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Humble Determination: Running the Length of Pennsylvania on Route 6

Meet Rhoda Smoker, who in May of 2024 ran the length of Pennsylvania on Route 6. That is 400 miles over a total running time of 154 hours and 49 minutes!

Blake Cohen

July 26th, 2024

8 min read

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Ultrarunning isn’t just a sport—it’s a testament to human endurance and spirit. Few embody this better than Rhoda Smoker, who recently set out to conquer Pennsylvania’s historic Route 6. Known for her relentless determination and humble nature, Rhoda’s extraordinary journey spans 400 miles from Port Jervis, New York, to Pierpont, Ohio. Her incredible feat is a testament to her indomitable spirit and love for running. 

Meet Rhoda Smoker

I had the privilege of catching up with Rhoda—literally—on May 28th during her trek across Route 6. Living in southeastern Pennsylvania, Rhoda has a deep love for the trails of central Pennsylvania, especially the Black Forest Trail. She is a regular fixture at trail races across the state, whether she’s running or volunteering. Rhoda’s journey into ultrarunning began much like many others: with a marathon. “I got talked into it,” she recalls with a laugh. What started as a casual foray into distance running quickly evolved into a passion for ultramarathons. “Someone twisted my arm to run a marathon,” she said, reflecting on her beginnings around 2010 or 2011. Little did she know that this initial step would lead to nearly 90 races, covering approximately 7,930 miles and countless hours of running. 

Rhoda’s humility shines through when discussing her achievements. “I just go out there and run,” she says. Despite her impressive race history, she never sees herself as special. Her sister Ruth adds, “If it were up to her, she never would have corresponded with you to get you to come out and write about her. She’s just like, ‘I’m just another person, and anybody can do this.'” 

The Ultramarathon Leap

Unlike many runners who gradually transition from marathons to ultramarathons, Rhoda took a bold leap. “My first ultra was a 12-hour race where I did 50 miles,” she shared. From there, she jumped straight into 100-mile races without completing a 50K or 100K first. This fearless approach highlights her innate determination—a trait that her sister Ruth believes has always been a part of her. 

“Rhoda has always been stubborn and determined,” Ruth said. “Running is a great outlet for that determination. Honestly, anyone else in their right mind wouldn’t have finished some of the runs she’s done. For instance, we’re pretty sure she ran about 275 miles of her latest route with an injury. She’s that stubborn—she just doesn’t know how to quit.” 

The Route 6 Adventure

Rhoda’s latest challenge is running the length of Route 6 through Pennsylvania, 400 miles rich in history and scenic beauty. Starting at 6 a.m. on May 25th in Port Jervis, New York, she finished her journey at 4:49 p.m. on May 31st, just crossing the state line into Pierpont, Ohio. This adventure is set to be her longest point-to-point run yet, with a total running time of 154 hours and 49 minutes. 

Ruth elaborated on the logistics and difficulties of this journey. “We traveled in a rented Sprinter van with most of the seats removed to make room for a mattress and storage. My husband, who is quite handy, outfitted the back of the van for Rhoda. She would wake up at 3 a.m., start running by 4 a.m., and run through the day until about midnight.” Despite their best efforts to rest, sleep was elusive. “If you could call it that,” Ruth laughed, referring to their attempts to sleep. 

One human moment that highlights her determination occurred when her shin pain began. Despite her friend and Ruth’s concerns, Rhoda pushed on. Ruth said, “She doesn’t know how to stop. She doesn’t know how to quit. I don’t think this is commendable as much as it shows how super stubborn she is.” 

Motivation and Support

Rhoda’s motivation comes from within and from the support of her friends and family. “Having great people around me makes a big difference,” she noted. Ruth and other supporters played a crucial role in her ability to push through the toughest parts of her races. Despite the physical and mental challenges, Rhoda finds inspiration and strength from those who believe in her. 

“She has always been humble about her achievements,” Ruth said. “She never sees herself as special, just someone who loves to run. She believes that ‘normal people can do this,’ as long as they push to the limits of their abilities.”

Memorable Moments and Achievements

Reflecting on her most memorable races, Rhoda points to the Vol State 500K in 2018 as a transformative experience. “It changed my perspective on what I could do,” she said. This race, along with many others, has shaped her self-belief and approach to ultrarunning. Rhoda’s numerous trophies, course records, and top finishes are a testament to her dedication and skill. 

Ruth shared an amusing anecdote about Rhoda’s love for the Black Forest Trail. “She absolutely refuses to run it the wrong way,” Ruth laughed. “When they do the Black Forest 100K, they alternate years running it clockwise and counterclockwise. Rhoda will only run it the correct way—it’s just a quirky thing she has.” 

Ruth also highlighted another human moment that underscores Rhoda’s down-to-earth personality. Despite her impressive accomplishments, Rhoda once decided to DNF a 100-mile race on the Pine Creek Rail Trail because she didn’t feel like finishing the last 20 miles in the rain. “That’s literally the only race she has ever DNF’d,” Ruth said. 

The Mental Game

Ultrarunning is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Rhoda’s ability to maintain a positive mindset is crucial. “I think of people who inspire me and remind myself that what I’m doing isn’t hard compared to their struggles,” she explained. This perspective helps her push through the inevitable lows of long-distance running. 

Ruth highlighted this mental toughness as well. “Rhoda’s determination and perseverance are incredible. She doesn’t do it for the publicity or the cheers, but because she loves to run.” 

The Community

For Rhoda, the ultrarunning community is a source of immense support and camaraderie. “All of my best friends are from running,” she said. The shared experiences and mutual encouragement among ultrarunners create a unique bond that is hard to find elsewhere. This community spirit is a significant part of what keeps Rhoda engaged and motivated, whether she’s running or volunteering.

Training and Balance

Balancing training with other aspects of life is a challenge for any ultrarunner. Rhoda’s approach is refreshingly pragmatic. “I’m on my feet all day at work, which helps,” she said. Working in the finishing shop at New Holland Church Furniture keeps her active even when she’s not running. This unique blend of physical work and running creates a non-traditional training regimen that suits her lifestyle. 

Looking Ahead

As she nears the end of her Route 6 trek, Rhoda’s focus is on finishing strong and enjoying the journey. While she doesn’t have specific future goals or aspirations, her love for the sport and its community is evident. “If there’s something you want to do, just go for it,” she advises. This straightforward philosophy has guided her through many challenges and continues to inspire her running endeavors. 

Conclusion

Rhoda Smoker’s journey through the world of ultrarunning is marked by bold decisions, impressive achievements, and a deep sense of community. Her current challenge on Route 6 is a fitting testament to her spirit and determination. As she runs through the scenic and historic landscapes of Pennsylvania, Rhoda embodies the essence of ultrarunning: pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and finding joy in every mile. 

2 thoughts on "Humble Determination: Running the Length of Pennsylvania on Route 6"

  1. Ren says:

    She is amazing… Roads never ceases to blow me away with her latest ideas and places that she wants to run. But also note, she is so much more a runner. She is a sister, a daughter and a wonderful aunt and a beautiful friend.

  2. David Fecteau says:

    Thank you for such an inspring article. I enjoy these, what I call, I dare you runs. I’ve done a couple under 100 miles and plan on doing more. These unstructured, unsanctioned runs are the ones that I have the most fun with and feel the greatest sense of accomplishment.

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