Adam Peterman, 26, has solely run a handful of ultras, however he has completely crushed all of them. In 2021, Missoula, Mont. native Peterman not solely ran the second-fastest time ever on the JFK 50-miler, however he additionally broke Jim Walmsley‘s file at Speedgoat 50K. Peterman, who ran cross-country and observe on the Univesity of Colorado, has been taking part in ultras for lower than two years.
Western States 100 is arguably probably the most anticipated and thrilling extremely of the 12 months, and this 12 months’s area of contenders promised an exhilarating race. Hoka-sponsored Peterman was touted as a favorite by many, regardless of by no means having run a 100-mile race. He started the race at a strong, even restrained, tempo and hit the primary two assist stations in eighth earlier than beginning to persistently transfer up by the highest males.
Peterman saved a easy, relaxed-looking gait all through the complete race. He pulled into first place, forward of second-place runner Hayden Hawks, across the 70-mile mark.
“That is the tip of the iceberg for this man,” mentioned commentator Dylan Bowman. “There’s nothing he couldn’t accomplish on this sport.” Peterman’s momentous race was elegantly executed, notably for somebody new to each the course and the gap. He ran the ultimate, well-known lap round the highschool observe along with his crew beside him and accomplished the race in 15:13:47.
Take a look at him go! Chief of the Western States 100, Adam Peterman, arrives at No Arms Bridge (mile 96.8) in 14:38 elapsed. He is all smiles, wanting robust and giving out high-fives. #WS100 pic.twitter.com/fy5BIdzIFx
— iRunFar (@iRunFar) June 26, 2022
Bowman described Peterman as now having reached the ranks of Walmsley: “we will put him into the dialog now.” Peterman’s first, very cheerfully acknowledged phrases upon sitting down for a post-race interview have been, “oh, I’m so drained!” The athlete described struggling within the preliminary a part of the race with some damaging ideas. Peterman described how he joined high contender Arlen Glick and began chatting and ” it simply acquired so a lot better.” As is Western States custom, Peterman was gifted the shotgun shell from the firing shot that began the race.
Peterman’s title will probably be on the radar of everybody following the path scene after his outstanding Western States and 100-mile debut.