Ultra Runner, Race Director, Inciteful Speaker, Consultant

Bob Becker

Bob Becker is not your typical motivational speaker! Yes, his presentations are always tailored to the specific audience and the host’s expectations. But, given his record-breaking 2025 finish at Badwater 135 at the age of 80, other recent top finishes and records and a complete career change at age 63 to become an ultramarathon race director, Bob’s unique “edge” isn’t just about running; it’s about redefining limits, defying expectations and showing what is possible at any age.

‘“Recent Quotes”

Quoting ultrarunner, race director and TedX producer Michael Strezinski: “You bring something that no one else possibly could — the wisdom, perspective, and grit of being the oldest person ever to complete Badwater, the toughest road race on Earth.”

Himalayan 100 race director, Mr. C.S. Pandy, West Bengal State, India: "Your willingness to listen to others and offer thoughtful comments, accompanied by your great smile, made a lasting impression on everyone involved. Your participation not only added to the excitement of the event but also inspired others with your passion and dedication."

Adventure, culture, human interaction and endurance are deeply connected; running provides a road to discover life beyond borders and comfort zones.

Running Highlights

  • Became the oldest finisher ever at "Badwater 135" in July 2025.

  • World record for 75-79 age range in the 48-hour fixed-time event: 167.5 miles at "Six Days in the Dome", Milwaukee, WI, June 2024.

  • Race record at ARFTA--"A Race for the Ages"--Manchester, TN. Existing record broken with 230 miles completed in 74 hours.

  • Overall win at "Icarus Ultrafest", 24-hour race, Ft. Lauderdale FL in November, 2020. 97.6 miles.

  • Azalea 12-hour Ultra, Palatka, FL: Masters winner in November 2018--54.5 miles.

  • "Badwater Hall of Fame": induction in 2023

  • "Badwater 135": four finishes, plus an "unofficial" finish in 2022. Video of that finish viewed over a million times on "Outside" Magazine. The link: www.instagram.com/reel/CgFUVK_JtkS/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

  • "Badwater Cape Fear": 11 consecutive finishes.

  • "Brazil 135", from Sao Joao da Boa Vista to Paraisopolis, along the Caminha da Fe in the Serra da Mantiqueira Mountains: Completed in January, 2019.

  • "Javelina Jundred", 100-mile: oldest finisher in 2017. Three -time finisher.

  • "Mt. Gaoligong Ultra", Tengchong, Yunnan Province, China, November 2016.

  • "Badwater Double": 292-mile distance from Badwater Basin, Death Valley, to summit of Mt. Whitney and back to Badwater Basin. Oldest finisher.

  • "Route 66 Ultra", 140 miles, November 2024, Seligman to Topock 66 Colorado River, AZ.

  • "Himalayan 100" stage race, along the Nepal border in West Bengal State, India, November 2023. Many additional stage races.

  • Multiple 100-mile, fixed-time and shorter distance ultramarathons.

Race Director Highlights

Through his company, "Ultra Sports, LLC", Bob has created, produces and directs unique long-distance running events. His races have introduced ultramarathon running to literally thousands of athletes in Florida and beyond. His inaugural event, first held in 2008, is the "KEYS100" Ultramarathon, running from Key Largo to Key West, FL, held on the third Saturday each May. Other races have included the "EVERGLADES ULTRAS" trail race through the Florida Everglades, the "PALM100" ultramarathon and "Peanut Island 24", a fixed-time 24-hour race and the "Barefoot Mailman Classic". In 2022, Bob acquired "Daytona 100 Ultra", 100-mile race along the ocean road from JAX Beach to Ponce Inlet, FL. And in 2024, Bob was hired by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida to create an ultramarathon based at their Village in the Everglades. The result, "the Miccosukee GLADES RUNNER Ultra" (www.gladesrunner.com), took place on March 15, 2025. The second annual GLADES RUNNER is scheduled for March 14, 2026.

Bob’s ultramarathon events raise money to combat prostate and other cancers through “The Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys”, and support other charitable organizations. Bob Becker and his races have been featured in the “Sun-Sentinel” and “Miami Herald” newspapers, “Runners World”, "Ultra Running", “Trail Runner”, “Running Times” and “Masters Athlete” magazines, “South Florida Today” on NBC-6 and “Growing Bolder” radio, among others, and his running-related articles and reports have been published in “South Florida Running Forum”, “Masters Athlete” Magazine, “Ultra Running” magazine and “Florida Running & Triathlon” magazine. He continues to be the subject of online “live” interviews and speaks frequently to groups of new and experienced runners.

Charitable Involvement Highlights

Bob’s ultramarathon events raise money to combat prostate and other cancers through “The Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys”. His race, the Daytona 100 raises money for the recovery communities in the Jacksonville, Florida area. He has also raised funds for the National MS Society and other charitable causes.

Bob in the Media

Bob Becker and his races have been featured in the “Sun Sentinel”, “Miami Herald”, L.A. Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post and in newspapers in Brazil and Israel. He has been interviewed on KNX Radio, Los Angeles, “All Things Considered” on NPR, iHeart Radio South Florida, Fox Weather TV, CBS News Online and GV Wire. Over the years, Bob and his races have also been featured in “Runners World”, “Ultra Running”, “Trail Runner”, “Running Times”, “South Florida Running Forum”, “Florida Running & Triathalon” and “Masters Athlete” magazines, “South Florida Today” on NBC-6 and “Growing Bolder” radio.

Bob continues to the the subject of online “live” interviews and podcasts, and speaks frequently to groups of new and experiences runners

NPR radio, July 2025

KNX Radio--Los Angeles, July 2025

iHeartMedia Miami, July 2025

Los Angeles Times, July 2025

CBS News, July 2025

Fox Weather, July 2025

“On Adventure, Josh Self, September 2025

“Running Strong Mind-Body Connection”, Karen Bonnett-Natraj, September 2025

“Run Your Story”, Allison Gaillard, Aug. 2025

“Blueprint to Ultra”, Steve & Jeff, Aug. 2025

“Weathering the Run”, Andrew Buck Michael, Aug. 2025

“Ultra Running”, Scotty Sandow, July 2025

CONTACT US

Ultra Sports LLC Races

KEYS100 Ultramarathon

The Daytona 100 Ultra