Results/Photos

Date: Aug. 21, 2026 Participant: Trevor Meding #43 Race: 2026 Habanero Habanero 135 Distance: 0.0 miles

Steady Ultra Pacing Delivers Top-10 Finish at Inaugural 135-Mile Distance Trevor Meding completed the 132.6-mile course in 40:30:14, finishing 8th overall among 39 participants and 2nd in the Men's Masters division. This result came in the debut running of the Habanero 135 a distance TROT added in 2026 specifically for veteran ultra finishers seeking a challenge beyond the standard 100 miles, with pacer support permitted only after the 50-mile mark. Meding's pacing reflected the demands of the extended distance and Texas heat. He opened aggressively, covering the first mile in 9:09 and holding sub-11:00/mile pace through roughly the first 14 miles while sitting inside the top 10 overall. By the 50-mile mark, his overall pace had settled to 13:51/mile, and by 100 miles it stood at 17:09/mile a natural and expected progression given the extreme late-August conditions and accumulated distance. Notably, he surged into 2nd place overall around mile 69 and again reached 3rd overall near mile 127, showing strong positional gains late in the race despite the physical toll of 130+ miles. The data shows extended aid-station or rest stops factored into the back half of the race, including a 2:17:38 split around mile 127 a common and often strategic pause at this stage of a 135-mile effort. Meding's ability to close out the final miles with splits in the high-teens per mile, rather than a full breakdown in pace, speaks to durable pacing management deep into the event. For future multi-day ultras, building in more consistent, shorter recovery stops rather than one extended stoppage could help preserve overall placement during the late stages, where he was trading positions with competitors. Overall, a strong showing in a demanding, first-year event on one of the toughest courses in Texas ultrarunning.