Born in New Zealand, Scotty Hawker has made his name as one the world's leading trail and ultra-runners, thanks to a string of podium finishes in Ultra-Trail World Tour races.
If you follow the ultra and trail-running scene, you’ll recognize Hawker by his appearances in some of the sport’s biggest competitions. Like the CCC (Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix), a 100 km race spanning across three European countries and an elevation gain of over 20,000 feet—Hawker scored second place in CCC 2021. Or the UTMB® (Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc) 2019, where he won third-place among almost 8000 runners.
The Christchurch native says his love of sport was fostered by growing up in an outdoorsy family and surrounded by beautiful landscape. He was an avid football (American soccer) player for years before running the Christchurch marathon at 17 years old, which he finished in an impressive 3:17. More “just for fun” races followed, like New Zealand’s famous 243-kilometer run, cycle, and kayak challenge, the Coast to Coast.
His first ultramarathon race was the Bunbury Ultra 50k in 2011, and the distances just kept expanding from there.
Like many athletes who consistently push their bodies, he’s dealt with setbacks—from ankle and calf injuries to ongoing sciatic-nerve and stomach issues. But Hawker hasn’t let these challenges hold him back. He cites rest, as well as learning proper nutrition and proper hydration, for helping him overcome and get back out there…not to mention quite a bit of passion and determination.
Beyond his work ethic and dedication to healthy living, Hawker claims to have a secret weapon for enduring and persevering through the toughest, most punishing marathons: the support of his daughter Sienna. For his third-place finish in UTMB® 2019, he famously crossed the finish line together with his daughter, then a toddler. Scotty has a lot to be proud of, and we are equally delighted to have him as a CamelBak Athlete.