I’ve started using Deutsche Ultramarathon Vereinigung as an ultra reference site. They have a ranking system based on ultra race mileage that can be broken down based on country, year, and male/female. They have me down for an even 1,000 miles raced in 2025 (C2C was 232 not 200 but whatevs) which has me ranked:
- 2025 US Rank #57 (#38 men)
- 2025 World Rank #254 (#198 men)
Even though I dramatically upped my race mileage in 2025 from my historical 400-500 miles per year, I’m still blown away how far up these rankings I am. The fact only 56 people in the US raced more ultra miles than me is just crazy. I still remember starting out in this sport and even though I’m over a decade in at this point with a lot (and I mean a lot) of miles behind me, it’s still a little jarring to think of where I am. If pushed, I’d still probably self-identify as a newbie rather than a grizzled vet even though there are fewer and fewer runners with the amount of experience I’ve managed to accumulate over the years. Maybe it’s because I equate Grizzled Vet as the perfect ultrarunner or someone with all the answers. Neither of which accurately describe me.
Ultras are still a work in progress for me. It’s this mentality which keeps me from thinking I’m all that and a bag of peanut M&Ms. In truth, I’m closer to the bottom of these leaderboards (i.e. zero miles) than I am the top as some people have done 2-3x+ more than me. They say comparison is the thief of joy and while I’m awed at the amount of race miles some of these runners have been able to achieve, it’s not something I’m necessarily chasing. I’m not interested on doing X amount of races or racing a certain number of miles. I’m not looking for a top 10 showing in these annual rankings. I’m focused on doing races that are fun and enjoyable. Or maybe even a little challenging and scary. Overall, the annual rankings are interesting, but I’d rather continue inching up the all-time leaderboard. In order to do that, I need to stay involved and active over the long term. This requires a sustainable balance between physical, mental, and family that is always evolving. But if there’s one thing that ultras will beat into you teach you, it’s the value of adaptability.
Wishing everyone an amazing 2026!