In this episode of Run Long After 60, I’m joined by Ruperto Romero — a Southern California trail legend whose accomplishments are extraordinary, and whose presence is defined by humility, generosity, and deep respect for the sport.

Ruperto was open about feeling self-conscious being on camera and speaking English — and then proceeded to be superb. Thoughtful. Honest. Grounded. At one point, his kids step into the room to help show off his trophies, and the pride runs both ways: they’re proud of him, and he’s proud of them — and of the life he’s built through running, family, and consistency.

Ruperto is 62 years old. He has completed 69 ultramarathons. He’s finished 65 of them. And 59 of those finishes were podiums. Those numbers are real — but this conversation isn’t about chasing stats. It’s about how you carry yourself through decades of effort.

We talk about discovering trail running in his late 30s, racing without ego, and learning — sometimes the hard way — when to push and when to protect the body. Ruperto shares what it was like entering his first 100-mile race with almost no knowledge of fueling or pacing… and finishing in the Top 10 anyway. We talk about grief, purpose, and how family has always been part of his running story — whether crewing, pacing, or simply believing.

His relationship with the Angeles Crest 100 is historic: podiums across decades, two overall wins years apart, and earning the rare Eagle buckle when you run the race 10 years in a row. But what stands out most is his perspective — why DNFs can be acts of wisdom, why the fire to compete doesn’t fade with age, and how excellence matures instead of disappearing.

This is a quiet, powerful conversation. No hype. No chest-beating. Just lived experience, respect for the miles, and a reminder that legends don’t always announce themselves.

As this audio episode is published, Ruperto is toeing the line at the Sean O’Brien 100K — and I’ll be out too. The only time I'll be on the course with him. He may come in first. I may come in last. And that feels exactly right.

Run Long After 60 is a show about people who continue doing hard things because movement, challenge, and curiosity still matter.

Note: These early episodes were originally recorded for video. Audio quality may vary slightly from episode to episode, but the conversations remain intact and unedited.

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