With just a few months left in 2026, the question returns every year: who will be the Ultra Runner of the Year, and which performance will matter most for North American women’s ultra. The article notes that voters need to sort through a set of already standout results and, above all, an immediate future still packed with races.
Among the candidates, Courtney Olsen stands out with her win at the IAU 100k World Championships in 2026. The author says this result should be considered among the best performances of the year among women, making it a natural choice for the discussion right now.
The piece then puts Rachel Entrekin in the spotlight with her success at the Cocodona 250 Mile in May 2026, presented as a historic win that marked the trail. The article also notes that her visibility increased thanks to features on ESPN and Good Morning America. But critics point out that, since the race is still young, it hasn’t attracted the level of competition seen at other events.
Jenn Lichter is also highlighted for her 100 miles at the Western States 100 in 2026, where she sets a record by running the distance for the first time. The article gives her time and notes that the performance took place during a race in significant cold, which is the main reservation mentioned in the text.
Finally, Megan Eckert is cited for her six-day performance at the EMU-GOMU 6-Day World Championships in Hungary. The article says she covers a route of roughly 900 metres over six days, totals more than 636 miles, and sets both a world record and an American record. Critics nonetheless stress that the event is rarely contested and doesn’t always bring together the top competitors.
