The 2025 THRU-r Scholarship: A Chance to Chase the Miles
On THRU-r's Inspiring Opportunity, the Impact of the Thru-Hiking Pocast on the Hiker Community, & Carol Coyne's Incredible Passion Project
Eight months ago, I pressed play on a podcast that would change the way I thought about thru-hiking. At the time, I was in the thick of planning my Colorado Trail (CT) hike - a dream that felt both tantalizingly close and impossibly far away. The logistics alone were enough to keep me up at night. Gear, resupply points, weather, budgeting for weeks on the trail; it was all exhilarating, but the sheer financial reality of a long-distance hike loomed large. By then, my partner Arlo had shared countless stories with me regarding his Appalachian Trail (AT) thru-hike: the highs, the lows, and the ever-present in-betweens.
Being that he and I are at different skill levels entirely when it comes to outdoor survival (he is an Eagle Scout whereas I once had to Google “how to start a campfire” while holding a box of matches), I had doubts regarding my knowledge level and how well it would apply to the idea of solo thru-hiking the CT. People I would share this with weren’t shy about their reservations, either. Despite living in modern times, society loves to tell women they shouldn’t go out of their way to intentionally be alone in the woods.
Then I found THRU-r. Or maybe it found me.
I remember that first episode like it was yesterday. Carol “Cheer” Coyne, a Triple Crowner and the founder of THRU-r, was deep in conversation with seasoned long-distance hiker Audrey “Glowstick” Payne, swapping stories about trail magic, unexpected obstacles, and the relentless pull of the next mile.
Audrey spoke candidly about how, at the start of her hike, she felt underprepared and uncertain, relying on what she had rather than splurging on the latest ultralight gear. Money was tight, so she made do. But in true trail magic fashion, that resourcefulness led to an unexpected upgrade when she crossed paths with a couple desperately in need of a larger tent, she was able to swap her bulky two-person, four-pound tent for a lighter, more manageable one-person setup. The trail, as she put it, has a way of providing exactly what you need, exactly when you need it.
🎧 Want to check out the podcast? Here’s the episode that stuck with me!
It was exactly what I needed to hear. Content that reached beyond tips and tricks; those are everywhere. I needed real stories from people (more specifically women, in my case) who had done it, who had pushed through doubts and setbacks to reach the other side of something big. And, would you like to take a guess at what Carol does with the information once she’s able to capture and synthesize it?
She databases it.
Not just the big, flashy stories; the “I almost got hypothermia and then a trail angel saved me” kind of stories. She captures everything: the practical, the mundane, the questions you’re too embarrassed to ask, and the details that could mean the difference between success and an early bailout. And she stores it in a way that makes it accessible, organized, and actually useful.
THRU-r isn’t just a podcast or a website. It’s a living, breathing archive of trail-tested wisdom, compiled by hikers who’ve been through it all. The moment I stumbled into this database, I realized just how much I didn’t know and how much I had to gain by leaning into this community.
A Trail Knowledge Goldmine
The THRU-r Video Library is packed with recordings of past events, expert insights, and full-length podcast interviews you won’t find anywhere else. Playlists include:
Basic Skills – The stuff you don’t want to admit you don’t know
Finances – How to afford the adventure without maxing out your credit card
Trail Culture – Unspoken rules, etiquette, and how not to be “that hiker”
Gear – Deep dives into what’s worth your money and what’s just marketing
Strategy & Success – How to actually finish a thru-hike, mentally and physically
Post-Trail Life – Because yes, coming home is harder than you think
And that’s just the videos. The Hiker Forum is a separate entity that offers an interactive knowledge bank where hikers exchange real-world advice.
The THRU-r Map: Trail Angels and Fellow Hikers at Your Fingertips
There’s also the THRU-r Map, which - if you opt in - allows you to see where other members are located. Whether you’re looking for a Trail Angel in your area, someone to carpool with to the trailhead, or just another hiker to grab a beer with, this feature helps hikers connect in the real world. It’s the kind of tool that makes long-distance hiking feel less like an isolated dream and more like a supported community endeavor.
And the best part? It’s all built with hiker values in mind: privacy, respect, and a code of kindness that ensures this space remains helpful, not toxic.
A Space Where Hikers Build Each Other Up
At its core, THRU-r is a community built for hikers, by hikers. What started as a simple idea - a podcast where long-distance hikers could share their stories - has evolved into something much bigger. It’s a hub for knowledge, connection, and support for anyone planning to take on a major trail.
