Gordy Ainsleigh

Who is Gordy Ainsleigh?

H. Gordon Ainsleigh, DC, better known as Gordy Ainsleigh, is a California based chiropractor and pioneer of the 100-mile trail ultramarathon, a form of extreme long-distance trail running.

In 1974, Ainsleigh was the first to run the course of the Western States Endurance Run. At the time, the trail was used only by horses participating in the 24-hour Western States Trail Ride. When his horse went lame prior to the race, Ainsleigh decided he would run the torturous 100 miles of mountain trail from the Squaw Valley Ski Resort to Auburn, California, rather than look for another horse to ride. Ainsleigh completed the 'equestrian race', without a horse, in 23 hours and 47 minutes. This was the beginning of the Western States Endurance Run, and the beginning of the modern sport of ultradistance trail running. Two weeks before he first ran the 100 miles Ainsleigh was a member of the winning team in the Levi's Ride and Tie championship, the sport for two humans alternating running and riding an equine teammate. Ainsleigh finished second in that race in 1973 and in the Top Ten three other years.