16 year-old Miakota (Mia) Toy, above, embodies the spirit of Auburn, The Endurance Capital of the World®.
by Anne Thilges, photos courtesy of Mia’s family.
As the youngest woman competing at the Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB® held the weekend of April 27, 2024, she won her race division by running 25Km of hilly canyon trails in under three hours. Mia was inspired to take up running by her mother, Mehrey Vaghti, who raced the 50Km distance that same day. After watching her mother finish so strongly in the ultra-distance, Mia found her next goal: To step up to the 50Km as well.
Above, Mia greets her Mom, Mehrey Vaghti, at the 2024 Canyons Endurance Run by UTMB 50K finish.
Mia was also inspired by runners of the Western States Endurance Run (WSER). She grew up near the race’s 99 mile mark near the top of Robie Point. When she was younger, her idea of endurance was trying to stay awake through the entire night to cheer the WSER runners at the popular Mile 99 neighborhood run cheering party. Now she has her eye on eventually racing the WSER 100 miler. In fact, Mia’s best memory of her recent 25Km journey was running through her neighborhood on her way to the finish line. She enjoyed the cheers from her neighbors, many of whom she previously cheered for at the WSER.
Mia, an honors student at Colfax High School, not only trains for running but also competes on the Colfax varsity tennis team. Only three days before the Canyons race, Mia competed in the Pioneer Valley League Singles Tennis Tournament. She triumphed as runner-up there, by playing four grueling matches over the course of 5-1/2 hours. Despite starting the Canyons race with sore muscles from the tournament, Mia overcame that initial challenge and actually found her stride as the race progressed. This ability to push through discomfort and thrive under pressure speaks volumes about Mia’s character and athletic prowess.
Mia, runner up at the Pioneer Valley League Singles Tournament with Teammate Monika Chang-Mazur
Mia’s ability to manage her rigorous academic workload, extracurricular commitments, and intense training schedule is truly impressive. It’s a testament to her exceptional time management skills, dedication, and determination to excel in every aspect of her life.
Having a supportive network undoubtedly plays a crucial role in Mia’s success. In addition to training with her mother, she also received training advice from lifelong friends, Christina and Dennis Curley. Their encouragement, coaching, and presence during the race provided invaluable reinforcement.
With her adventurous spirit, resilience, and support system in place, Mia Toy is poised for even greater achievements in the future. It’s inspiring to see such a young athlete setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to make them a reality. Mia Toy is what makes Auburn the Endurance Capital of the World®.
Cautionary note from the Endurance Capital Committee: If you have or know of a young athlete who is training in an endurance sport, be sure they have proper coaching and the oversight of a qualified health professional.
