Phoenix, AZ – The Desert Solstice 24 hour is set to be most competitive 24 hour run in the world in 2020, bringing together some of the most talented ultrarunners in the country.
Leading the men’s field, Zach Bitter is the current 100 mile world record holder in 11:19:13, but has never made it to the end of a 24 hour race. Will this be his year?
Next, we have the top three members of the USA 24 Hour Team, who won the Gold Medal in the IAU World 24 Hour Championships in Albi, France. Oliver Leblond (171.17 Miles), Jake Jackson (165.06 Miles), and Harvey Lewis (160.69 Miles) will all be fierce competitors.
On the women’s side, Marisa Lizak leads the women’s field, fresh off an incredible 48 hour performance of 243.5 Miles and a 24 Hour PR of 148.08 Miles.
From here, the rest of the 24 competitors each have their own impressive resume to be granted entry to compete.
This year’s event will be a little different than past years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Conforming to recommendations from multiple running governing bodies, all athletes are required to produce two negative tests the week of the race. All race staff and volunteers must produce a negative test and be masked at all times, plus follow higher than standard safety protocols at every step. No spectators are allowed in person, with a total capacity following Arizona’s 50 person limit.
For this reason, Aravaipa’s Live Webcast will be better than ever, with 26 hours of coverage, live guest commentators, and instant results.
The Desert Solstice 24 Hour is an invitation-only 24 hour running event, held since 2010. It is one of only three IAU Gold labeled events, producing world-class performances consistently year after year including 14 world bests and 84 national records since its inception.
Follow along on Saturday, December 12th to see how the race unfolds!
