We humans are storytellers. Around campfires, at kitchen tables, or out on the trail, we pass down the stories that inspire us. Over time, those stories grow, shaped by memory and myth, until the person or the moment becomes something greater: a legend.
Legends never die because their spirit, courage, and impact live on—even when the person is long gone. They remind us of what’s possible, and they push us forward when we’re tested.
We all know a legend or two. The event was inspired by my Grandfather, Captain Tom Smiley —his survival in World War II (1942) due to a Cigarette Case was nothing short of miraculous, he was awarded the Military Cross for bravery.
Legends Never Die is a tough trail run. Half Marathon or 55km Ultra distance held on the first Saturday of October. This is the perfect time the fall colors are popping on the beautiful single trails near Sun Valley in Idaho.
Thomas Smiley – Race Director Legendsneverdieracedirector@gmail.com
Smiley is a passionate trail runner, he has finished multiple Iconic 100 Mile Ultra Marathons: The Bear 100, IMTUF, Mountain Lakes 100, Wasatch 100 and UTMB-TDS in France.
He wanted to create a challenging event to give back to the Wood River Community. He thought anyone can become “a bit of a legend” and wanted to inspire others to run for the hills.
Smiley serves as a Mountain Guide for Sturdevants, a Wilderness First Responder with Blaine County Search and Rescue, and the Race Director of ‘Legends Never Die’ Smiley is the Lululemon run ambassador and the creative mind behind Smiley’s Mountain Photo Thomas Smiley consistently inspires others to embrace adventure and pursue their goals with vigor.
Legends Never Die 