Running Through the Darkness

From the high-energy nightlife industry to grueling 100-mile weeks, ultra-runner Eli Wehbe has transformed his life through running. Once immersed in the world of Hollywood nightlife, Wehbe found solace, structure, and a renewed sense of purpose in the punishing yet meditative rhythm of ultra-running. His journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth.

Finding a New Path

Before ultra-running became his passion, Wehbe was no stranger to endurance. He had already completed half-marathons and full marathons, but it wasn’t until a difficult period of life that he truly immersed himself in the sport. Seeking inspiration, he turned to books — something he had never done before. “I had never even read a full book in my life up until 2020,” he admits. That year, he devoured 30 books, including works by endurance icons Rich Roll and David Goggins. Their stories lit a fire within him.

“I saw what they were doing and thought, ‘I can do this,’” he recalls. He soon found himself running 100-mile weeks during the pandemic, using the isolation to fuel his new-found love for the sport. When racing finally resumed in January 2021, he entered a 50K race. “That’s where it all started,” Wehbe remembers. 

Running as Therapy

For Wehbe, ultra-running is more than just physical exertion — it’s a sanctuary. “It’s my therapy room on the mountain,” he says. “It’s almost like everything just disappears. Whatever I’m upset or frustrated about just goes away after the run.” The solitude of long-distance running offers him a mental reset, a form of self-suffering that brings clarity and peace.

Before running took over his life, Wehbe struggled with substance abuse. “I used to do a ton of drugs and drink,” he reveals. Now, after five years of sobriety, running has become his healthier high — one with no crash at the end. “You actually feel good after,” Wehbe says of his runner’s high. The discipline and routine have helped him rebuild his life, replacing destructive habits with something meaningful. 

The Mental Game of Ultra-Running

For Wehbe, ultra-distance races are as much about mental endurance as they are about physical ability. “If we’re talking a 200-plus mile race, it’s more mental,” he explains. “The running is the easiest part. If you know how to suffer, you can stay out there.”

The first 24 hours of a race, he says, are often the hardest. It’s during this time that self-doubt creeps in. Even seasoned runners like Wehbe find themselves questioning their motives. “I was sick during my last race and thought, ‘I don’t have anything to prove. Why am I still out here?’” But once he pushes past that initial hurdle, a switch flips. “Then it’s just like you’re fully locked in. You’re not leaving here till you finish this thing.” 

Embracing Discomfort for Growth

A recurring theme in Wehbe’s journey is the embrace of discomfort. He believes that growth comes from pushing past pain and breaking through mental barriers. “Anytime I do something where I’m feeling uncomfortable, there’s growth that comes from it,” he says. Even when the act of running feels repetitive, there’s always something new to learn. Wehbe says that each time he hits the road for a long run, he thinks, “‘Why am I doing this to myself?’ But every time I go out there, I discover something about myself and it feels good. I’m just getting done whatever the mission is for the day. You just feel good. The whole day just feels good.”

Running has become such an integral part of his identity that missing a run throws off his entire day. “I can work out, do a cold plunge, sauna — but if I don’t run, my day feels off,” he admits. ”I feel worthless.” For Wehbe, it’s clear that running has become far more than just a form of exercise. 

“I feel like I rebuilt my whole life with running,” he explains. “That’s why it has so much meaning to me. I feel like I got on a whole new path because of running. There’s a lot of deep meaning to me,” he says of his sport. “It’s not just about the run – there’s a lot that goes through my head every time I go out there.” 

Advice for Those Struggling

Wehbe knows firsthand how difficult it can be to climb out of a dark place. His advice? Find something — anything — that brings both joy and struggle, and do it consistently. “It doesn’t need to be running. It could be yoga, but don’t miss a day. Be consistent,” he advises. 

However, he also acknowledges that change has to come from within. “I’ve seen successful people hit rock bottom, and no matter what I tell them, they can’t get out of it until they’re ready,” he says. “People have to hit their own rock bottom before they make a change. Otherwise, they don’t see the point.”

He has his own turning point to thank for his ability to give this advice. “I feel I lost a lot of good people out of my life from drinking and doing drugs. People were worried about me and I didn’t care at the time,” Wehbe says of how he had to find rock bottom on his own, regardless of how the people he cared for tried to intervene. 

“It doesn’t work,” Wehbe says of telling people what to do. “You can read my book, but if you don’t want to do it yourself, you’re not going to make a change.” 

When asked if there was one thing in particular that flipped the switch for him, Wehbe laughs and alludes to his book, Mask. “I’ll let you read about it in my book,” he says.  “I went through the wringer, but everything happens for a reason. It wasn’t fair, but life isn’t fair. If I hadn’t gone through what I did, I wouldn’t be running today. I probably would still be in the nightlife industry, doing drugs. There was no reason for me to leave — it was comfortable. But there’s no real purpose in that lifestyle. I’m so happy I’m out of it.”

The Road Ahead

For Eli Wehbe, running isn’t just about the miles — it’s about transformation. It’s about pushing through pain, finding clarity in suffering, and proving to himself that he’s capable of more than he ever imagined. Running didn’t just save him from rock bottom; it gave him a new life, one defined by discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement. And as far as slowing down or taking some rest? “I’ll rest when I’m dead. I’m going until the wheels fall off,” he says. 

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