I'm Jared Lauber, and I'm excited to take you on the Ultra Running Cruise, where each step on deck brings you closer to the heart of running and the soul of exploration. Since lacing up my first pair of running shoes in 5th grade, running has been my compass—leading me from the competitive tracks of high school and college, focusing on the mile, to the expansive freedom of marathons and beyond.

After college, the lure of longer distances beckoned, and alongside some friends, I tackled the Boston Marathon, setting the pace for what was to become a journey into the heart of ultra running. The North Country Trail Race in Michigan tested my resolve over 50 miles of rugged beauty. I was able to finish my first one in just under 8 and a half hours, and my second one in 7 hours and 31 minutes—a testament to where determination can take you.

But more than the medals and miles, it's the camaraderie of running that's stayed with me. The friendships forged over shared struggles and triumphs on the trails have inspired me to create something truly unique. Enter the Ultra Running Cruise—the world's premier running conference......that floats! It's more than an event; it's a community on the move. Here, we'll dive into the sport we love, learning from each other as we explore breathtaking running routes in the most stunning locations a cruise can dock at. My hope is that the Ultra Running Cruise is where lifelong bonds are formed and memories are made.

So, with that, I invite you to step aboard and join us for an adventure that's sure to be a milestone in your running journey. Let's run the world together, one port at a time.