Iván Penalba López

About

Iván Penalba López is a Spanish ultrarunner and record-breaker from Alfafar, Valencia, who came to distance running at age 20 when a lower back injury ended his soccer career. His first half marathon was in 2013, his marathon debut in 2016, and a charity challenge in Barcelona that same year introduced him to the ultra-endurance format that would define his career. He has since become one of Spain's most decorated long-distance specialists: the national record holder at 12 hours (158.631km), 6 hours (90.453km), 50 miles (5:29:15), and 100 miles (13:07:52), he also holds the Guinness World Record for the most kilometres run in 12 hours on a treadmill (155.080km), set at home in Alfafar during the COVID-19 pandemic. His most significant international results include second at the 2022 Badwater 135 — the 217km Death Valley race, one of the sport's most iconic events — fourth at the 24-hour European Championships in Verona, and fifth at the 24-hour World Championship in Albi, France. Having completed more than 84 ultramarathons across 30 countries without a single DNF, he has dedicated each of his achievements to his late mother and grandmother — the latter of whom he cared for through Alzheimer's disease. He races with a characteristic smile at every finish line and documents his journey on Instagram (@ivanpenalbalopez).

Notable Wins

• — Badwater 135 2022 2nd
• — 24h European Championship 4th (Verona)
• — 24h World Championship 5th (Albi)
• — Spanish records: 12h (158.631km)
• — 6h (90.453km)
• — 50mi (5:29:15)
• — 100mi (13:07:52)
• — Guinness World Record 12h treadmill (155.080km)

Race History