ZACH | In Relentless Pursuit Of His Best: The Journey of Ultrarunner Zach Miller

Zach Miller burst onto the ultrarunning scene with a stunning and surprising win at the 2013 JFK 50 Mile Race. Since then, he's gone on to race in some of the biggest international mountain ultramarathons in the world, including his biggest "white whale" of them all: the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB®). Since leading for most of the 100-mile race back in 2016 only to crash and burn in the final 15 miles, Zach has returned year after year in his attempt to become the first American male to win and for him personally, to be able to "solve the puzzle".
Zach has become a fan favorite with his Prefontaine-like, 100% wire-to-wire effort in races along with his blue collar approach to life and training. Watch his journey unfold including a look back at his unique childhood and how it stokes the internal fire to do the best he can each and every time.
ZACH'S INSTAGRAM: / zachmiller38
ZACH'S TWITTER: / zach_miller_38
ZACH'S FACEBOOK: / zachmiller38
If you would like to support my work, consider donating to my Patreon page at: / billyyang
______________
© Billy Yang Films, LLC 2020
Twitter: @BillyYang
Instagram: @BillyYang
Facebook: @BillyYangFilms
www.billyyangfilms.com/

[@colet5695]

currently watching this a couple weeks after Zach finished 2nd at UTMB 2023! Such an amazing full-circle to see him (and Jim) finally get it completely right and perform at truly their highest capabilities!

[@enkidu2562]

Man, Kilian helping Zach with his gear @26:33 in the middle of UTMB. This is such a wonderful sport, love these competitors!

[@Josh_Stringer]

Didn’t notice that. Thanks for pointing it out! Very cool and good sportsmanship.

[@kstoeb]

Yeessss - and Kilian is the GOAT in so much more ways than just winning ultra-mountain-races …

[@pierroulechou]

standard to run with someone during night, hes helping him but himself as well :p

[@user-wb5kk4ek1n]

Ok who is back to this movie after UTMB.....

[@Shortlongrunrunner]

Must of watched this video over 100 times. It’s my go too when I’m losing my running mojo. It never fails. Love it.

[@jg5555]

I think the first few minutes of this film where they load the destroyed Zach onto the cart and wheel him away are my favorite moments of all the great Billy Yang films!

[@xavierpironet3927]

Epic footage😂

[@WPOK-supporto]

Incredible start of the film

[@julien7705]

Zach is very popular here in France 🇫🇷, he is like a young kid, always smiling, very humble! Hope to see him be the first American runner winning UTMB! Have fun

[@FuckAdds]

I would prefer Tim to end the obsession of american male runner for winning UTMB. I guess it is because he has this humble and carefull approach this course deserves. What I would love is to hear those male runner credit Courtney Dauwalter, Rory Bosio, Krissy Moehl and Nicky Kimbal who manytimes this race as female US runner. These women are awesome ! I love Zach on TNF 50 but I always felt like he did not get the "self-management" necessary to win Mountainous 100 Miler. Xavier broke Zach because Xavier saves his energy using sticks and manage his effort.

[@julien7705]

@@FuckAdds agree, I also have the impression that Jim W. is not able to manage his effort when the race is hilly

[@FuckAdds]

@@julien7705 yes exactly the same kind of runner "fastest or blow up". It looks to me like a cultural gap that I just hardly understand from France. It s withoit iffebse to those great runner that I say " not the mountain mindset". It boils down to some humility facing this gnarly environment that implies to keep a margin in the begining to make do through later adversity. It is probably not a "psychology thing" but really a relation to racing. As far as I know Zach, Hayden, Jim, Sage never threw themselves in mountaineous Ultra off races ( and beaten tracks). I see this as a view if mojntains as training or racing ground rather than places to roam endure and discover. Guys like Joe Grant, Gary Robins, Anton Krupicka, Adam Campbell and others really seems to have a different relation where long off path outings lies at heart. Thus they are much closer to Jornet, D'Haenne and Thevenard and many european athlete who really enjoy the mountain ultra as personnal adventure.I know little about female us top runner but Courtney Dauwalter and Rory Bosio are also into ultra solo off atempts. The underlying values and relation to the environment are deeply different and make a difference in race style. Last but not least, these "mountain people" seem much less encline to "sharing" ( media exposure) than "puncher racer". This make sense regarding the underlying values. That is why I much prefer the mountain kind of ultra runner. Hence my bet ( and hope) for a Joe Grant ir Tim Tolefson to win utmb wich would be both logic and meaningfull. That being said, utmb remains among the smothest ultra trail of the french alps. We have much more rugged and wild ultras like Échappée Belle. It is much less runable than hardrock wich has 30%mileage of drivable tracks. François d'haenne won both and underlines the physical care and mental game it takes to cope with technicity. To me it's a pity to have such wild and rugged places in the us but so little interest in running there. How greay would it be to run across yellowstone, the tetons, jmt, Nolan's14, wasatch etc... If I even get again to the us to run I would get there rather than any of big races. Just like Guillaume Arthus. I get that races are impossible across NParks but solo endeavour are so obvious and exciting ! Ironically it is François d'haenne that blew the JMT fkt... A wake up call from France: covid is here so get OFF races to the true mountains !

