To the Gorge

Running, Grief, Resilience & 460 Miles on the Pacific Crest Trail

By: Emily Halnon

Narrated by: Emily Halnon

When Emily Halnon lost her beloved mother to a rare uterine cancer at just sixty-six years old, she wanted to do something monumental to honor the person her mother had been. Emily's mom had taken up running in her late forties; she ran her first marathon at fifty. She even went skydiving to celebrate her sixtieth birthday.

Emily, already an accomplished ultrarunner, decided to try to break the record for the Fastest Known Time by a woman on the Pacific Crest Trail's 460 miles across Oregon.

To the Gorge takes the listener through her seven days, nineteen hours, and twenty-three minutes on the trail, covering nearly sixty miles a day on foot over rugged terrain, and battling all the issues that could arise during such a monstrous undertaking. All the while, she simultaneously struggles with how to get through the profound grief of losing her mom.

Interwoven with Halnon's eight-day effort are her remembrances from her mother's life and death, exploring the complicated experience of grief—and what shines through it.

Filled with adventure and heart, To the Gorge invites listeners to consider what our greatest losses can teach us about how to live the one life we get.

©2024 Emily Halnon (P)2024 Tantor

Loved this story and made me think twice a lot

First of all, I love Emily’s narration of her book. Second, this book has me crying so often. It was beautiful and a reminder to ask questions while you can, and to love deeply, because you don’t know how much time you or your loved ones have.

Beautiful storytelling

This was a lovely story about grief, fear, recovery and resilience. As someone who heals through running, I found this book very moving.

Got Me

This book is short, but it is a good read and you will be surprised at the the end.

Heartwarming and inspiring

This personal recount of Emily Halnon’s epic journey of strength, will and determination is a must read! Thank you Emily for being so unafraid to share your raw story. Great job on the PCT and for being a great daughter who honored her mom in such a prolific way!

Halon weaves her stories together beautifully

The simultaneous stories bobbed and weaved seamlessly. As a reader I followed Emily along her FKT with enthusiasm, awe, and agony. Similarly, I got to know her tenacious mother through her love of running and strength while facing a devastating cancer diagnosis. Tales of Andrea’s walks around the fire place, walks with friends, and her request for miles made her life and death real to me. I fell in love with all the supporting “characters” Ian, both Jamison’s, Brutus and Dilly, her race crew…. Terrific read. Sorry for your loss. What a beautiful way to honor your mother’s legacy.