Hans Troyer Sets New Record at USA Track & Field Championships

Runners tackle the challenging terrain of the USA Track & Field 50 Mile Championships.

News Summary

Hans Troyer, an alumnus of Augusta University, made headlines by breaking the course record at the USA Track & Field 50 Mile Championships with a time of 5:16:14. This impressive feat, achieved in challenging terrain, highlights his elite ultrarunning skills. Troyer’s recent successes, including victories in multiple ultramarathons, have earned him a Golden Ticket to the prestigious Western States 100. His journey reflects the strong foundation built during his time at Augusta University, where he served as both athlete and assistant coach, contributing significantly to the university’s athletic achievements.

Boalsburg, Pennsylvania – Hans Troyer, an alumnus of Augusta University, made headlines recently by setting a new course record at the USA Track & Field 50 Mile Championships. He completed the grueling race in an impressive time of 5:16:14, breaking the previous record by nearly 12 minutes. The race, which took place in Boalsburg, featured over 5,000 feet of vertical elevation gain, indicating the challenging terrain athletes faced. Throughout the run, Troyer maintained an average pace of 6:19 per mile, a remarkable feat that underscores his elite ultrarunning capabilities.

In addition to his record-setting performance, Troyer is the subject of a newly released documentary that chronicles his path in the world of ultrarunning. His success at the 50 Mile Championships is one of the latest achievements in what has been a stellar rise in the sport, which includes recent victories at the Bandera 100k and Way Too Cool 50k, as well as a runner-up finish at the Canyons 100k. These accomplishments have earned Troyer a Golden Ticket to the highly prestigious Western States 100, one of the most demanding ultramarathons in the world.

Troyer’s achievements are particularly noteworthy given his background at Augusta University, where he served both as a competitive athlete and an assistant coach from 2018 to 2023. Under his leadership, the Augusta Jaguars claimed four consecutive Peach Belt Conference cross country titles and participated in the NCAA National Championships. Furthermore, Troyer consistently earned PBC All-Conference honors in both cross country and track & field, in addition to being named to the PBC Team of Academic Distinction every season.

Troyer also set the school record in the 3,000m steeplechase, illustrating his diverse talents as a distance runner. Originally from Newnan, Georgia, Troyer graduated from Trinity Christian School and has since become a prominent figure in the ultrarunning community. His skills and determination are seen as a product of the training and support he received during his collegiate career.

The cross country and track & field programs at Augusta University are experiencing exciting growth, highlighted by the planned addition of men’s and women’s indoor track & field beginning in the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative is positioned as part of a strategic investment aimed at enhancing the university’s athletic capabilities and providing year-round competition opportunities for athletes. Head Coach Jacob Burgamy, who took over the men’s cross country team in March 2023, has already led the team to three consecutive Peach Belt Conference titles and maintained a national ranking.

This growth has not only impacted the team’s performance but has also led to individual milestones, such as Jordan Robertson becoming Augusta’s first cross country All-American and Avery Jaynes achieving the distinction of being the first NCAA Track & Field All-American from the university. The progress of both Troyer and the Augusta athletic programs reflects the strong foundation established at the university and promises further development in the future.

As Troyer prepares for his upcoming 100-mile debut at the Western States 100, the support from the Augusta community continues to grow, showcasing a shared pride in his extraordinary achievements and aspirations. This highly anticipated event is expected to further solidify Troyer’s place as a leading figure in the ultrarunning scene.