Running toward greatness: BNSF employee keeps pushing forward

Just about any job requires perseverance and the ability to push through challenges. Huntter Hufferd demonstrates these attributes, not only at work but also through his hobby.

Hufferd, an industry hub and rail billing specialist at BNSF, runs ultra-marathons. His ability and passion for running 100-mile races has become a part of his identity, inspiring him to tackle new challenges and achieve personal milestones.

As a billing specialist for our intermodal facilities, Hufferd’s work and his ultra-marathons have something in common: He tracks moves within intermodal facilities as meticulously as he does his mileage, pace and progress during his races.

The benefits of his physical fitness have also improved his work at BNSF.

“Running these events gives me more mental clarity while I work. It also provides a healthy avenue for stress management,” Hufferd said. “It gives me confidence and comfort when presented with a challenge at work, and overall, it’s made me more resilient and accountable to myself.”

It all began a couple of years ago when he found himself lacing up his running shoes more often, eager to hit the pavement. He’d sporadically run a few miles but wanted to push himself as far as he could, so he signed up for a 100-mile race. With just six months to prepare, it was daunting, but Hufferd was determined.

While making time to train wasn’t easy, he made it a priority.

“We find time for things we love,” Hufferd said. “I can consistently get in 6-8 miles a day in about an hour. The longer runs are more challenging as they can take from 3-6 hours, depending on distance. To make sure I’m not sacrificing time with my family, I typically reserve these runs for the weekends and wake up around 3:30 a.m. for training.”

Through these races, he’s discovered he can push himself to new limits, mentally leaving everything he has on the trails. The physical and mental endurance allows him to stick things through, even in times of struggle, stagnation and doubt.

When at the starting line, Hufferd said his mind starts churning and doesn't stop during the 24-plus hours he runs. He chooses not to listen to music but to fully immerse himself in the experience. As he runs, he loves to be inside his own head, processing every aspect of the race.

His thoughts range from his body's physical state and how it’s holding up, to his appreciation for nature and amazement at what the human body can do. During the race, he also welcomes thoughts of gratitude for the volunteers, race directors and his family who have sacrificed time and effort for the race to happen.  

Day turns into night, yet Hufferd continues to push forward with each step … almost in autopilot mode. Nearly 27 hours after stepping across the starting line, Hufferd collapses into the arms of his family members at the finish line.

“My family thinks I’m crazy at times, but they’re 100% supportive and have been to all but one of my races,” he said. “It keeps me motivated as I see them cheering me on.”

To date, Hufferd has completed six ultra-marathons. In his most recent event, he placed first with an impressive time of 25 hours and 47 minutes. That’s an average pace of about 15:30 per mile over the course of 100 miles.

Hufferd’s 7-year-old son is literally following in his father’s footsteps, recently running a 10K in September.

His running journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. His passion for ultra-marathons has taken him to places he never imagined possible, and he appreciates the community and friendships he has gained and why he continues to race, run and volunteer.

“Like the people I work with at the railroad, the running community includes some of the most supportive people I’ve ever met,” he said. “Everyone is so willing to help you and give you advice.”