Jim Walmsley
A fierce competitor known for his aggressive racing style and record-breaking performances at the 100-mile distance. In 2023, Walmsley made history by becoming the first American man to win UTMB, breaking the course record. A former Air Force Academy cross country captain, he has dominated ultra running with four consecutive Ultra Runner of the Year awards from 2016-2019.
UTMB Index
954
Birth Date
January 17, 1990
Birth Place
Phoenix, Arizona
Hometown
Arizona, USA
Sponsor
Hoka One One
Key Achievements
- World Trail Running Championships Long Trail Winner (2025)
- First American man to win UTMB (2023) - Course Record (19:37:43)
- Western States 100 Winner (2018, 2019, 2021, 2024) - Course Record (14:09:28)
- Ultra Runner of the Year (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
- World Long Distance Mountain Running Champion (2019)
- JFK 50 Mile Winner (2014, 2015, 2016) - Course Record
- 50 Mile World Best (4:50:07)
- Lake Sonoma 50 Winner (2016, 2018) - Course Record
- Tarawera Ultramarathon Winner (2017) - Course Record
Career Highlights
- 2023: Historic UTMB win - first American man with course record (19:37:43)
- 2019: Western States 100 course record (14:09:28), breaking previous record by 21 minutes
- 2019: World best for 50 miles (4:50:07) and World Long Distance Mountain Running Champion
- 2016-2019: Four consecutive Ultra Runner of the Year awards
- 2018: Western States 100 course record (14:30:04)
- 2016: JFK 50 Mile course record (5:21:28)
Notable Traits
- • Attended United States Air Force Academy, captain of cross country team
- • Arizona Division 5A-II cross country state champion (2007)
- • Has set 7 Fastest Known Time records including Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim
- • Set 50 mile world best in 2019, breaking 36-year-old record by 14 seconds