Kristin Bennett

Kristin Bennett, a scientist, high-altitude runner, and alpine mountaineer, has a passion for Nepal, ice, and the iceman, Oetzi. She spent many years as a scientist at Los Alamos National Lab shooting thermal neutrons at fun 'things' there, including ice, plutonium, starfish and Oetzi the iceman's 5,300 copper axe. Kristin discovered her love for high-altitude running in her early 20s. In 1992, she competed in the first Himalayan 100-mile stage race in the Indian Himalayas, where she first glimpsed Mt. Everest in Darjeeling's trails. Since then, she has found true joy in spending time in high mountains and among their people. Kristin is the first American woman to summit original ascents of both Tharke and Nupla Khang mountains in Nepal. She summited Mt. Everest in 2021 and in 2022, and she was third U.S. woman to summit the dangerous second highest mountain in the world, K2. Over the years, she as run marathons to train for climbing, including the Marine Corp, Los Angeles, Berlin, and Napa Valley marathons. Kristin is currently the President and CEO of KB Science, a federal business consulting firm helping to advance clean energy for underserved communities. She dedicates her volunteer time to STEM outreach in the U.S. and education for girls in the U.S. and Nepal. She is the only “crystallographer” to summit 4 of the 7 summits, including Mt. Vinson in 2022. She cannot wait to get back on the Union Glacier rock! (While the elevation may be low, her enthusiasm is extra high to be joining long-time Bostonian runner and friend, Race Director Pizzi!)