Eszter Horanyi: A Journey Through Adventure and Creativity
Meet Eszter Horanyi, a remarkable figure in the world of ultrarunning and bikepacking. Renowned for her incredible accomplishments, Eszter first caught the public’s attention with her second-place finish at the Ouray 100 Mile in 2017. As whispers of her legendary status in bikepacking circulated, curiosity arose: who is the woman excelling in both ultrarunning and cycling disciplines?
Over time, Eszter transformed from someone to admire from afar into a close friend and an inspiration to many. Demonstrating her remarkable endurance, she earned the women’s unsupported Fastest Known Time for the Nolan’s 14 route in Colorado—a testament to her skills and commitment. Beyond her athletic pursuits, Eszter is a talented editor and photographer, capturing the essence of outdoor adventures across various platforms. She currently serves as the managing editor for iRunFar, blending her love for writing with her passion for endurance sports.
The Genesis of a Creative Journey
Eszter’s affinity for photography and writing traces back to her childhood. She recalls spending countless hours using her father’s film camera, combined with a vivid imagination that drove her to craft stories. During her college and graduate school years, she became the unofficial documentarian for her adventurous friends, writing extensively about their cycling and skiing exploits while attempting to juggle her studies in physics and engineering.
After realizing that traditional academic paths weren’t her calling, Eszter made a bold decision to leave grad school behind and embrace life as a ski bum in Crested Butte, Colorado. While she raced bikes with some success, it took years of perseverance and multiple trials to hone her writing and photography skills to the level where they became viable career options.
Transitioning into Ultrarunning
Initially focused on bike racing, Eszter found that her passion for bicycles began to wane. Experiencing burnout after years of racing across multiple bike disciplines, health issues forced her to retire from biking in 2013. Following a transformative four-month bike tour in 2014, she traded her two-wheeled companion for a pair of running shoes. Unfortunately, she faced two years of injuries as she learned to navigate running, which presented a different challenge compared to cycling.
Eventually, Eszter discovered the beauty of places that could only be accessed by foot. She found running to be a fulfilling avenue that led her to connect with new friends and adventures. This unexpected transition climaxed with her achieving the unsupported Fastest Known Time on Nolan’s 14 route in 2023—an impressive feat made even more significant by the absence of her usual support network since many friends were competing in Europe.
Balancing Adventure and Storytelling
Eszter’s love for adventure extends beyond racing. Today, she enjoys multi-faceted experiences that encompass skills from biking, running, and packrafting. In her eyes, combining these elements offers a unique approach to exploration that transcends traditional racing boundaries.
When considering the choice between bikes, foot travel, and packrafts, Eszter likens it to choosing between mountains and deserts—each has its unique appeal and significance in her life. Her diverse experiences play a crucial role in shaping her perspective as an outdoor creator and storyteller.
Understanding the Immigrant Experience
Born in Hungary and moving to the U.S. at the age of two, Eszter carries the weight of being a first-generation immigrant. Her parents moved during a period of significant turmoil in Hungary, instilling in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and striving for excellence. This background has shaped Eszter into a dedicated athlete and creative, as the opportunities afforded to her motivate her to make the most of her potential.
Inspiration from Others
Eszter draws inspiration from several figures in her life, including Eddie Clark, a celebrated cycling photographer, and adventure enthusiasts like Justin Simoni and Joe Grant. Her work at iRunFar, spearheaded by Meghan Hicks, further propels her ambitions and motivates her to excel in both her craft and personal endeavors.
Looking Towards the Future
If given the opportunity to extend her creative pursuits, Eszter hopes to document the untold stories of individuals engaged in creative running projects, shifting the focus from races to the vast possibilities within the sport. She believes there’s a wealth of narratives waiting to be explored that reflect the true spirit of the ultrarunning community.
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on her journey, Eszter emphasizes the importance of flexibility. If she could give her younger self one piece of advice, it would be to embrace the unpredictable paths that may lead to fulfillment—those that may not resemble original expectations yet hold immense value.
Currently, Eszter is keenly focused on capturing the adventures of daily life while delving into the nuances of personal journeys and outdoor experiences. In doing so, she aims to inspire others through her creative lens.
From her early days with a camera in hand to becoming a leading voice in ultrarunning documentation, Eszter Horanyi showcases how passion, persistence, and creativity can converge into a profound and impactful journey.
