Amateur Runners Test Limits on 42-Mile San Diego Trek
The runners more than tripled their previous personal distance records during the grueling twelve-hour endurance challenge.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Running
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Two runners completed an endurance challenge from Mission Beach to the El Cajon summit, covering a total distance of 42.82 miles. The students, who previously had not run further than 12 miles, finished the trek in 12 hours.
Why it matters
The achievement highlights the physical demands of unexpected endurance increases, as the participants navigated significant terrain changes. Such sudden jumps in distance carry risks for soft tissue injury and overexertion for novice runners.
The run involved a total distance of 42.82 miles and 6,278 feet of elevation gain, far exceeding the participants' previous personal record of 12 miles. The physiological impact of this sudden volume increase remains under investigation, particularly given that the final 13 miles required improvised crutches.
The players
Chase Tesoro
A student who completed a long-distance run despite using improvised crutches for the final leg.
Jacob Szilagyi
A student who participated in the 42.82-mile endurance challenge alongside his peer.
The details
The runners utilized a support person to manage nutrition and logistics during their 12-hour journey from the coast to the inland summit. Chase Tesoro relied on makeshift crutches for the final 13 miles, indicating significant physical strain during the latter portion of the climb. This level of exertion for novice runners requires careful recovery and observation for signs of repetitive stress or overuse injuries.
Timeline
October 24, 2:00 a.m. marked the start of the 42.82-mile run.
October 24, 2:00 p.m. marked the conclusion of the event.
Health Landscape
Most training programs for long-distance running emphasize gradual volume increases to allow the body to adapt to the mechanical stress of impact. This run represents a significant departure from standard progressive overload protocols typically used to prevent overtraining syndrome.
Readers interested in endurance goals should avoid sudden, extreme increases in mileage to protect against stress fractures and muscle damage. It is worth discussing safe training volume increments with your primary care physician or a sports medicine specialist before starting a new program.
The takeaway
Sudden spikes in training volume carry inherent risks of injury and extreme physical exhaustion for amateur runners. Focus on consistent, gradual increases in distance and intensity, and consult a physician if you experience persistent pain or altered gait during or after long-distance exercise.
Further reading
For guidance on safe training progression, explore our resources on Running.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The USD Vista.
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