Black Canyon 100K Course Record Broken
The prestigious Black Canyon 100K saw a new course record set in 2026, with detailed race analysis videos highlighting the tactical moves and environmental adaptation that shaped the podium. The race breakdown emphasizes pacing through heat and technical terrain, nutrition timing, and how race-day decisions made the difference between finishing and record-setting.
Hans Troyer and Jennifer Lichter are the new record holders for the Black Canyon 100K, finishing in 7:20:00 and 7:57:05, respectively. Troyer's win marks a significant comeback after being hospitalized following the 2024 race and missing the 2025 event due to illness. Lichter's victory was a standout performance in her 100K debut, making her the first woman to break the eight-hour barrier on this course. Her time shattered the previous women's record of 8:16:18 set by Riley Brady in 2025. The top three women, including Anne Flower (7:58:15) and Tara Dower (8:11:46), all finished under the former record time. On the men's side, Troyer took nearly five minutes off Seth Ruhling's 2025 record of 7:24:55. The men's race was incredibly competitive, with the 2023 champion, Anthony Costales, also finishing under the old record with a time of 7:24:32 to secure second place. The Black Canyon 100K is a key event in the trail running calendar, serving as one of only two North American races in the World Trail Majors series. More than 900 runners started the point-to-point race, which begins at Mayer High School and follows the historic Black Canyon National Recreation Trail south towards Phoenix. This race is also a "Golden Ticket" event for the prestigious Western States 100. The top three male and female finishers gain automatic entry into the historic 100-mile race. For 2026, the men's Golden Tickets went to Anthony Costales, Tracen Knopp, and Jordan Bramblett. The women's tickets were claimed by Jennifer Lichter, Anne Flower, and fourth-place finisher Molly Seidel.
