Roy Pirrung - Holds 19 Masters Ultra Championship Titles

October 2001

Fueled by his goal to run the 250KSpartathlon in Greece, Roy Pirrung took the aggressive advice of a friend who had run the classic ultra about how to get into the invitation only race. In 1987 Roy was told he would have to win a US national ultra championship or set an American record. So, Roy, a self-identified couch potato from Wisconsin, was off to Shea Stadium in New York to run 100 miles in 14:58 for the win that he snared only after he passed the race leader at mile 97. Since then the Wisconsin resident has won a total of 28 national ultra championship titles, 19 of them as a masters runner, but his first championship title was the most memorable of his career.

Besides the quality competition that Roy enjoys at championship events, he represents many sponsors who fund his participation in great races. He likes the prize money that ultra championships offer because "taking home a few dollars, seems to show non-participants in our sport that this is a serious sport."

"To stay young, you need to work hard," says the 53-year old Pirrung. "For me, the incentive is to win national championship titles and break the American Records."

Roy Pirrung, who holds the most ultra championship titles in the U,S. says “It’s nice that trail running is included in USATF ultra championships now.”

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Last updated: 09/14/05
Web Author: Lorraine Gersitz