Watch an Ultrarunner Attempt to Smash the 100-Mile Treadmill Record This Weekend
Nine months ago, American distance runner Zach Bitter set a new 100-mile world record, covering the distance in 11 hours and 19 minutes—an otherworldly average pace of 6:48 per mile.
Even more impressively, Bitter recorded the achievement under some of the most mentally challenging circumstances possible: completing 363 loops around an oval track during Milwaukee's annual Six Days in the Dome event. Last week, however, Bitter announced that he'll be going for a second 100-mile speed attempt, one that promises to be an even greater test of his mental strength.
On Saturday, Bitter will try to break the 100-mile treadmill record of 12 hours and 32 minutes—about 7:30 per mile—currently held by Canada's Dave Proctor, all while racing in self-isolation on a NordicTrack x22i at his home in Phoenix, Arizona.
Even though Bitter may be practicing social distancing, supporters can still cheer him on virtually from home: A broadcast of the record attempt featuring live commentary from distance running legends like Dean Karnazes and Ironman champion Dave Scott will air from 6:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Bitter's personal YouTube channel.
A post shared by Zach Bitter (@zachbitter) on May 7, 2020 at 2:27pm PDT
And if merely watching a guy run in place for up to 12 hours doesn't sound like your ideal Saturday, you can also participate in a more active way: Up to 250 runners can claim a spot to virtually join Bitter via Zoom connections that will sync up with the YouTube livestream.
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