Travis Johnson’s Outstanding Performance at Kettle 100

Travis Johnson Defines What It Means to Be an Ornery Mule
By Michele Hartwig, Race Director – Kettle Moraine 100 & Ornery Mule Racing

One of the greatest privileges I have as a race director is witnessing runners dig deep and show the kind of strength that can’t be measured by pace or splits. At this year’s Kettle Moraine 100, Travis Johnson reminded me exactly why I love doing what I do.

Travis is one of the most mentally tough—and yes, stubborn—in the best possible way, runners you will ever meet. He defines what it means to be an Ornery Mule. Every time he toes the line at one of our events, he brings heart, grit, and the kind of determination that inspires everyone around him.

This year, the course threw everything it had at him. After 86.5 miles and 23 hours and 9 minutes of pushing through the Kettle terrain, Travis came into Rice Lake and told the aid station captains he was dropping. He sat down. He had nothing left.

But I’ve seen this runner enough to know his story wasn’t finished.

As he sat at that aid station, Travis made the decision to keep going. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t pretty. But it was powerful. He stood back up, pushed through the lowest of lows, and crossed the finish line in 29:49:00—just 11 minutes under the cutoff.

Watching him finish reminded me why these races matter. They’re about more than miles. They’re about the human spirit, about showing up for yourself when no one else can do it for you.

Travis Johnson, thank you for reminding us what true endurance looks like. You are the very definition of an Ornery Mule, and we are so proud to have you as part of our trail family.