Karl Meltzer
Karl Meltzer is an ultrarunner and ultrarunning coach based in Sandy, Utah. Meltzer has won more 100-mile ultramarathons than any other ultramarathoner, and has held speed records at major U.S. trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Pony Express Trail. Meltzer's trail runs have been featured in news outlets from Ultrarunning.com to NBC Sports.
Meltzer has been a professional ultramarathoner since 1999, and a coach since 2007.
While many ultrarunners tend to be vegetarian and averse to alcohol or caffeine, Meltzer has been seen with bacon, Red Bull, and microbrews.
On September 18, 2016, Meltzer set an Appalachian Trail record by completing the 2,190 miles over 14 states in 45 days 22 hours and 38 minutes. This achievement was featured in a 2017 documentary movie "Made To Be Broken". Meltzer's record was eclipsed in September 2017 by Joe McConaughy in a self-supported run. The current A.T. fastest known time was by Tara Dower in 2024.
Meltzer is the current Race Director for the Speedgoat 50K at Snowbird Ski Resort.
Ultramarathon wins
- All-time winner at the Wasatch 100
- Hardrock 100
- San Diego 100
- Squaw Peak 50
- Bighorn 100
- Bear 100
- Massanutten 100
- Coyote Two Moon 100
- Moab Red Hot 50k
- Zane Grey Highline Trail 50 Mile Run
- Devil Dog 100
- No Business 100
- Most 100-mile wins during a calendar year with six in 2006, four of them record performances, the final four in a period of eight weeks. Five wins in 2007, 2009, and four in 2005. Meltzer has four times won at least four 100s in a calendar year.
- USATF, Ultrarunning Magazine, RRCA Runner of the Year 2006, Everest Award 2006
- 2nd place Ultrarunning Magazine Ultrarunner of the Year 2007, 2009
- Maine to Georgia 2008, 2176 miles, 500,000′ vertical climbing, in 54 days, 21 hours, 12 minutes, the 4th fastest Appalachian Trail thru-hike. Meltzer stayed up to date with his fans and followers with a catchy "Where's Karl?" campaign.
- Speed Record for running the Pony Express Trail from Sacramento, California to St. Joseph, Missouri
- On September 18, 2016, Meltzer set an Appalachian Trail record by completing the 2,190 miles over 14 states in 45 days 22 hours and 38 minutes.
- On October 17, 2020, Meltzer won the 2020 No Business 100 Mile Race to add to his streak of 19 consecutive years winning a 100-mile race.
Notable race results