© 2024 Blue Ridge Public Radio
Blue Ridge Mountains banner background
Your source for information and inspiration in Western North Carolina.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ultramarathoner with autism accomplishes his 100-mile goal

A MARTINEZ, HOST:

Good morning. I'm A Martinez. When Zach Bates graduated high school last May, he wanted to make plans not about college or a job; he wanted to run an ultramarathon. And earlier this year, he did. It took just over 28 hours for Zach to complete a 100-mile course, becoming the youngest person ever to finish the rugged Arizona circuit known as the Coldwater Rumble. Zach, by the way, was diagnosed with autism at age 4. His next goal, a 250-mile race at 50,000 feet of elevation. It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.