Between the podcast, virtual meetups, expert advice, and a dedicated online forum, THRU-r has become an essential resource for hikers at every stage of the journey. This is a space where people come to help, not judge. I can’t overstate how rare that is. The outdoor world, for all its beauty, isn’t always the most welcoming place for newcomers, especially if you don’t fit the traditional mold of what a “thru-hiker” looks like. THRU-r is different. It makes space for everyone.
And honestly? That’s the kind of support that can make or break a dream. Thru-hiking isn’t just about covering distance; it’s about becoming someone new in the process.
And now, THRU-r is giving five hikers the opportunity to take that journey with financial support. The 2025 THRU-r Scholarship is offering $1,000 each to five aspiring thru-hikers, covering gear, trail expenses, or whatever they need to make their hike possible. If you’ve been dreaming of a long walk, but finances have been the barrier keeping you from stepping onto the trail… this is your chance.
The 2025 THRU-r Scholarship: What You Need to Know
Long-distance hiking isn’t cheap. That’s just the truth of it.
Between the big-ticket gear purchases (tent, pack, sleeping system, clothing, stove) and the ongoing expenses of resupplies, town stays, transportation, and unexpected costs, the numbers add up fast. And for a lot of hikers, that financial barrier is the difference between getting to the trailhead and watching the dream slip away.
The THRU-r Scholarship is designed to change that.
✅ Scholarship Amount: $1,000 per recipient
✅ Use of Funds: You decide: gear, food, travel, whatever helps you hike
✅ Eligibility: Open to hikers planning to thru-hike 200 miles or more in 2025
✅ Application Requirements:
A short application form
A 1-5 minute video introducing yourself, the trail you plan to hike, and why you’re applying
✅ Deadline: February 14, 2025, at 12 PM PST
✅ Selection & Notification: Five hikers will be chosen and notified by February 21, 2025
📌 Apply Here: THRU-r Scholarship Application
This isn’t just a cash award; it’s an invitation to be part of something bigger. Scholarship recipients will have the chance to share their journey with the THRU-r community, creating a ripple effect of inspiration for hikers to come.
Trails, Angels, Magic & The Hiker Community
While I was preparing for my Colorado Trail hike, I found myself returning to one specific THRU-r podcast episode: Episode 143 with Audrey “Glowstick” Payne.
Glowstick hiked both the Appalachian Trail and the Colorado Trail, and in that episode, she unpacked everything, from the unexpected challenges of trail life to the financial realities of getting to the starting line. Her honesty about the difficulties of saving money, affording gear, and stretching a budget on trail hit home.
The Colorado Trail spans 485 miles, running from Denver to Durango, with an average completion time of four to six weeks. It’s known for its high elevations, unpredictable weather, and remote sections, which means preparation is key. Between lightning storms above tree line, freezing temps, and the occasional bear encounter, hikers need the right mindset, skills, and financial support to make it through.
Listening to Glowstick’s experience made me realize just how much goes into a hike like this - and why a $1,000 scholarship could be the difference between making it happen and waiting another year (or never going at all).
More Than a Scholarship – A Community of Trail Angels
If you’re considering applying, take a minute to check out everything THRU-r offers beyond the scholarship itself.
Virtual Meetups – Connect with other thru-hikers, ask questions, and swap advice
Expert Q&A Sessions – Hear from experienced hikers about the realities of long-distance hiking
Hiker Planning Workshops – Learn how to map out your resupply strategy, gear list, and training plan
See All Events Here: THRU-r Events Page
This isn’t just about a financial boost; it’s about joining a community that genuinely wants to see you succeed.
One Step at a Time – Take the Leap
If you’re reading this and feeling that pull - the nagging thought that this could be your year - then I hope you apply.
Long-distance hiking changes you in ways you can’t anticipate. It strips away the noise, the excuses, the distractions. It forces you to sit with yourself, to test your limits, to find out what you’re capable of. And when it’s all said and done, you come out the other side stronger, braver, and more in tune with the world around you.
That journey starts with a single step.
📌 Application Deadline: February 14, 2025, at 12 PM PST
📌 Apply Now: THRU-r Scholarship Application
And if you need help training for a long-distance hike, I offer one-on-one coaching to help you build the strength, endurance, and mindset for the miles ahead.
💪 Train to Trail Fitness is a customized training program designed to help you hit the trail feeling strong and prepared.
📲 DM me here or on Instagram (@freda.heights) for more info!
The miles are waiting. Go chase them.
Thanks for sharing this site, I hadn't heard of it before. Looks like some great info and I'll be signing up for a free membership!