Middle-school math teacher Megan Eckert is preparing to chase ultrarunning history 5,000 miles from her classroom in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Competing in the Global Organization of Multi-Day Ultramarathoners World Championship in Balatonfüred, Hungary, she aims to break the women's world record and the US men's record in a grueling six-day race starting Thursday.

Eckert, who recently turned 40, previously set a world record by running 603.156 miles (970.685km) at last year's championships in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, France, surpassing Camille Herron's record by over 40 miles. This remarkable achievement made her the first woman to cover 600 miles in six days, equivalent to nearly four marathons daily.

Despite her successes, Eckert expresses uncertainty about breaking her own records. Known for setting ambitious goals, she embraces challenges that provide a 50% chance of success. Reflecting on her past fears, she recalls, "I was too afraid of failing" when she skipped her first 5K in 2008. It wasn't until meeting her husband, Joe Eckert, that she rediscovered her passion for running.

Now, as a sponsored athlete by Mount to Coast and Janji, Eckert has excelled in ultradistance events, including her world record for backyard ultra events, where she completed 362 miles (582.583km) in 88 hours at Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra in 2024.

Eckert's journey into six-day events began with curiosity, leading her to sign up for her first race on a whim. The upcoming race in Hungary features a 0.558-mile (898m) loop, requiring her to complete at least 1,086 laps to set a new record.

As she prepares, Eckert emphasizes the joy of running, stating, "I didn’t even know six-day runs existed until a few years ago, but I fell in love with them the minute I found them." Her strategy involves breaking goals into smaller chunks and relying on her crew for pacing.

Eckert's mental resilience has evolved; she now views doubts as a part of the experience rather than a hindrance. "When you take your first step, they all dissipate and you can just be in the moment," she reflects, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.