Former Elyite goes to extreme

Koppy competing in ultramarathons at age 74

A former Elyite, at age 74, will attempt to complete an ultramarathon.

And in the dead of winter for good measure.

On Jan. 27-28, Michael Koppy, who now lives in Hermantown, will run the “Arrowhead Ultra 135,” a 135-mile ultra-marathon in northern Minnesota, pulling all of his supplies in a 40pound sled.

Koppy will be the only person over the age of 70 to have ever completed this brutal race, assuming he finishes.

Based on his previous accomplishments, there is an excellent chance that he will complete this run.

In May of 2024 he took first place in the 70+ age category in the Cocodona 250, a 250-mile race in Arizona. In October, he completed the Wild Duluth 100K (61 miles) as the oldest person to ever do so in the 16-year history of the race. Last year, he finished fifth overall out of 80 starters in the Cowboy 200 in Nebraska.

Koppy’s motivations extend beyond personal achievement. He takes on these extraordinary challenges to inspire others to pursue their passions and to embrace the unconventional. Through his efforts, he aims to encourage people to step outside their comfort zones and take on new challenges.

Additionally, Koppy is committed to giving back to his community. For this race—and the prestigious Western States 100 in June— he is raising funds for the Duluth Area Family YMCA.

He is hoping his accomplishments will encourage others to contribute to his fundraiser in support of the Y. (Go to www.duluthymca. org/runkoppy) Koppy chose to support the Y because he believes in its mission of “strengthening communities by promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.” He also appreciates that the Y aims to serve people “of all ages, backgrounds, and economic circumstances.”

In some ways, Koppy is an unlikely ultra-runner.

As a child, he had polio in his legs and had a brother who died of polio. His mother also died of polio when Koppy was two years old. As a result, he was placed in the foster care system, got into plenty of trouble, and changed schools nearly every year in grades 1-6. It was in high school that he discovered his love of running, a passion that transformed his life.