Zach Miller

About

Zach Miller is an enigmatic and relentlessly entertaining figure in American trail running, equally known for his front-running style, his unpretentious personality, and a life story as unconventional as his racing. Born in Kenya to missionary parents and raised in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, he studied electrical engineering at RIT before working in the print shop aboard the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship — a job he eventually left to pursue professional ultrarunning. A La Sportiva athlete, he first captured widespread attention with a victory at CCC 2015, becoming the first American to win that race, before claiming The North Face 50 Mile Championships and Speedgoat 50K. His most celebrated performances include a dramatic near-victory at UTMB 2016, where he led for much of the race before fading late to 5th, and a 2nd place at UTMB 2023. In 2023 he also set the Tarawera 100M course record in 14:41:41. Known for racing without headphones, drinking pickle juice, and engaging openly with fans, Miller is one of the sport's most authentic and beloved personalities.

Notable Wins

• — CCC 2015 (first American win)
• — The North Face 50 Mile Championships 2015
• — Speedgoat 50K 2016
• — The North Face 50 Mile Championships 2018
• — Tarawera 100M 2023 CR
• — UTMB Mont-Blanc 2023 2nd

Race History