Karl Meltzer

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. Meltzer has been a professional ultramarathoner since 1999, and a coach since 2007.

While many ultrarunners tend to be vegetarian and averse to alcohol or caffeine, Meltzer has been seen with bacon, Red Bull, and microbrews.

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. Meltzer's record was eclipsed in September 2017 by Joe McConaughy in a self-supported run. The current A.T. fastest known time was by Tara Dower in 2024.

Meltzer is the current Race Director for the Speedgoat 50K at Snowbird Ski Resort.

Ultramarathon wins

All-time winner at the Wasatch 100 (6 times) Hardrock 100 (5 times) San Diego 100 (3 times) Squaw Peak 50 (5 times) Bighorn 100 (2 times) Bear 100 (3 times) Massanutten 100 (4 times) Coyote Two Moon 100 (2 times) Moab Red Hot 50k (2 times) Zane Grey Highline Trail 50 Mile Run Devil Dog 100 No Business 100 (2020)

As of December 11, 2021, Meltzer had won at the 100 mile-distance 45 times, the all-time record. As of March 7, 2010, he had 53 ultra wins in 105 starts.

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. USATF, Ultrarunning Magazine, RRCA Runner of the Year 2006, Everest Award 2006 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 Trail thru-hike. Meltzer stayed up to date with his fans and followers with a catchy "Where's Karl?" campaign. Speed Record for running the Pony Express Trail from Sacramento, California to St. Joseph, Missouri 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. 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.

Notable race results

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015 RaceDatePlaceTimeRefCruel Jewel 100 MilerMay 151st24:16:29

2016 RaceDatePlaceTimeRefLake Martin 100 MilerMarch 191st16:56:57

2017

2018

2019

2020 RaceDatePlaceTimeRefNo Business 100 MilerOctober 16–171st19:44:41

2021 RaceDatePlaceTimeRefBeast of the East 100 MilerDecember 111st21:42:13