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

May 19, 2026
0 Comments

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.

Join The Conversation

You Might Also Like

Ultrarunner Pablo Espinosa Was Sent Home to Die. He Chose Clinical Trials, and He Is Still Lacing Up

Ultrarunner Pablo Espinosa was placed in palliative care after a stage-four cancer diagnosis. He is now in an experimental trial, and his message is one line: one step at a time.

A Spanish Mechanic Started Running at 66. At 82 He Has the VO2 Max of a 20-Year-Old

Juan López García began running at 66 and could not finish a mile. At 82, he holds the world 50K ultra record for his age group and a VO2 max never seen before over 80.

At 67, She Became the First Woman Ever Over 65 to Break 3 Hours in a Marathon

At 67, Japanese runner Mariko Yugeta ran 2:59:02 at the Kobe Marathon, becoming the first woman over 65 to break three hours. Here is how she did it.

A World Cup Referee Runs 8 Miles Per Match. Here Is the Fitness Test They Have to Pass.

FIFA referees cover eight miles a match and sprint on demand. The two-part fitness test they pass every year is one runners can try at any track.

Josh Kerr Just Broke a 27-Year Mile Record Nobody Thought Would Fall

Josh Kerr ran 3:42.66 at the London Diamond League to break Hicham El Guerrouj's 27-year mile world record. Inside the race, the splits, and what it means.

Every Woman Runner Knows the Feeling of Being Watched. The Pros Just Forced the Cameras to Stop

Elite athletes just won new rules against camera angles that sexualize women in sport. For the millions of women who run watched every day, the fight is the same.