Meg Eckert spends her weekdays teaching middle school, pouring patience and kindness into her students. By weekend, she’s an ultrarunner who’s tested her limits on some of the toughest courses in the world—most notably setting a women’s world record at Big’s Backyard Ultra with 362 miles. The Backyard format is simple but brutal: runners complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour, until only one person remains. In 2024, Meg proved just how deep she could dig by lasting loop after loop for days on end.
This year, Meg is fresh off her finish at Badwater 2025, reflecting on what the race meant to her and how she pushed through its toughest stretches. She’s also gearing up for another round at Big’s Backyard Ultra, ready to test herself again where mental grit matters just as much as physical endurance.
We caught up with Meg to hear her reflections, lessons, and what it takes to keep showing up when the miles (and the days) keep adding up.
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Looking back, what did crossing the Badwater finish line mean to you personally?
Just being able to toe the line of Badwater 135 was emotional and inspiring. Each step I took on the white line, that so many had experienced before me, left an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. The finish line was a shared experience between myself and my crew with mixed feelings of exhaustion and joy.
How did you structure your training for such a uniquely demanding race?
Coming off a huge spring, I really focused on preparing the mind by running for fun in all my training miles. I ran the distances and terrains that appealed to me on any given day. Since I had been to Death Valley twice before, I was well aware of the harsh conditions. I spent countless hours in the sauna training the body to withstand the extreme heat.
Was there a moment on the course, whether inspiring, funny, or tough, that really stands out?
Early on in the course, I dealt with some stomach issues for about 25 miles. Every time I showed up at the crew vehicle everyone acted like nothing was wrong. They would hand me a possible solution and send me on my way. Their positivity and problem solving kept me going until one of the crew members, Karen, found the perfect solution.
What was the hardest stretch of the race, and how did you push through it?
Going into Lone Pine was extremely tough. The sun was in its final hours and I could see the town in the distance for at least a half marathon out. I thought I was pushing through it well, but when my pacer, Bre, jumped in, the miles went by so much quicker.
Do you see yourself returning to Badwater in the future?
I hope to run Badwater again in the future. I also would like to experience Brazil 135, a very similar style race.
Backyard Ultras are such a different kind of challenge. What first drew you to the format?
Though I had been curious about the backyard format, I didn’t try it for myself until a friend suggested an event. The appeal of an open-ended format and even pacing seemed like it would be perfect training for multi-day events. I never expected to go as long as I did in the first event.
You set a new women’s world record with 362 miles at Big’s Backyard in 2024. What was going through your mind as you kept going loop after loop?
Honestly, I just thought about getting out and completing the loop. I didn’t focus on the past or future but instead kept a focus in the moment on the loop. I varied between running with people, conversations and listening to music.
Heading into this year’s Big’s Backyard, what are your personal goals?
I believe in aiming big. I want to be out there when the backyard goes into the sixth day for the first time.
How are you preparing, physically and mentally, for an event where endurance is only part of the battle?
On a subconscious level, I feel I am mentally prepared for Big’s Backyard already. I have envisioned the course and dreamt about the event. On a physical level, I am putting in the miles and hours the body needs to perform with the best Backyard runners in the world.
For runners thinking about their first Backyard Ultra, what advice would you share?
Quit thinking and sign up. You never know who you will meet or what you're capable of until you have the experience.
You started running later in life. What inspired that first step?
I took my first step to live a healthier lifestyle. I stay to see what my human body is capable of.
Do you have a favorite kind of music—or even a specific playlist—that powers you through training runs?
I come from a musical family. My playlist has a wide range from classic rock, country, pop and dance.
What’s a piece of gear you rely on most when you’re out on the road or trail?
My shoes because after all, they get you to where you're going.
Beyond running, what brings you the most joy day to day?
I actually like my job a lot. I work with middle school students and they constantly keep me busy.
Do you have a dream race or place you’d love to run someday?
Since I was young, I have always wanted to visit South Africa. One of the first ultras I heard of was Ultra Trail Cape Town. I would absolutely love to experience that course and city.
