The Monster Runner Award

The Monster Runner Award is designed to celebrate the runners in our community who excel in race finishes, overcome personal challenges, run personal bests, contribute to a better life for those around them, and go far beyond their comfort zone to find something special within.

This month’s Monster Runner is Elizabeth Scott, the recent female champion of the 2008 Butte Triple Crown Series – she’s 37 and a mom of two boys (Wyatt and Garrett). This summer, Elizabeth ran the Aquafina Butte To Butte 10K in 46:47, the REI Peak Challenge 5K in 22:39, and the Kelly Butte Classic 8K in 37:14. Her combined time of 1:46:40 for all three events placed her first for all females, with a 5 ½ minute gap over the second place finisher. A regular on the racing scene, Elizabeth enjoys 10K events the best (like the Aquafina Butte To Butte) and occasionally tackles tough challenges like the Crater Lake Rim Run.

Currently living in Harrisburg, Elizabeth and her family moved to the Eugene area 10 years ago. She really enjoys the climate, the proximity to the ocean and mountains and the varied activities around the region. She was born and raised in Idaho, where she ran in high school and went on to college at the University of Idaho to study environmental engineering. For the past decade, she’s been working as an environmental supervisor at the Halsey Pulp Mill, particularly monitoring the air and water quality standards and regulations that her company needs to meet. In monitoring her own standards as it relates to the environment and personal fitness, Elizabeth has recently started biking to work – a 14 mile trek each way. Biking’s not new to Elizabeth’s family however, with both her sons being avid BMX riders.

When it comes to running, Elizabeth has very pragmatic goals: keep going, avoid injuries and hopefully improve on race times. The PR she’s most proud of is her sub-44 minute 10K. Her advice to other runners – just do it for yourself. Indeed, with running and with her environmental consciousness, her example of “starting with yourself” is the most significant thing we can do collectively. Good luck to Elizabeth in the future as she keeps pushing for a healthier self and a healthier environment.