Näak Ambassador Dominic Grossman

Professional Trail Runner

WRIGHTWOOD, CA

« The only easy day was yesterday! »

I’m a hybrid trail runner, backcountry skier, mountain biker, trail advocacy leader, husband, father, and aerospace engineer. In 2017 my wife, Katie, and I made the decision to move from a busy and hectic life in LA to the small mountain town of Wrightwood 75 minutes away. Since then we’ve had two kids, explored deeper into our mountains, fixed up our old cabin, and found (some) inner peace. I often find my way onto the podium at ultras and I’m happy to cross more finish lines with my two daughters and wife.

I ran my first marathon when I was 14 years old because my older sister tried to tell me I couldn’t! I was a swimmer for most of my adolescence but when a pool closure forced me to take up another sport, I immediately fell in love with running. Since then I’ve ran cross-country and track for the U.S. Naval Academy, finished 70 ultras, been on the podium on half of them, and explored the American West and Alps.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2021 HARDROCK 100
ENDURANCE RUN

2019 2x WINNER OF THE
ANGELES CREST 100

2014 ELITE FINISHER OF THE WESTERN STATES 100

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU EVERY DAY TO TRAIN?

Being outside in the mountains and reveling in the natural beauty.

DO YOU HAVE A PERSON WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Jorge Pacecho, a local legend and 2008 Ultra Runner of the Year.

WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR NOT LOSING ENERGY DURING your races?

Don't avoid eating and running! The more you can eat and run, the better you'll perform!

WHAT IS YOUR BEST RACING MEMORY?

Racing in the last 30 miles of my 2013 Angeles Crest 100 Mile victory, I dug deep and kept fighting all the way to the finish against some amazing runners in my home mountains. I was leading early in the race, but developed breathing problems at mile 45 due to an allergic reaction to fire weed. I walked almost 20 miles until I got my lungs back and battled the 2nd place runner from mile 72-90 before pulling ahead and taking my 2nd win. The best part of the day was my Dad flying in from out of town and surprising me at the finish line just after midnight.