Phoenix man sets world record for fastest 100-mile treadmill run

PHOENIX — A Phoenix man set a new world record on Saturday by completing a 100-mile run on a treadmill.

Zach Bitter told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Gaydos and Chad that on Monday that he completed the run in 12 hours, 9 minutes and 15 seconds.

“Definitely sore,” Bitter said when asked how he was feeling.

“Relative to other 100-milers, I’m not doing too bad … The treadmill I was on has a pretty good spring in their deck … which I think helped maybe eliminate some of the aches and pains I’d get from running on a hard track surface.”

The previous record was set last year by Canadian Dave Proctor at a time of 12 hours, 32 minutes and 26 seconds, according to Runner’s World.

At an average pace of 7 minutes and 18 seconds per mile, Bitter was able remove himself from the treadmill a few times for bathroom breaks and even once to consume a snack.

“At mile 87, I stepped off the treadmill for about two minutes, sat down, ate some potato chips and just re-centered my mind,” Bitter said.

WATCH: Ultramarathon runner Zach Bitter ran 100 miles on a treadmill at home, setting a new world record.

Bitter said the run is representative of the battle against the coronavirus and hopes it will remind everyone to “stay mentally strong, so you can go the distance.” pic.twitter.com/PYi8RHeK8W

— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) May 18, 2020

This is the second time in less than a year that Bitter has set a 100-mile world record.

In August 2019, Bitter ran 100 miles in 11 hours, 19 minutes and 13 seconds at an indoor track in Milwaukee, according to Runner’s World.

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