The High Line Canal, a ribbon of serenity meandering through the metro region, offers a haven for explorers and nature enthusiasts. For Jeffrey Urbanski, this trail represented a challenge that he undertook this past Spring.

“I am grateful for the experience,” Jeffrey reflects. “I was lucky to have a number of friends out there to help me along the way. There is nothing better than spending a beautiful day outside with friends doing something you love.”

Jeffrey ran all 71 miles of the High Line Canal trail in one go – securing the fastest known time (FKT) for this endeavor. His journey along the Canal was more than just a run; it was a testament to camaraderie, pushing limits and embracing the beauty of the outdoors. It started as a unique challenge, at first, he thought, “I would never want to do this again,” but within days, a familiar itch began – the craving to go further, to run faster.

As a long-time distance runner, Jeffrey’s has conquered challenges since his junior high track days. Yet, this adventure was different – traversing the Canal’s entire length in a single day. The feat demanded preparation, dedication and a touch of audacity. “The terrain and lack of vert were fairly forgiving compared to some routes, so this made a lot of sense for me,” Jeffrey explains. “I haven’t raced since December, so I wasn’t sure what I would get.”

So, what prompted this audacious endeavor? The Canal had been on Jeffrey’s radar since his friend set the FKT in 2020. He appreciates the Canal as a runner and a community trail. Jeffrey is a member of the Broomfield Open Space Foundation and was excited to explore the myriad of areas the Canal passes through and see how the Canal community care for the trail. “Spaces like the Canal and my local Open Spaces mean a lot to me,” he shares. “I appreciate them and everything that goes into keeping them accessible. I wanted to take the opportunity to explore the various areas the Canal passes through that I have never seen.”

This was a memorable experience for Jeffrey, but what was his absolute favorite part of the run? “The day of my run was a beautiful day,” he recalls. “here were people out on the trail from where I started near Waterton Canyon all the way to the end in Aurora. There were cyclists, runners, walkers, people at adjacent parks and just a ton of activity. It was really amazing seeing how many people used the Canal path. It was also really interesting seeing how the path started in the more remote and quiet area around Waterton, passed through busy parts of town, and ended in a neighborhood in Aurora. It was a really rewarding way to see a lot of Greater Denver. I was able to spend an awesome day with friends doing what I love. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

Jeffrey’s story echoes the sentiment that the Canal isn’t just a trail; it’s an invitation to embrace challenges, discover hidden corners and find moments of connection. By completing all 71 miles, Jeffrey joined the ranks of the High Liners. High Liners are those who walk, run, cycle or roll all 71 miles of the iconic High Line Canal trail. Are you ready to lace up your running shoes, hop on your bike or find another way to traverse the trail? Your High Line Canal adventure awaits, and who knows what remarkable stories it might unveil.