The current combined total of 100-mile (or longer) race finishes for Ed “The Jester” Ettinghausen and Mike Smith stands at: 532. Currently, Ed is #1 and Mike is #2 in the world for the most 100-mile finishes, and there are only three ultrarunners who have achieved 200+ finishes of 100 miles or more: Ed, Mike and Sandra Brown (#3).
Ed generally competes and excels in timed events and has 295 finishes of 100 miles or longer. He reports that 104 of his finishes are defined as 100-mile races, while the the remaining finishes were either during a timed event (where you can achieve a 100-mile distance) or were races over the 100-mile distance such as the Badwater 135. Mike has a total of 235 100-mile finishes. If you also count the 100+ mile finishes for Mike, that total is 237.
In February 2025, at age 62, Ed set a new world record for the number of 100-mile finishes in 12 months: 56 completed races. In his 56th race at the Jackpot Ultras in Henderson, Nevada, he also set the overall American record and the men’s world record by finishing his 125th sub-24-hour 100-miler and completing it in 22:52:45.
Mike finished 22 ultras in 2024, and 20 of those finishes were 100-mile races. At age 67, Mike still likes the challenges of tough races like HURT 100, Cruel Jewel 100, Crazy Mountain 100, Fat Dog 120, UTMB and Maces Hideout 100, but he also likes the opportunity during “easier” 100-mile races to log sub-24-hour finishes.
Mike Smith at the finish of the Mississippi Trail Run 100-miler. Photo courtesy Sandra Smith
When Ed and Mike were asked what motivates them to keep running ultras, they gave similar responses: they both like to challenge themselves, but what really keeps them engaged in ultrarunning, particularly 100-mile races, is the ultrarunning community. They commented on the camaraderie with other runners, helping other runners get through the miles, making lasting friendships and lifelong memories. Ed said, “Someday I won’t be able to do this, but today is not that day.”
“There are runners out there who are much better than I am who don’t finish races. Ultrarunning has helped me develop the mental strength it takes to keep going in tough conditions. It’s not just about crossing the finish line – it’s what it took to get there that challenges me and keeps me running,” said Mike.
Both Ed and Mike began their running careers with one race. Years later, that has grown into a mountain of finishes for both men. With a combined total of over 60,000 ultramarathon miles, they are shining examples of perseverance and determination. And as friends, they are a testament to the camaraderie of ultrarunning.