[@kstoeb]

@@FuckAdds I completely agree with concerning the different styles and wich I like more - the Krupicka, Campbell, Robbins type. And I agree with the mention that it’s kind of ridiculous that everyone seems to wait for the first us-american male and overlooks all the great females. Maybe there’s something to learn from them ;-)

[@FuckAdds]

@@kstoebThanks, there is surely a lot to learn from female runner.

[@nikeduck24]

"To give less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift" - Pre

[@kstoeb]

I thought of this quote, too, while watching.

[@TheAnalogKid68]

Made me wonder if Pre came back to us ?

[@Dinckelburg]

Billy, I think this is your best film to date. Congrats man.

[@midgicegg874]

I was just going to say that.

[@themobleys]

I totally agree, this is top notch!

[@jacqueswienekus7432]

Couldn’t have said it better. Very inspiring.

[@zachvine8458]

Just finished, and I completely agree

[@marlinweekley51]

Its definite equal to some of his others but so many great videoes its hard to choose .

[@sebastianramirez8474]

Just saw this man run at my very first trail race yesterday! One of the most impressive things I’ve witnessed!

[@MarkGriffith]

Great film Billy! Captures the heart and soul of Zach’s pure approach to running and life. Long may he run, and keep chasing those dreams!

[@BillyYang]

He's the best.

[@phacocataractdrlvkraju5]

Wow, what a spirit, Salute to Zach Miller and incredible brutally honest film making

[@alexableile5196]

I don’t know Zach, but to have him represent our little corner of Pennsylvania is such an honor. What an amazing athlete and human, and what a beautiful film. Thank you!!

[@JB-uv1cg]

Wiping 2020 away now this is here 🙏 Thank you Billy 😊

[@shknbke72]

Great film, Billy! I had the pleasure of meeting Zach a couple times at Barr Camp and he indeed is a very humble person. I didn't realize what all he had accomplished until later! It's great to see world class athletes stay humble in their accomplishments.

[@seand8236]

Billy Yang , you are a talented film maker sir . Zach , hard to imagine someone so gifted grew up 90 minutes down the road . * EDIT -- I want to add that you Billy are a great runner in your own right.... Happy New Year to all who reads this !!!

[@outerlimit1999]

I wasn't planning on running 38 minutes on the treadmill tonight but if you insist...

[@BillyYang]

I'll make a longer film next time.

[@dusanhein5970]

:-D

[@agnidas5816]

@@BillyYang Thank you for still making these ! Thank you sooooo much.... there is far too little new footage of running.... there was a boom in 2016-2018 and it is gone now

[@Bigern2998]

Exactly what I did 😀

[@Extolguitarest]

I want a white noise machine that just plays Zach's intense breathing from the end of TNF50

[@ECsponger2]

I freaking love it, it's been emblazoned in my mind for years. So much grit. Here's where the clip is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXWmg2NpiqmanaM

[@TheDeclancox]

That is my favourite race finish, such unmitigated grit, awesome.

[@amoon326]

This remains my favorite race finish video yet! If I'm ever in a place where I need to suck it up and push through, I think about how hard he went at the finish

[@kjbutterworth18]

When I'm struggling I just think of that . 😂..inspirational 👍

[@NVIK5]

Brilliant Billy, thanks for this. Coming here after the 2023 UTMB.

[@michaelleggett2457]

Mr. Yang, you have truly mastered your craft. Thank you for bringing these amazing people to us in a way that is incredibly inspiring , elegant and beautiful. Your films have played an important role in my life these past few years , as I’m sure they have in thousands of others. I wish you continuing success and happiness. Thanks.

[@tobylowe4482]

Billy, this film did not disappoint. A lovely film about a lovely guy. He has no ego. That is a wonderful thing in its own right. Fingers crossed for his next attempt at UTMB :-)

[@quintenbingham3588]

I met Zach at the finish line of the 2018 Crow Pass Crossing in Ak. I knew he was a professional runner but didn’t know much more than that. He really was super humble and approachable. Super down-to-earth. What he says in this film about being approachable and wanting to interact with others and not just race was true in my encounter with Zach. He came across as not only willing to talk about how his race went but asked about my race. Great guy. Billy great job with this film. I love your content.

