Written by USATF MUT Council vice-chair Meghan Canfield.
Jackpot Ultras are hosting the USATF Road 100 Mile Championship amid their weekend of races, in Henderson, Nevada, just outside of Las Vegas. A loop of just over 1 mile will provide spectators and racers alike to see some fabulous and inspiring performances and more race drama that can be seen from a more traditional trail ultra.
While it is the 10th annual running of this event, it is the first year under the new directorship of Aravaipa Racing, a well-renowned company from Arizona. Besides the 1.2-mile loop championship course, there are 6/12/24/48 hour races, a standard 100 mile race, and a 50-mile race, all run on a slightly larger horseshoe loop of 2.25 miles.
Prize money will be given out to the top 3 Men and Women athletes equally as follows:
- 1st – $1,200
- 2nd – $500
- 3rd – $300
Zach Bitter winning the 2021 Jackpot Ultra. Photo: KEVLV Photography.
Runners to Watch
Open:
On the men’s side, course record (12:52:13) holder Zach Bitter (37) is returning and will be challenged by Ohio’s Zack Merrin (37), who sports at 13:25 100 miler at Tunnel Hill in 2020. Dan Goldstein (27) from Pennsylvania could shake things up, coming off of a 50 mile win at Beast of Burden this January.
For the women, multiday and 100 mile veteran Megan Eckert (36) is easily a favorite with a fast 2021 Brazos Bend 100 16:51.
Masters:
The men’s competition will feature masters phenoms Sam Skeels (44) cannot be counted out of the overall competition having run the Hennepin Hundred in 15:58 and Jonah Backstrom (49) who ran 14:48 at Jackpot last year. Jean Pommier, a perennial age group national champion will be vying for the 55-59 age group win, and Larry Stevens, who has several age group records will be after his own 65-69 record of 20:47:52.
Looking at the women’s side, 2021 Badwater 135 Champion Sally McRae (43), and 2021 Leona Divide Champion Heather Huggins (49) are the top 40+ females. Pam Reed of Badwater135 fame and Pamela Markle-Smith are two to watch in the 60+ age category.
Watch Live
This event will be available via live stream on the Aravaipa Running YouTube page.
2023 Jackpot Ultras | USATF 100 Mile Road National Championship LIVE – Stream 1
Starting March 3rd at 5:30 a.m. EST
2023 Jackpot Ultras | USATF 100 Mile Road National Championship LIVE – Stream 2
Starting March 3rd at 2:00 p.m. EST
Additional information about USATF Mountain, Ultra, and Trail Running (MUT) can be found here.
