From Maitland to Moab: FootMotion’s Benn Takes on the Ultimate Ultra Challenge

At FootMotion Maitland, our store manager Benn Coubrough isn’t just leading the team in footwear expertise... he’s pushing the boundaries of endurance running. This October (tomorrow in fact!), Benn is taking on the Moab 240, a staggering 386km ultra-marathon through Utah’s desert terrain.

We caught up with Benn to learn more about what drew him to this epic challenge, his preparation, and the shoes that will carry him across nearly 400km of rugged landscape.

Why Moab?

For Benn, the appeal of Moab is simple: it’s unlike anything in Australia. “I’ve been watching the Moab races since they first started, seeing the world’s best ultra runners compete. The beauty of the course, the scale of the challenge, and the opportunity to test my limits... it’s all incredibly exciting,” he says.

It’s not just about finishing; it’s about pushing boundaries. “I haven’t reached my ceiling yet. This is the next adventure to see what I’m capable of and race against the best over this distance,” Benn explains.

Training Like a Machine

Preparing for a 240-mile race requires dedication, discipline, and serious kilometres. Over eight weeks, Benn averaged 185km per week, peaking at 195km. His training combines long runs, back-to-back ultra sessions, and strength work, including squats, deadlifts, and lunges.

“I also focus on daily stretching and mobility exercises,” he says. “Training for a race like this isn’t just about running — it’s about preparing the whole body and mind.”

Benn has also used other races as stepping stones, including the Elephant Trail 100km and the Six Foot Track 45km, to simulate race conditions and build resilience for Moab.

Gear and Shoe Strategy

When running 386km, your shoes aren’t just shoes — they’re lifelines. Benn has carefully chosen his line-up:

  • Salomon Genesis – the main shoe for the majority of the race.
  • Salomon Ultra Glide 3 – for extra cushioning when needed.
  • Brooks Glycerin Max – soft and supportive for long road sections.

“Having shoes that fit well and suit my running gait is essential,” he explains. Benn will rotate shoes at aid stations along the course, ensuring comfort and minimizing fatigue.

Fueling for Ultra Distance

Nutrition is just as critical as footwear. Benn’s main fuel? Tailwind Endurance Fuel, packed with carbs, electrolytes, and sodium. He’ll consume 500–750ml per hour, carefully managing hydration and energy levels across the grueling course.

“I’ve also planned caffeine timing, extra water for hot conditions, and recovery fuel at aid stations,” Benn says. “It’s about strategy as much as stamina.”

The Power of the Crew

Running Moab isn’t a solo endeavour. Benn’s support team includes his wife Nicole, pacers Mitch, Tristan, and Ben, and additional crew Brooklyn.

“It’s harder to crew a race like this than it is to run it!” Benn laughs. “They have to be ready for anything. Their guidance, support, and encouragement are absolutely crucial to getting to the finish line.”

The crew don’t know what is happening out there while you’re running, so they have to be ready for anything once you come in. You may plan for one thing but need the total opposite. It’s the crew that gets the runner to the finish line, The help and support is so important; to get the best result I need the crew for their guidance and support when I’m tired and not thinking straight. They are the backbone of a running.

Goals and Mindset

Benn’s goal for Moab is clear: to win. He’s not just aiming to finish — he’s racing to compete, targeting a 70-hour finish. His approach? Break the race into sections, checkpoint by checkpoint, adjusting pacing to terrain and elevation.

“The unknown is the most exciting part,” he says. “I’m eager to see how my mind and body respond over 386km. Very few people get this opportunity, and I want to make the most of it.”

Walking the Talk

As a FootMotion store manager, Benn believes in leading by example. “It’s important to ‘walk the talk’ when it comes to footwear and performance. Showing our team and customers what’s possible helps build a culture of health, fitness, and performance.”

Celebrating Milestones

Benn’s Moab adventure coincides with his first wedding anniversary, so there’s a bit of celebration planned in the US... including a few days in Nashville and a stop in New York. After the race, he plans to recover properly before getting back into training and gym work.

Follow Benn’s Moab Journey

Want to cheer him on as he takes on this epic challenge? Follow the Moab 240 live:

Benn’s journey to Moab is a reminder that limits exist only to be tested. We can’t wait to see him conquer this incredible ultra-marathon, and we’re proud to support him every step of the way.

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