The North Face Endurance Challenge, the Rocky Raccoon 100-Miler, the Mohican 100-Mile Trail Run.
These are just a small fraction of the races conquered by Philadelphia distance runner Michael Gagliardi, widely known in the city’s running community simply as “Gagz”.
Now, he has his sights set on the Tahoe 200 Endurance Run, set to take place from Sept. 13 to Sept. 18 in Homewood, California. As its name implies, the course will span 200 miles in length and circumnavigate Lake Tahoe, along the Tahoe Rim Trail and other terrain.
It will be his longest race distance to date.
“I’m training my a–s off for Tahoe 200. I’m going out there and I’m going to give it all I got, and I’m looking forward to representing the City of Philadelphia,” Gagliardi said.
In that spirit, Gagliardi requested Bib #215 when registering for the race, matching the city’s telephone area code. Organizers later confirmed that they granted his request.
“I feel good going out there. I’m really motivated up to do this thing and just bring home the glory for my city, my running club, my family and myself,” Gagliardi commented.