340 miles in 13 days—which Skechers shoes went the distance?

• Endurance athlete Seth Wilmoth ran 13 marathon-distance routes in 13 consecutive days across California.
• The 340-mile journey, called Project Gold Rush, aimed to raise funds for California's State Parks Foundation.
• Skechers sponsored the event, providing the athlete with performance apparel and Aero Series running shoes.

Running one marathon is an accomplishment. Running 13 marathon‑distance routes in 13 consecutive days, across deserts, coastlines, mountains and valleys, is something else entirely.

That’s exactly what endurance athlete Seth Wilmoth set out to do with Project Gold Rush | 13×13, an extraordinary challenge that covered more than 340 miles across California, without a single rest day. As the exclusive footwear and apparel sponsor, Skechers proudly partnered with Seth throughout the journey, outfitting him in Skechers Performance Apparel and the brand’s Aero Series running shoes—gear designed to withstand elite‑level demands.

More than a test of physical limits, Project Gold Rush was a mission‑driven effort to raise funds for California’s State Parks Foundation, helping protect the landscapes that shaped every mile of the run.

What is Project Gold Rush | 13×13?

Project Gold Rush | 13×13 challenged Seth to complete:

• 13 marathon‑distance runs
• 13 consecutive days
• Across all 13 of California’s Level III ecoregions

From coastal roads and desert heat to mountain elevation and unpredictable weather, Seth experienced California at ground level—often running through dramatic changes in climate and terrain within a single day.

On May 2, Seth completed the final run in Los Angeles, where Skechers hosted a celebratory community event. As part of the activation, attendees were able to try on Skechers Aero running shoes and take home Skechers Performance‑branded T‑shirts, turning the finish line into a celebration of movement, community and shared purpose.

Which Skechers shoes carried him 340+ miles?

Seth relied exclusively on Skechers Aero Series running shoes throughout the entire challenge, rotating between two models based on distance and fatigue.

Skechers Aero Razor

Skechers Aero Razor

Designed for speed and responsiveness, the Aero Razor was Seth’s go‑to early in the challenge. Buy now at Skechers

“It’s a faster, lighter shoe and was perfect early on,” Seth said. “It felt great right away.”

Skechers Aero Burst

Skechers Aero Burst

As the miles added up, Seth transitioned to the Aero Burst for added cushioning and support. Buy now at Skechers

“After the first and second marathons, I needed more support and cushioning, so I switched to the Aero Burst for the remainder—and absolutely loved it.”

Despite rotating through multiple colorways and fresh pairs, Seth reported getting just one blister over the entire 13‑day run—a rarity for endurance efforts of this scale. “They aren’t marketed as trail shoes, but I really put them to the test—especially in Yosemite—and they held up incredibly well.”

Performance apparel that held up across every condition

Shoes weren’t the only gear doing heavy lifting. Seth wore Skechers Performance apparel for every mile, through desert heat, coastal wind, rain, hail and even snow. Standout pieces included:

• Skechers GO DRI Circuit Tank, which Seth wore in nearly every condition
• Skechers GO RUN Vapor Tee, ideal for desert starts
• Lightweight outer layers that handled cold, rain and snow without weighing him down

“As any runner knows, chafing can be a big issue at high volume, but I experienced very little, if any,” Seth said. “The shorts, in particular, were key.”

What Seth hopes people take away from Project Gold Rush

“Push yourself and embrace challenges. We’re all more capable than we think.”

For Seth, the goal was always bigger than the miles. Project Gold Rush wasn’t just about endurance. Seth set out to raise $26,200 for California’s State Parks Foundation, helping preserve and protect public lands across the state.

To date, the campaign has raised more than $9,000, with donations still open.

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