Hans Troyer and Jennifer Lichter Set Course Records at 2026 Black Canyon 100k

Troyer and Lichter win big at the competitive Arizona ultramarathon

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Hans Troyer and Jennifer Lichter won the 2026 Black Canyon 100k in Arizona, both setting new course records. Troyer finished the 62-mile race in 7:20:00, while Lichter clocked 7:57:05, beating the previous women's record by nearly 20 minutes. The race featured a deep field of top ultrarunners vying for three Golden Ticket spots to the Western States 100.

Why it matters

The Black Canyon 100k has become one of the most competitive ultramarathons in North America, with the race serving as a Super Golden Ticket event for the prestigious Western States 100. Troyer and Lichter's record-breaking performances highlight the high level of talent in the field and the continued growth of the sport of ultrarunning.

The details

Troyer and Lichter both overcame past setbacks to claim victory. Troyer was hospitalized after the 2024 race and missed last year's event due to illness, while Lichter was stepping up in distance with a new coach and sponsor. In the men's race, Troyer pulled away from Eli Hemming late to win by over four minutes, while Lichter built a lead on Anne Flower in the women's event and held on for the win. The race featured a field of over 900 runners competing for the three Golden Ticket spots to Western States.

  • The 2026 Black Canyon 100k took place on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • The race started at 7:00 a.m. local time from the Mayer High School track.

The players

Hans Troyer

The men's champion who set a new course record of 7:20:00, bouncing back from past setbacks to claim victory.

Jennifer Lichter

The women's champion who set a new course record of 7:57:05, winning in her first attempt at the 100k distance.

Eli Hemming

The runner-up in the men's race, who led late before Troyer pulled away for the win.

Anne Flower

The runner-up in the women's race, finishing just over a minute behind Lichter's record-breaking performance.

Aravaipa Running

The race organizer that helped create a $16,000 crowd-sourced prize purse for the event.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Troyer and Lichter's record-breaking performances at the 2026 Black Canyon 100k showcase the continued growth and competitiveness of the sport of ultrarunning, with the event serving as a key stop on the road to the prestigious Western States 100.