On June 8, 2026, Mark “Mace” Macy of Colorado passed away at the age of 72. After a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2018 at the age of 64, rather than withdrawing from the public eye, Mace quickly became a strong advocate for those he called his Alzheimer’s Brethren. He battled the disease with the same focus and drive that made him one of the most accomplished adventure racers, ultrarunners, and triathletes of his era. In 2019, as his Alzheimer’s advanced, he competed in his ninth and final Eco-Challenge adventure race in Fiji alongside his son, Travis Macy.
Mace and his son, Travis Macy. All photos courtesy of Travis Macy.
From the time he relocated to Colorado in 1980 until his passing, Mace was a man who could light up a room — and a mountain. Charismatic and outspoken, Mace was part of the ultrarunning world in the late 1980s and early 1990s and became one of the early stars of expedition-length adventure racing. He was a frequent competitor in the legendary Eco-Challenge series, and adventure racing took him around the world, earning him international fame. Even after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Mace continued to run daily and race, committing to doing what he could for as long as he could.
Ultrarunning and Adventure Racing Days
While best known as an adventure racer, Mace competed in ultramarathons, Ironman triathlons, snowshoe races, and other endurance events for years before turning to expedition-length adventure races. Among his many incredible achievements are finishes at the 1993 Badwater 135 Mile, three Iditasport 100 Mile finishes in Alaska, and five finishes at the Leadville 100 Mile between 1988 and 1995. After four Leadville finishes in the 26- to 30-hour range between 1988 and 1993, Mace finally got his “Big Buckle” with an impressive 24:23 finish at the age of 41.
In an era when much of trail running and ultrarunning was a mystery to most, Mace brought attention to the sport through his grit, determination, and his infectiously positive attitude.
Mace with a young Travis (right) at the start of the 1988 Leadville 100 Mile.
As he fully transitioned to the adventure racing world in the mid-90s, Mace prided himself on being a team builder and facilitator with the Stray Dogs, one of the most successful adventure racing teams of the era. The team concept in adventure racing appealed to Mace as he loved sharing experiences with others. This love of sharing adventure struck a particular cord with his son, Travis, himself a successful endurance athlete and coach as well as the author of “The Ultra Mindset,” a book largely inspired by the indomitable spirit of his dad.
Battling Alzheimer’s
As Mace confronted his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, he did so with the same dogged determination he had confronted his endurance efforts, and Travis was there by his side to chronicle it in another outstanding book, “A Mile at a Time,” which documents Mace’s endurance mindset through the difficult challenge of confronting Alzheimer’s.
Mark Macy (right) with fellow ultrarunners, adventure racers on Team Stray Dogs, and friends Marshall Ulrich (center) and Dr. Bob Haugh (left).
In a 2022 profile on iRunFar, Mace said, “It’s too bad that I got Alzheimer’s. I can manage, and I can cope. I’m a regular guy. What I do is normal for any other runner. I’ve got a good life. I have a great family. Everything is good. I’m a very happy guy, and I intend to stay that way.” He went on to say, “I’m not going to quit, and I won’t give up. I’ll be at it until I hit the ground.”
Mace will be deeply missed across all of the communities he touched, and his legacy will continue to inspire others to seek big, audacious goals regardless of whatever may stand in their way.
Adventure in peace, Mace.
In lieu of condolences, donations honoring Mace and his Alzheimer’s Brethren may be made to the Mind What Matters Alzheimer’s Caregiver Relief Fund.
Call for Comments
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