Download our Free 8-Week Plan here →
News

Ashley Paulson Breaks Women’s World Record at USATF Championships, Runs 12:19:34 for 100 Miles

February 23, 2026
By
Anna F.

Ashley Paulson stunned the ultrarunning world at the Jackpot 100 in Henderson, Nevada, clocking 12:19:34 to break the women’s 100-mile world record and cut 17 minutes off the previous mark.

​Ashley Paulson delivered one of the most commanding ultrarunning performances in recent memory on Friday, breaking the women’s 100-mile world record at the Jackpot 100 Mile Ultra in Henderson, Nevada.

Ashley Paulson (Credit: Getty Images)

​The 44-year-old stopped the clock at 12 hours, 19 minutes, and 34 seconds, averaging 7:21 per mile across the full 100-mile distance.

In doing so, she shaved 17 minutes off the previous world record of 12:37:04, set by Ireland’s Caitriona Jennings at the Tunnel Hill 100 Miler last November.

​The Jackpot 100, held just outside Las Vegas, also served as the USATF 100 Mile Championships. Run on a USATF-certified 1.19-mile loop completed 84 times, the course demands precision and mental durability.

​Paulson reached the halfway mark just under six hours and maintained record pace despite slowing slightly over the final 50 miles.

​“Honestly, it doesn’t feel real,” Paulson said post-race. “I worked so hard for it, and it happened. Dreams come true, you just gotta keep fighting and execute.”

​A former professional triathlete, Paulson has run more than 130 marathons and previously won the Badwater 135 outright in 2023.

You Might Also Like

12 Things No One Tells You About Running

New to running (or returning) and surprised it feels awful at first? These 12 rarely mentioned lessons cover the real stuff gear costs, hunger, bad runs, weather, feet issues, and why you might still end up hooked.

Harry Styles Breaks Three Hours at Berlin Marathon, Finishes Among Top 5% of 48,000 Runners

Harry Styles stunned marathon fans in Berlin 2025, running 2:59:13 under an alias and finishing 2,245th out of 48,000+

Kenya’s Kennedy Kimutai Wins 2026 Paris Half Marathon as 50,000 Runners Fill the Streets

Paris welcomed 50,000 runners for the 2026 Paris Half Marathon, with Kennedy Kimutai and Ftaw Zeray taking the wins as crowds cheered along the Seine and through the Bois de Vincennes.

LA Marathon Allows Runners to Finish at 18 Miles Due to Heat Forecast

Los Angeles Marathon organizers are adding a heat-safety option: if race-day temperatures climb too high, runners may stop just after mile 18 and still receive a finisher medal. With forecasts rising from 12–13°C at the 7 a.m. start to 25–27°C by midday, the McCourt Foundation says the goal is preventing dangerous heat illness.

Jacob Kiplimo Sets New Half Marathon World Record with 57:20 in Lisbon

Jacob Kiplimo just rewrote the half-marathon record books in Lisbon, storming to a 57:20 victory without pacemakers, outkicking Nicholas Kipkorir late as Tsigie Gebreselama defended her women’s title in dominant fashion.

Study Finds Vitamin D Helps Maintain Immune Health, but Does Not Improve Running Performance

Vitamin D can help runners hold onto healthy levels through the dark winter months, and may support immune markers, but this new study found it doesn’t translate into better performance like VO₂max, power, or strength.