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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.

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