Runner Chases 200-Mile World Record in One Day

Imagine running for 24 hours straight without stopping. Now imagine doing it fast enough to cover more than 200 miles.

That's exactly what ultrarunner Ryan Montgomery plans to do on December 19 at the Desert Solstice Track Invitational in Phoenix, Arizona. Montgomery is chasing the world record for the 24-hour race, currently held by Lithuanian runner Aleksandr Sorokin at 198.6 miles.

The record means running 800 laps around a 400-meter track while maintaining a 7:15-per-mile pace for an entire day and night. Montgomery, who uses he/they pronouns, finished third at the prestigious Western States 100-mile race this summer, beating the previous course record by 15 minutes.

But this challenge is completely different from mountain trails. Montgomery has been running 80 miles per week on a track to prepare, training his body and mind for the monotony of endless loops. In one recent workout, he ran an entire marathon on the track at faster than goal pace.

The mental challenge might be tougher than the physical one. Montgomery will see his support crew every 400 meters and share the track with about 20 other runners attempting their own records. Runners even change direction every four hours to balance the stress on their bodies.

Why This Inspires

Montgomery represents a new wave of ultrarunners pushing what seemed impossible just years ago. He's inspired by athletes making bold predictions and backing them up with incredible performances.

The preparation alone shows remarkable dedication. Montgomery has shifted his entire diet to liquids during races after struggling with stomach issues at mile 60 in previous events. He's running marathons and working road races into his training, showing how versatility makes athletes stronger.

What makes this attempt special is Montgomery's willingness to be vulnerable and public about such an ambitious goal. In a sport where performance standards are skyrocketing, he's adding to the momentum by dreaming bigger.

The race will test every aspect of human endurance. Montgomery jokes about potentially needing to use a bottle on the backside of the track to avoid losing precious seconds. Every minute counts when you're trying to optimize 1,440 of them in a row.

Whether Montgomery breaks the record or not, the attempt itself pushes the boundaries of what we believe the human body can achieve when paired with determination and smart preparation.