Karl Meltzer (born December 8, 1967, nicknamed "Speedgoat Karl") 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.[1]
Meltzer has been a professional ultramarathoner since 1999, and a coach since 2007.
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.[4] This achievement was featured in a 2017 documentary movie "Made To Be Broken".[5] Meltzer's record was eclipsed in September 2017 by Joe McConaughy in a self-supported run.[6] The current A.T. fastest known time was by Belgian runner Karel Sabbe, who completed the trail in 41 days, 7 hours, and 39 minutes on August 29, 2018.[7]
Meltzer is the current Race Director for the
Speedgoat 50K at Snowbird Ski Resort.[8]
As of December 11, 2021, Meltzer had won at the 100 mile-distance 45 times, the all-time record.[12] As of March 7, 2010, he had 53 ultra wins in 105 starts.[citation needed]
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 (previous record held by Eric Clifton, with four 100-mile wins in 1991; Joe Hildebrand also won four 100s in 1999). Meltzer has four times won at least four 100s in a calendar year.[citation needed]
USATF, Ultrarunning Magazine, RRCA Runner of the Year 2006, Everest Award 2006[13]
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 Trailthru-hike.[14] Meltzer stayed up to date with his fans and followers with a catchy "Where's Karl?" campaign.[15]
Speed Record for running the
Pony Express Trail from Sacramento, California to St. Joseph, Missouri[16]
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.[4]
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.
Karl Meltzer (born December 8, 1967, nicknamed "Speedgoat Karl") 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.[1]
Meltzer has been a professional ultramarathoner since 1999, and a coach since 2007.
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.[4] This achievement was featured in a 2017 documentary movie "Made To Be Broken".[5] Meltzer's record was eclipsed in September 2017 by Joe McConaughy in a self-supported run.[6] The current A.T. fastest known time was by Belgian runner Karel Sabbe, who completed the trail in 41 days, 7 hours, and 39 minutes on August 29, 2018.[7]
Meltzer is the current Race Director for the
Speedgoat 50K at Snowbird Ski Resort.[8]
As of December 11, 2021, Meltzer had won at the 100 mile-distance 45 times, the all-time record.[12] As of March 7, 2010, he had 53 ultra wins in 105 starts.[citation needed]
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 (previous record held by Eric Clifton, with four 100-mile wins in 1991; Joe Hildebrand also won four 100s in 1999). Meltzer has four times won at least four 100s in a calendar year.[citation needed]
USATF, Ultrarunning Magazine, RRCA Runner of the Year 2006, Everest Award 2006[13]
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 Trailthru-hike.[14] Meltzer stayed up to date with his fans and followers with a catchy "Where's Karl?" campaign.[15]
Speed Record for running the
Pony Express Trail from Sacramento, California to St. Joseph, Missouri[16]
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.[4]
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.