David Corfman told a record crowd of runners that he hopes every one of them finishes the 2026 Mohican Trail Run.
“We want to get you to the finish line,” he said. “The experienced runners will help you.”
Corfman, 63, of West Chester, Ohio, has finished the Mohican Trail 100 himself — 19 times. He hoped finish No. 20 was in store for the following day.
The Mohican veteran told runners during the pre-race meeting May 29 that he is always eager to help them succeed.
“The three toughest things to say in life are: I’m sorry, I need help and Worcestershire Sauce,” Corfman said. “But do ask.”
Shorter races develop 100-mile runners
The 2026 iteration of the Mohican Trail Run was the 37th year for the event. Ryan O’Dell has directed the race since 2005.
O’Dell said the Mohican Trail 100 had a record number of entrants in 2026 because many runners developed a love for the sport through shorter trail runs, like the Mohican Marathon and the Mohican 50.
“That is kind of our key. That was something I did, ” O’Dell said. “We added the 50 mile and then the marathon because I recognize that that’s a lot for somebody to just go out and try to do 100. So my hope was, and I think it’s been effective, is that somebody would come out, maybe try the marathon and then maybe move up to the 50 and then maybe try the big dog.”
‘The history that’s behind 37 years of Mohican’
The newcomers have joined a family of runners who remember when the start/finish line was 10 miles south of town.
Corfman didn’t run the first Mohican Trail 100, but he’s friends with people who did.
“I’m Ron Ross’ protege, I’m Greg Trapp’s apprentice and I want to be like Frederick Davis whenever I grow up,” Corfman said. “That’s the history that’s behind 37 years of Mohican.”
Ross was the most legendary of them alll.
“He is the 38th person in the history of the world to run 100 100-mile races,” Corfman said. “He did that in April down in Cincinnati. He’s No. 38.”
Ross also has finished the Mohican Trail 100 on 29 occasions. His goal, as he prepared to toe the starting line 5 a.m. May 30, was to finish his 30th Mohican Trail 100 and 101st total 100-mile race.
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