Across The Years is a series of timed multi-day ultramarathons held from December 28-January 1 each year outside Phoenix, Arizona. It consists of a 24-hour race, a 48-hour race, and a 72-hour race.
In the 2011-2012 event, all races will be held on a 1.05 mile loop at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, AZ. The 72-hour race starts at 9am on December 29th and ends at 9am on January 1st. The 24-hour race is held in three sessions, one each day during the 72-hour race, from 9am to 9am. The 48-hour race is likewise held in two sessions, overlapping on the second day.
This race has become very popular in recent years and as a result, until 2010, hopeful participants must have been picked in a lottery to have an opportunity to participate. However, due to the increased capacity at Camelback Ranch, in 2011 the lottery was removed and registration was once again offered to all on a first-come, first-served basis.
Founded in 1983 by Harold Sieglaff, the race has changed over the years in location as well as organization. In its first year, 6 and 12 hour races were offered. In the 1999-2000 event, a 6-day race was offered. Until 1993 the race was held at Washington High School in Phoenix, after which it was moved to different locations, most recently on a 500-meter certified loop at Nardini Manor in Buckeye, AZ from 2003 until 2010.
| Category | Participant | Year | Age | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72-hour male | Yiannis Kouros | 2005 | 50 | 323.424 |
| 72-hour female | Tracy Thomas | 2006 | 45 | 250.723 |
| 48-hour male | John Geesler | 2003 | 44 | 248.550 |
| 48-hour female | Fumie Sata | 2003 | 42 | 215.310 |
| 24-hour male | Joseph Gaebler | 2002 | 26 | 145.401 |
| 24-hour female | Stephanie Ehret | 2003 | 40 | 130.490 |