with water bottles. The runner also has braided hair and sports wristbands on both arms. The background shows a soft-focus mountainous landscape under a pale sky. Large Number five on the left.

5 minutes with Tara Dower

Published Jan 30, 2026 by
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Person running outdoors wearing a light gray cap, white and pink gradient athletic shirt, and a hydration vest with water bottles. The runner also has braided hair and sports wristbands on both arms. The background shows a soft-focus mountainous landscape under a pale sky.

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Position: Professional athlete
Degree: B.S., sports studies, minor in child development
Resides: Durango, Colorado

Briefly describe your job responsibilities.

I run ultramarathons for a living and spend most of my time on trails. It wasn’t always easy. The trails did cause me anxiety and emotional distress that came out of nowhere. As I kept going back to the trails and logged thousands of miles all over the country, it’s become a safe place for me. It’s really incredible that I can do that as a career. My goal with trails is to try to set the overall fastest known time (FKT).

What led you into this career?

I never had a dream career. I generally just wanted to be happy with whatever I did. I’m lucky to have found ultra running. I tried to through-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2017 but made it 80 miles and suffered a panic attack and stopped. In 2019, I hiked the Appalachian Trail in five months and 10 days. Everything really took off, and I started trying to set records on trails.

What are some highlights of your career so far?

I set a course record for the Javelina Jundred 100-miler in October, finishing as the first-place woman, seventh overall with a personal record finish in 13 hours, 31 minutes and 18 seconds. In September, I set the overall Vermont Long Trail supported FKT, completing the 272-mile trail in three days, 18 hours and 29 minutes.

In 2024, I set a FKT on the Appalachian Trail (40d, 18h, and 6m); finished first overall in the Umstead 100 Ultramarathon in 2024 (14h, 58m, 21s); and set a FKT on North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail in 2020 (29d, 8h, 48m).

Who at ECU, or in your field, influenced you most?

David Batts, because he was my advisor. I had a biblical archaeology professor who saw potential in me. The fact that somebody recognized my potential for archaeology inspired me and encouraged me to be better.

I was incredibly inspired by women in the FKT and ultramarathon world. They really inspired me to go after my goals. My hope is that I can turn around and inspire the next generation.

We want to hear stories from alumni about how their experiences at ECU shaped them today and how they pass those lessons to others. Send us an email at easteditor@ecu.edu.