Singletrack Courtney Dauwalter’s Next-Level Final Kick: Rachel Entrekin Breaks Down Chianti 120K
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Mar 23, 2026 Rachel Entrekin, professional ultrarunner and recent Chianti 120K podium finisher. She recounts the dramatic late-race surge that decided the win. She describes racing shoulder-to-shoulder with elite competitors and why Chianti’s relentless climbs and tech terrain demand constant gear and pace shifts. She also discusses a fueling breakthrough with gels and gear choices that helped her sustain speed.
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Daylong Three-Way Battle Ended With Shocking Final Surge
- Rachel ran shoulder-to-shoulder with Ingvild Kaspersen and Courtney Dauwalter for most of the Chianti 120K, only to be passed by Courtney with a decisive final 5K surge.
- Rachel thought she finished fifth and was shocked when told Courtney won and they were on the podium together, describing it as one of the most incredible race experiences she's had.
Different Strengths Made The Race Dynamic
- Rachel sees Ingvild as supremely graceful and consistent, able to sustain a steady high intensity that rarely shows fatigue.
- Courtney's defining strength is an explosive tactical kick late in races, which Rachel says she couldn't match even when already running high sevens per mile.
Switch Gears Constantly On Chianti
- Switch gears often on Chianti because the course constantly alternates climbs and technical descents, so be ready to change pace and technique quickly.
- Treat many forest-road sections like runnable five percent grades and avoid assuming long flats.