[@BillyYang]

I love this feedback, thank you. Can't wait to go back to Alaska. Zach is signed up for Mount Marathon...here's hoping between Covid and his latest injury, the stars will align...

[@cortezthekiller8178]

Man. What a true soul. And a great family.

[@EvenWaysMusic]

I wanted to say the following even though it’s well after the fact: This film inspired me to start trail running earlier this year, and also was the reason I signed up and took part in my first ultra back in June - The UTS 50 by UTMB. I saw it and I knew I needed to do it and this film gave me the inspiration to train for it in just eight weeks and successfully complete the race. I am now less than five weeks from my second 50k ultra and hope to do my first 100k next year. Thank you Zach and Billy for inspiring me to push further and dream bigger

[@jackdavies4353]

Another brilliant, inspiring and beautiful film Billy. Forever grateful for the content you give us 🙌

[@BillyYang]

Thank you Jack

[@kareldesmit7305]

What a great documentary. Beautifully filmed and edited and magnificent storytelling

[@BillyYang]

thank you

[@goodnewsrunning]

Great job Billy and Zach has a purpose on his life to run and share the Good News at the same time. Stay on the straight and narrow and do it all into Him.

[@danielwnorowski2553]

Wonderful film: tells a captivating story, highlights an intriguing character, with superb videography.

[@michaelkilimanjaro9926]

Now, this is a short film that was worth watching every second of it. I am now fan of Zach.

[@oaktree2406]

I'm only 5 minutes into this...I'm totally inspired....

[@RedspringsRunner]

Minus Sally's film, this is my favorite film from you! Very inspiring, thank you!

[@IanLye79]

Been waiting years for this... and it was worth every second of it. Congrats Billy on another masterpiece. Totally inspiring, and Zach is gonna get the win at UTMB one of these days!

[@Five7weezy]

The production of this doco is phenomenal. Amazing work. And thank you for sharing Zach's story with us.

[@Suckpepe]

My legs hurt by just watching that opening scene

[@michaeleverest3487]

I doesn't matter whether he wins or loses a race, when he is lined up at the start, you suspect you're going to see a show that will leave you inspired and breathless, and that's why I love watching him race: he runs in wonder and plants it too.

[@roustabout4fun]

A Fav...this is going to be good! He gives his all... A Fav to root for. Runs w a big heart and a lotta guts. Thanx Billy Yank Films.

[@BR0SE1DON]

Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Mesmerising from start to finish. I’m not even a runner and I think it’s the best KZbin video I’ve watched all year. Incredible man, fantastic story, perfectly told. Thank you.

[@igorBC]

Is there any better tribute a trail runner can get other than this?! Zach you are a legend and Billy nailed it again!!

[@guyguruta778]

Billy l am a big fan of yours...seen l guess all of your films...this one is the best...merci de Brebeuf Québec

[@Noah-eq3rn]

“I have no idea to this day what those two Italian ladies were singing about. Truth is, I don’t want to know. I like to think they were singing about something so beautiful it can’t be expressed in words, and makes your heart ache because of it.” - Red.

[@Are_We_Having_Tea]

" (On the breeze...What a gentle little Zephyr) is a , or a short duet, from act 3, scene X, of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera , K. 492, to a libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte. In the duettino, Countess Almaviva (a soprano) dictates to Susanna (also a soprano) the invitation to a tryst addressed to the countess' husband in a plot to expose his infidelity.

[@juanperezalvarez503]

Awesome Quote!

[@marlinweekley51]

I could without the singing - kind of distracting.

[@BackpackingandBlisters]

Thought the same thing. :)

[@richt3993]

I could hear his voice narrating...

[@rentristandelacruz]

Just saw Zach's name in the UTMB 2022 list of participants. Another runner to watch during that race.

[@adamb6472]

I can only smash that like button once, shame I would smash it for an hour straight. Billy you are a gentleman and a scholar.

[@Frater369]

What an awesome movie about an awesome athlete and human being. Many stories are inspiring..... this was a step above that!!! 👏👏👏

[@professormph]

MAD respect for you, Zach. And Billy, your videos are always amazing and incredibly inspiring.

[@ScottSowle]

You nailed this one Billy! Zach is such a deserving young man with the desires and discipline to reach his goals and willingness to share that gift. He is a inspiration to many and that is showcased well here. BOOM!!!!

[@dennisferrell3662]

Another great film, Billy. When your talents and Zach's are blended together, it makes for magic. Thanks for this.

[@ronhendricks4130]

Great film! I have met and talked with Zach numerous times over the years while running to Barr Camp, and was always disappointed when he was not there to talk to. If all world class athletes were as down to earth, humble, friendly, and wanting to give back like he does, this would be a much better world. Every year I'll be looking at the UTMB results to see if he is there, really hope he wins it some day!! Speedy recovery.

