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Rarely in ultrarunning do you see the word “phenom” used to describe the sport’s best runners. But in 2016 the sport was taken over by the phenomenal record-smashing performances of Jim Walmsley. The 26 year-old from Flagstaff, Arizona kicked off the year with a dominant win and course-record at the Black Canyon 100K, and from there he seemingly never took his foot off the gas pedal. With his Western States Golden Ticket in hand, Walmsley continued to race – and set records – at some of the most competitive ultras, including the Lake Sonoma 50-miler in April.
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At age 30 Lickteig reached the pinnacle of the sport with a dominating win at the Western States 100- posting the third fastest time in the venerable event’s 40+ year history – and on one of the hottest days on record. Before and after that huge win last year, Lickteig won six other ultras (including three overall wins) and placed second at the highly competitive Lake Sonoma 50-miler in April.
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Jim Walmslsey and Kaci Lickteig are the Ultra Runners of the Year for 2016. Both were nearly unanimous choices, with Licketig garnering 38 first-place votes and Walmsley 37 from the 39 voters.
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The ever-floating Jim Walmsley takes a moment to smile as he approaches the tape at the JFK 50-miler on November 19. Walmsley broke Max King’s course record by 13 minutes in the oldest ultra in North America. Photo: Geoff Baker
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Magdalena Boulet Magdalena Boulet of Oakland, California, last year’s ultra runner of the year, placed second in the 2016 voting. Boulet, who is the Vice President of Innovation and Product …
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Zach Miller Zach Miller of Manitou Springs, Colorado is the third ranked ultra runner for 2016. Miller won the Madera Island 115km race in the spring and then led UTMB, …