Lisa Smith-Batchen


Lisa Smith-Batchen is an ultramarathon runner and Ironman competitor. She was the first American to win Marathon des Sables.
Smith-Batchen has been featured in cover stories in The NY Times, The LA Times, The Washington Post and Winning Magazine. She also appears in a film about the Badwater Ultramarathon, entitled Running Under the Sun.
Smith-Batchen lives in Driggs, Idaho. She has two children with her husband Jay Batchen. They run Dreamchasers Outdoor Adventure Club together.

Early years

Born on September 16, 1960 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Lisa began her sports career at an early age. She was introduced to all sports from hockey to ballet. In high school, Lisa tried out for the cross country team but was told by the coach she was not any good at running. At this point, Lisa began diving competitively.

Personal life

Lisa married Jay Batchen in February 2001. Soon after Lisa and Jay moved from NJ to Idaho, where they began their own family. Annabella, 6, was adopted in 2003 and Gabriella, 3, was welcomed into the Batchen family in 2006.

Career highlights