Runner Spotlight: Ed "The Jester" Ettinghausen Chases Four World Records at the Biggest Little Ultra

Some runners come to a race chasing a personal best. Ed Ettinghausen comes chasing history.

Known throughout the ultrarunning world as "The Jester," Ed will toe the line at the 2026 Biggest Little Ultra this October for his 315th 100-mile race—and if everything goes according to plan, he'll walk away with not one, not two, but four new world records in a single weekend.

Who Is "The Jester"?

If you've spent any time around the ultrarunning community, you've probably heard stories about Ed Ettinghausen. Known for racing in his signature jester costume, Ed has become one of the most beloved and recognizable figures in the sport—not just for his colorful attire, but for a race résumé that's almost impossible to comprehend.

Ed already holds the World Record for wins, with an astonishing 83 victories in 100-mile or longer races. Yes, eighty-three. That's not a typo.

He is, by nearly every measure, the World's Winningest 100-Miler.

The Records on the Line at Sparks Marina

Ed's trip to the Biggest Little Ultra isn't just another race on the calendar. It's a shot at rewriting the record books across four separate categories:

1. 356th career attempt at a 100-mile or longer race

2. 336th career finish at a 100k or longer race

3. 316th career finish at a 100-mile or longer race

4. 189th race finish covering more than 100 miles

And if that's not enough, there's a fifth long-shot goal on his mind: his 168th podium finish in a 100-mile or longer race. Ed will be the first to tell you that one is "highly unlikely," especially considering his plan to start the race a casual 11 hours late. But if there's one thing Ed's career has taught the ultra community, it's to never count him out.

A Career Built Mile by Mile, Race by Race

To put these numbers in perspective: most dedicated ultrarunners are thrilled to finish a handful of 100-mile races in their lifetime. Ed is closing in on his 316th finish at that distance alone, with over 300 total attempts to his name.

That kind of consistency, durability, and love for the sport doesn't happen by accident. It's the product of decades spent on start lines all over the world, showing up race after race, year after year, often with a smile (and a jester hat) no matter how many miles are behind him or ahead.

More Than Just Records

Ask anyone who has run alongside Ed, and they won't just tell you about the records. They'll tell you about the laughter.

Ed is as well known for his storytelling and humor on the course as he is for his medals.

Runners tackling the tough overnight miles of the Biggest Little Ultra can expect Ed to be right there with them, cracking jokes, sharing decades of race-day wisdom, and reminding everyone that even the hardest miles can be met with a little joy.

Whether you're chasing your first ultra finish or your fiftieth, having "The Jester" on course means you might just find yourself laughing your way through a tough patch instead of gritting your teeth through it.

Join Ed at the 2026 Biggest Little Ultra

Ed will be one of several notable ultrarunning legends joining us at the Sparks Marina this October, alongside more than 60 registered runners and walkers from across the country. It's shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend of history, community, and personal achievement.

Come watch history in the making. Or better yet, register yourself and share the course with a true legend of the sport.

Register now: BiggestLittleUltra.com/registration

We'll see you—and Ed—at the start line.