Records smashed at Black Canyon 100K
U.S. runner Riley Brady delivered a stunning performance, winning their second Golden Ticket race of the season and smashing the course record in the women's race
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Howie Stern/Gran Canaria World Trail Majors
The 2025 Black Canyon 100K delivered one of the most competitive races in its history, with course records tumbling and breakout performances making headlines. In near-perfect conditions, runners charged through the Arizona desert, vying for Golden Tickets (automatic entry for the top three runners in both men’s and women’s categories) to Western States 100 (WSER).
Black Canyon 100K is one of two North American events (with the other being Quebec Mega Trail in July) in the World Trail Major Series, which kicked off with the Hong Kong 100 on Jan. 16. All three podium finishers on both the men’s and women’s sides received Golden Tickets into Western States 100, to be held in Olympic Valley, Calif. on June 28. The race traverses a point-to-point route on the Black Canyon Trail, beginning in the town of Mayer and descending toward Phoenix, with 1,581 metres of elevation gain on a net downhill course.
Brady dominates for a historic win
Brady left nothing to chance in the women’s race, delivering a dominant performance and taking the lead from the halfway mark to the finish. They crossed the line in 8:16:18, obliterating Keely Henninger’s 2023 course record by nearly 30 minutes. Having already secured their spot in Western States 100 after winning Javelina Jundred in October, all eyes will be on Brady as they head into this year’s WSER.
Brady’s wasn’t the only jaw-dropping performance in the women’s race, with Tara Dower, who set an astounding overall Appalachian Trail FKT in September, finishing second in 8:25:08, also well under the previous record. Dower ran a smart, consistent race, gradually moving up and solidifying her position in the latter miles. EmKay Sullivan took third in 8:48:50, earning the final Golden Ticket with a strong negative split.
Lin Chen of China finished fourth in 8:50:40 but still secured a spot at WSER, as Brady had already qualified. Canada’s Emilie Mann ran a strong, well-executed race, finishing in 11th place. In September, Mann won and set a course record Run Rabbit Run 100-miler in Steamboat Springs, Colo., in what was her debut race in the distance.
Ruhling smashes course record in tight men’s race
American ultrarunner Ruhling ran a masterful race, surging late to claim victory in a blistering 7:24:55—taking more than five minutes off Hayden Hawks‘s previous course record, set last year. Ruhling held back early, letting a deep field battle through the fast, downhill first half before making his decisive move after mile 50. His finishing kick secured both the win and a coveted Golden Ticket.
Hot on his heels, Will Murray finished just under two minutes later in 7:26:53, also under the previous record. He ran aggressively in the first half and held his ground when the race turned tactical. Joe McConaughy rounded out the podium in 7:31:37, executing a patient, well-timed effort to claim the third and final Western States spot.
Quebec ultrarunner Elliot Cardin cracked the top 10, no small feat in such a highly competitive field of athletes. Cardin delivered a gutsy performance, finishing sixth in 7:48:21.
For full results of the Black Canyon Ultras 100K and 50K, head here.
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