Jeff Leininger may be the oldest in the Alaskan survival race, but he has the stamina of a 20-year-old. In fact, Jeff might be the most experienced player in the game, as he’s run his entire life from it.
Continue reading this biography of Jeff Leininger to learn more about him.
Jeff Leininger in the race for survival in Alaska
Jeff Leininger teamed up with his son Hunter Leininger to compete against seven other couples on USA Network’s Race to Survive Alaska. Competing for the chance to win $500,000, these teams competed in six intense races over 40 days with no planes, trains or cars to help them get around. In all, they had to endure over 100 miles of inhospitable and previously unexplored terrain on their own legs with only what they could carry.
So this also meant that Jeff had to use his primitive survival skills to get his own food, water and shelter. Plus, being on Alaska’s dangerous coast, marked by vast mountain ranges, ancient glaciers, sweltering rainforests, and menacing wildlife, certainly didn’t make things any easier.
However, the game was not that new to Jeff, having been competing professionally and even officiating for decades. He and his son even participated in the toughest race in the world: Eco-Challenge Fiji, organized by Bear Grylls.
Thanks to his passion, Hunter also grew up competing. At just 11 years old, he even became the youngest competitor in the national 24-hour championship, the record previously held by a 23-year-old. Since then, he has set a number of other world records, including “World Adventure Championship Youngest Finisher” and “World’s Toughest Race”.
After completing most of these world’s toughest adventure races, Hunter began expanding his horizons into ultrarunning and endurance mountain biking, where he again set dozens of records. So far, he has won races: the 30-hour Cauldron Adventure Race, the 24-hour Oak Mountain Adventure Race, the 12-hour Blue Ridge Adventure Race and the 10-hour CARE Adventure Race.
Jeff Leininger’s Wife
Jeff Leininger was single in 2023. But he had two wives in the past.
His first wife, Melissa Kegelman Carignan, is the mother of his sons Hunter and Cameron Leininger (a Creekside High School graduate who served in the military). She was born in October 1976 in Orlando, Florida. Find her on IG @melissacarignan333 and FB @melissa.k.leininger.
After the split, Melissa married Michael Carignan (a graduate of The Citadel, South Carolina Military College) on December 15, 2012. A year later, the duo welcomed their son, Ian, on September 6.
Now, as of 2023, Melissa and Michael have been married for over a decade, and Michael is happier than ever. “I could not have chosen a better partner for this life than you, Michael Carignano”, he once dedicated a publication to him.
While Melissa continued to have a good life with Michael, Jeff married Shauna Owens Leininger @shauna.owensleininger.
Jeff said he was single and ate $6 before he met Shauna. After he started dating her, the cost doubled, and after they got married, meals dropped to around $6 (for both of them) because they cooked at home. Then they had children and the meals cost around $80. Later, when the kids moved out, they ate a $30 meal. “In my last few days in the nursing home, I should go back to $6 meals,” he said.
Unfortunately, Jeff’s second marriage didn’t work out either.
Fun fact: Shauna rode with Jeff and Hunter on their new bike in April 2017. Being a beginner, she did very well on her first single lane ride (only 2 crashes and no broken bones).
Who are the parents of Jeff Leininger?
Jeff Leininger was close to his parents, Edna Gayle Leininger and Marston “Vic” Leininger.
Unfortunately, his mother breathed her last on February 24, 2020 at the age of 79.
Regarding his siblings, Jeff has a sister named Julia (“Judy”) Seidl and a brother named Mark Leininger.
Jeff Leininger Age
Jeff Leininger was 54 years old when he appeared in the 2023 Race to Survive Alaska, making him the oldest entrant that season.
By contrast, his son Hunter (then 22 years old) was the youngest competitor.
Jeff Leininger Business
Jeff Leininger is a cycling competitor and race director. He so far he has raced the A1 World Cup, Expedition Colorado, Blue Ridge Ultra, Sea to Sea Expedition Race, Blairsville Extreme Adventure Race and Blue Ridge Adventure Race.
In addition, Jeff is the proud owner of Robot Costumes, a company that designs and sells robotic clothing, and Argoergia, an adventure racing company.
Regarding his education, Jeff attended Englewood High and Valencia Community College.
How tall is Jeff Leininger?
Jeff Leininger is over 6 feet (183 cm) tall.
Related FAQ
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When is Jeff Leininger’s birthday?
Jeff celebrates his birthday on September 22 and belongs to the zodiac sign Virgo.
He celebrated his 48th birthday by taking a 100-mile bike ride home after being dropped off in Norman Beach by his boss Steve.
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Where is Jeff Leininger from?
Jeff comes from Orlando, Florida.
But she moved to Canton, Georgia in 2019 and has lived there ever since.
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Is Jeff Leininger on Instagram and Facebook?
Find him on Facebook @jeff.leininger.
Categories: Biography
Source: newstars.edu.vn