The Black Canyon Ultras 100k in Arizona marked a historic moment in the world of ultra-running as Seth Ruhling and Riley Brady smashed existing course records, establishing themselves as elite competitors in the sport.
Both athletes demonstrated exceptional strategy and pacing throughout the race, yet their approaches to victory showcased their unique styles. The event, known for its challenging desert terrain and dynamic conditions, brought thrilling competition and captivated sports enthusiasts and participants alike.
Men’s Race – Ruhling Takes the Lead
Early in the men’s 100k race, Eli Hemming, fresh off an impressive 2024 that saw a victory at the UTMB OCC, set a blistering pace. He reached the second checkpoint in 1:19:31, with nine other competitors trailing closely behind. As the race progressed, the intensity only increased, with an astonishing 22 athletes surpassing Hayden Hawks’ previous course record split at Bumblebee Ranch.
When they reached the halfway point at Deep Canyon Ranch, Hemming maintained his lead with a split time of 3:31:32, closely followed by Will Murray and Ruhling. However, as the race neared its conclusion, Ruhling made a significant move. While Hemming opted not to refill fluids at a critical checkpoint, Ruhling took the opportunity to hydrate and cool off, a decision that proved pivotal. Between Cottonwood Gulch and Table Mesa, Ruhling surged to the front, never looking back.
Ruhling’s strategy and preparation culminated in a remarkable finish time of 7:24:55, which not only secured him victory but also shattered Hawks’ course record by nearly six minutes. Will Murray finished a strong second at 7:26:53, followed by Joe McConaughy in third at 7:31:37. Hemming’s fourth-place finish at 7:32:41 was noteworthy, as it would have been a record-setting time just one year prior.
Women’s Race – Brady Dominates
In stark contrast to the men’s competition, Riley Brady took charge of the women’s race from the very beginning. Although Mary Denholm initially led the way at Antelope Mesa and held a slight advantage at Hidden Treasure, it wasn’t long before Brady made her move. Equipped with a pair of Vaporfly shoes known for their performance-boosting capabilities, Brady swiftly took control of the race.
At Bumblebee Ranch, a staggering 15 female athletes surpassed the splits of Keely Henninger’s 2023 record. Brady, upon passing Denholm shortly after Gloriana aid station, began to pull away decisively. She continually increased her lead, demonstrating both endurance and speed throughout the challenging course.
Brady’s finishing time of 8:16:18 was an astonishing 28 minutes faster than the previous record set by Henninger, solidifying her place among ultra-running’s elite. Intriguingly, despite her remarkable performance, Brady continues to compete as an unsponsored athlete, highlighting both her talent and the potential for future sponsorship opportunities.
Final Results from the Black Canyon Ultras 2025
The Black Canyon Ultras took place on February 8, 2025, and the results showcased the incredible feats achieved by both Ruhling and Brady. Below are the final standings for the men’s and women’s races:
MEN’S RESULTS:
- Seth Ruhling – 7:24:55
- Will Murray – 7:26:53
- Joe McConaughy – 7:31:37
WOMEN’S RESULTS:
- Riley Brady – 8:16:18
- Tara Dower – 8:25:08
- EmKay Sullivan – 8:48:50
The Black Canyon Ultras remains a premier event in the ultra-running calendar, attracting top talent and offering challenging conditions that continually push boundaries in the sport. As athletes like Ruhling and Brady showcase their remarkable abilities, the event serves not only as a platform for athletes to compete but also highlights the growing popularity and critical importance of ultra-distance racing.
