BETTER KNOW A STABLEMATE—DANNY ELLIS

Danny Ellis is a world–renowned topiary artist and ultra-trail running élite.

What is your name? 

Danny Ellis.

What is your favourite colour?

I feel like I’ve got to say blue, but really it’s almost anything neon.

What is your favourite word?

Hmm, that’s a tough one—probably “visualize.”

Who is your favourite musician?

Right now, it’s probably Grandson.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My exceptionally perfect nose.

What talent would you like to have?

Perfect recall.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Beating Karl Meltzer in my debut 100-miler because he dropped out. Haha, no, my greatest achievement is probably managing to survive the last 24 years relatively unscathed.

Who are your heroes in history?

Hmm, I’ve got to say I’ve always been a fan of Scott Jurek. Not really historical because he is still around, but he is a pretty cool dude who has accomplished some really amazing things.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Jim Walmsley, J.K. Rowling, Sam Walton.

What is your idea of happiness?

That’s a toughy. I’d say that, for me, happiness is simply being able to do the things that I love, while living in a way that I can support myself and my (future) family.

Where would you most like to live?

Heber City, Utah or Chamonix, France.

What profession would you like to attempt?

That is the biggest question at the moment. I thought I’d like to be a computer programmer, but now I’m thinking I’d rather be some sort of sports scientist or physical therapist.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Ordering out for food way too much.

What is your most treasured possession?

My running jorts.

Why did you start running?

Haha, I was chasing a girl. When I was about to start high school this girl, Beka, (who I had a huge crush on), invited me to come to the first day of cross country practice. We ran some hilly trails together, and she quit after that first practice. My parents wouldn’t let me quit, saying that I had already committed and had to see it through.

What does running mean to you now?

Running is my way to express myself. It allows me to be free. It is my exploration. It is my way of being competitive and pushing myself to be the best I can be.

What do you like about Stazza’s Stable?

I love the structure it adds to my training and the community. It’s a really welcoming group that has allowed me to meet some really cool people.

What is your motto?

I didn’t come this far to only come this far.