Cyndi Wyatt’s Ultra Running passion started in Southern California, where there is no short supply of technical, 10,000+ peaks to train on. She started in LOWA’s trekking shoes over 10 years ago for their rock protection, stability and durability. She’s since transitioned into our All Terrain Running shoes for her mountain running excursions. 

Cyndi has completed over 60 ultra running distances, but she went on to find her groove at the 100 mile distance. She placed within top 10 females at Kodiak 100, Chimera 100 (2x), Zion 100, San Diego 100, and received the Rhino Award at Angeles Crest 100.  The Rhino Award is the top female between the ages of 40-75.  This realization of women’s tenacity and endurance gift, at any age, was a pivotal moment.  She now has committed a life to inspiring women to get outdoors and challenge themselves to see what’s possible, physically.  She brought trail running front and center to REI, creating a nationwide Run Club, created women’s hiking programs, and trail running programs at Outessa, a multi discipline retreat for women.

She traded in deserts and sequoias for the wild rivers, tall green canopy trees, and the technical trails on the East Coast.  She’s currently based in NC.  

She took this move as an opportunity to play a larger role at LOWA, sponsoring races, introducing people to the LOWA brand she’s loved all these years. While continuing to race shorter distances, she balances her life with kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, with a purpose of exploring and discovering being at the forefront. 

What fulfills me? “It fills my soul to introduce new outdoor enthusiasts to distances, summits and experiences they never thought they could accomplish and I am grateful when they share that moment with me.”

Highlights: 

• TrailCon 2025: Panelist for Run Club Visionaries and Community Builders.
• Backpacking the John Muir Trail in 14 days, 222 miles.
• Trekking hut to hut Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn in 2023, via the Walkers' Hut Route. 
• Trekked Mt Rainier with REI CEO Jerry Stritzke
• Completed 60+ Ultra Marathon distance races. Including (7) 100-mile mountain race finishes, top 10 women in five of the 100s. 
• 8000 Meter Challenge  (Summiting three 10k foot peaks in 20 hrs)- 1st place for six years in a row, and being the first woman to be awarded the Mark Fulton Award. 
• Annual guides across the Grand Canyon.  Single crossings or doubles.
• Created Mt Wilson make it a Double in Sierra Madre, CA.  A 50K with 10K gain, summiting Mt. Wilson, twice.
• Created REI Run Club and running programs for REI and Outessa.

What’s next?

“I have an insatiable appetite to discover unique terrains and see all that nature has to offer. In the coming year Virginia and the Appalachians are on my list along with introducing LOWA to more groups in my region.  But, I’m feeling a strong tug towards excursions in Asia in the next couple of years.”

My favorite LOWAs:

My favorite trail running shoe is the SKYTERRA.  It is durable against jagged rocks, gives stability, provides a sole that sticks on technical slippery terrain and is breathable on hot days.

My favorite Mid LOWA is the MADDOX PRO GTX MID “I love fast and light mid height boots for technical steep hikes.”  They are pliable enough to push off for speed and not overly restrictive.  She loves them for ankle protection, warmth and says less debris gets into shoes.

Fun Fact:

Cyndi’s father, Billy Wyatt, was the first American to play on a Japanese Pro baseball team in 1952, the Seibu Lions.  “I think of his athleticism and bravery when I attempt to go on adventures outside of my comfort zone.” 

Tell us about an interesting trip/climb/expedition where you’ve taken your LOWAs:  In 2014, I was selected to summit Mt. Rainier with REI CEO, Jerry Stritske wearing LOWAs mountaineering boots.  A far cry from the trail running shoes, I was used to.  But I was up for the challenge of walking across latter bridges, snow camping and using an ice axe while being tethered to the CEO of REI.  I think they considered me the weakest link and him the greatest value.  But the interesting part I wasn’t prepared for was being caught in an electrical storm while standing on a glacier!  We were ordered by guides to “run” down on the most technical, sharp shale, I’ve ever experienced.  I told Jerry later I now know what a dog on a leash feels like.