Torrey Short: Charlotte Kilcher and Arthur Short’s Son, Marathoner, and Firefighter
While the Kilcher name is best known through Discovery’s Alaska: The Last Frontier, one member of the extended family has carved out his own path—quite literally. Torrey Short was born in 1985 in Homer, Alaska, to Charlotte Kilcher and her first husband, Arthur Short. Following their divorce, Charlotte married homesteader Otto Kilcher on June 25, 1994. Through that marriage, Torrey became the older half-brother of August Kilcher and part of the broader Kilcher family featured on the show—though his own journey has taken him far beyond the homestead.
A seasoned endurance athlete, Torrey has spent nearly a decade immersed in ultra-running. He ran his first official marathon in 2017, followed by his first 50k in 2018, and completed his first 100-mile race the same year at the Chimera 100, finishing third overall in 29 hours and 19 minutes. Since then, he’s conquered some of the most grueling long-distance events in the U.S., including the Moab 240, Kodiak 100, and the Resurrection Pass 100. He often places among the top finishers, sometimes just barely beating the cutoff in brutally demanding courses, and other times earning podium spots or personal bests.
His Instagram (@torreyshort) is filled with running milestones—from snowy 50k finishes in Alaska to sunbaked California trails—each accompanied by gratitude for his family and support crew. His wife Dana is a frequent presence at the finish lines, along with their daughter Amelia and their dog Armani, who even makes appearances in yoga studios and medal ceremonies.
Beyond racing, Torrey brings his endurance mindset to his professional life. Based in San Diego, he co-owns Spirit Yoga & Barre with Dana and teaches classes as a certified instructor. In 2022, Torrey completed his 200-hour yoga teacher certification at Spirit and now leads sessions that reflect his philosophy of balance between strength, recovery, and mindfulness. The couple also opened Spirit Barre in Pacific Beach, expanding their wellness reach in Southern California.
In heartfelt tributes, Torrey has acknowledged friends lost in the wildfire service, sharing how firefighting has been another important chapter in his life. Over the last 20 years, he has worked as a Wildland Firefighter for the State of Alaska—stationed with helitack crews and detailing units. His career has taken him from the forests of Oregon to the firelines of Montana and deep into Interior Alaska. His firefighting photos span over a decade, showing him with the Homer crew, building lines, battling wild blazes, and working beside fellow fire personnel. The discipline and resilience forged during those summers echo through his ultra-running life today.
Despite the miles run and hardships faced, Torrey’s journey highlights a life built on endurance, gratitude, and grounded joy. Whether battling flames or chasing finish lines, he brings the Kilcher spirit to a new generation—one defined by health, family, and purpose.
Race Highlights Timeline:
- 2017 – First official marathon (Veterans Day)
- 2018 – First 50k (Lake Hodges); first 100-mile (Chimera 100 – 3rd place)
- 2019 – Stagecoach 100 (10th place); Flagstaff to Grand Canyon 100-mile finisher
- 2020 – Moab 240 (26th place); 50-miler (San Diego)
- 2021 – Mogollon Monster 100 finisher
- 2022 – Boston Marathon (3:07); Carlsbad Marathon (BQ time of 3:03:13)
- 2023 – Completed a 200-mile ultra; checkpoint photo posted by Charlotte Kilcher
- 2024–2025 – 5th 100-mile finish at Kodiak Ultra in Big Bear
Family & Support Crew
Torrey frequently credits his support system—including his wife Dana, daughter Amelia, and mother Charlotte Kilcher—for their presence at races and behind-the-scenes encouragement. Dana has been a constant at finish lines and in business, helping remodel and open Spirit Barre in San Diego. Their daughter Amelia has been part of the journey too, famously selling Girl Scout cookies alongside her dad in 2018 on Mission Beach.
Charlotte Kilcher, his mother, proudly shares updates on his races—from watching his Boston Marathon progress online to cheering him on through ultra checkpoints. Their dog Armani is often seen at races, and Torrey credits him for the “face licks” that welcome him back from long training runs.
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