Unknown
Jim Walmsley
UltrarunnerKnown for:
Four-time Western States 100 winner and course record holder. First American man to win UTMB (2023). 50-mile world best holder. Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim FKT holder.
Sponsored by: HOKA, Wahoo Fitness, Squirrel's Nut Butter
Jim Walmsley was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and won the Arizona cross-country state championship at 17. He attended the Air Force Academy from 2008 to 2012. After military service, Walmsley turned to ultrarunning and rapidly became the dominant American male in the sport. He won the JFK 50 Mile three consecutive years (2014-2016), then Western States in 2018 and 2019, setting the course record at 14:09:28 in 2019. He added Western States wins in 2021 and 2024. In 2016, he set the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim FKT at 5:55:20. He holds the world best for 50 miles. After several near-misses at UTMB, he broke through to win in 2023 with a course record of 19:37:43, becoming the first American man to win the race. He was named UltraRunner of the Year four consecutive years (2016-2019). He moved to the French Alps in pursuit of UTMB and helped develop HOKA's trail shoe technology.
Jim Walmsley's Gear List(3)
HOKA
Product description
Dual-layer PEBA midsole sandwiching a carbon fiber plate with stability winglets. Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole with 4mm Traction Lug technology. Stack height is 40mm heel / 35mm forefoot (5mm drop), weighing 265g in men's US 9. Matryx textile upper is light and abrasion-resistant.
Connection note
Dual-carbon-plated trail racer
HOKA
Product description
HOKA's first dedicated trail super shoe, built around an A-TPU midsole with an H-shaped carbon fiber plate. Stack height is 42mm heel / 36mm forefoot (6mm drop), weighing 261g in men's US 9. Zonal rubber outsole with 3.5mm lugs organized into five flex zones. Targets fast times on less-technical ultra courses and groomed trail.
Connection note
Trail super shoe, worn for 2025 OCC win
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Log in to submitLast updated March 18, 2026