She ran her first race at thirty
Megan grew up in Houston and didn’t start running until 2016. She began on a treadmill, indoors, because going outside meant failing where people could see.
Nine years later she held a world record. She still teaches in Santa Fe’s public schools, coaches high-school cross country and track, and coaches adult runners with Sharman Ultra. After her 2025 record, Santa Fe Public Schools celebrated with a Megan Eckert Day.
I am a trail and multi-day ultrarunner, coach and teacher. I am passionate about adventure, travel and anything that challenges my body and mind.
In my life, I am constantly seeking ways to step out of my comfort zone and challenge what I believe to be impossible. I don’t believe in limits; only “I am not there yet.”
As a person, I hope to be the woman I would have looked up to and been inspired by as a child and in turn, maybe inspire others to try something new and unknown.
- 2016 First race: a half marathon in San Antonio, after starting out on a treadmill.
- 2017 First trail marathon win, in May.
- 2019 Moves to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to teach and to run in the mountains.
- 2024 Sets the women’s backyard ultra world record: 87 hours, 362.5 miles.
- 2025 First woman past 600 miles in six days. World record, world champion.
- 2026 First woman past 1,000 km in six days. Wins the race outright.
“I was too afraid to go outside. I think I was afraid of failure.”