[@kellyhogan699]

Love his connection to the Happy Valley. One of my favorite places to run!

[@wadegardner54]

Zach!!! Great to get to see you in the film! You are missed at Barr Camp. I just hit 39 months in a row, still looking for new adventures too. Thanks for the inspiration. God bless your future journey,

[@markmclarty1407]

Nothing better than a Billy Yang film. They are all so motivating and fun to watch. Hopefully many many more in 2021. I can’t wait.

[@ky-vis8215]

BILLY WITH ANOTHER BANGER! Oh my god this is so good

[@BillyYang]

🙏🏻

[@scotty191188]

Thank you Billy Yang! Major Thanks Zach Miller for everything you do but especially for providing the inspiration the STOKE!! Bill Dooper dedication was so nice to see!!!! All around great job Billy Yang!!!

[@ralphboghossianperformance2023]

Billy, your movies are just pure inspiration. Thank you very much for sharing this.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Love the JFK bit at the start, I remember reading about him that year and what a crazy story it was that he won the way he did...I spent 2012 and 2013 reading ultra running books training and ran my first ultra in 2014...ran the JFK in 2014 and 2015.

[@celo101]

Loved that portrait, really felt like we’re getting to know Zach better. The scenery was great as often. Good luck to Zach on catching that elusive UTMB!

[@kathima6459]

Another wonderful work of art. You truly have a gift of telling a story through film.

[@BillyYang]

Thank you Kathi 🙏🏻

[@gkeil25]

What phenomenal movie this is.

[@EMLRecordings]

Another example of a decent human being who wants to be something bigger than himself and wants to use his fame to do something positive with and I see this trait amongst many Ultra runners. Great video and just what I needed to see to get me motivated to get out the door in the brutally freezing cold and get my first run of 2021 in the bag :-) Thank you xxx and happy new year

[@donaldbeck5602]

I have always felt that God puts joy in the things that He has created us for. Beautiful film, Mr Yang.

[@petersteennhr852]

Billy Yang you've done it again! Truly inspirational. I'll go for a trailrun now🙂

[@monelljoey]

Met Zach a few years back on at Barr Camp. We talked about his UTMB race. He has a great positive energy and I am thankful he took the time to talk to me about his running. Great film!

[@MattShubert]

so glad to have this resurface in my recommended videos after Zach's excellent 2nd place finish at the 2023 UTMB! an amazing documentary, and an amazing athlete/human being.

[@tonyjames6049]

Been waiting for this for a while, Zach is such an inspiration

[@gbaker125]

Has Billy ever said why it took 2+ years for this to get released?

[@eja1266]

Everytime Zach runs, he has the Steve Prefontaine vibe. Such an inspiring runner.

[@klowther247]

The world is a much better place because of people like Zach! What a truely fantastic guy. Incredible film yet again by Billy!... They never cease to amaze! Many thanks.

[@BillyYang]

Thanks Karl!

[@samanthaoscar21]

THIS IS ABOUT HIM!! THAT IS A HUGE PART OF HIM!!! So why would they leave that out?? Its rude for someone to say they wished they left that out. Its great that they included that and werent afraid to add that. Noone should edit their lives that way just because others dont have the same beliefs. Even though you have different beliefs why would that “ruin” it for you? That is unbelievable really. But thats your loss if you let that ruin it. Other people wont let it and will gain the inspiration that he gives people!!!

[@klowther247]

@@samanthaoscar21 was this in response to my positive comment about Zach and Billy?? I'm confused!

[@klowther247]

@@samanthaoscar21 ... maybe it was a response to someone's comment which h has since been removed??

[@BillyYang]

@@klowther247 believe it’s in response to someone commenting about the inclusion of his faith, not to yours

[@craigbolton9649]

A great film. An armchair runner by comparison but I do think Zach Miller will be the first American male winner at UTMB.

[@billmccaffrey1977]

Great film. Zach has always been my favorite male ultra runner because of his relentless drive to push himself to the breaking point and to remain humble in both victory and defeat. I'm much older than him, but his drive still inspires.

[@Ercolone69]

Fantastic documentary. You really can tell a story! Thanks

[@jinijim1330]

Had to come back & watch this 👍💪 All time great 👍

[@Nono-de3zi]

When an awesome film maker (and runner) meet an extraordinary athlete. I discovered Zach a couple years ago, and since then it was like, he is the person I would have liked to be. Also a nice tribute to the UTMB, my favourite place/time on earth.

[@tylerwoodrum1985]

I love Billy films,and I love watching Zach run,one of my favorites.

[@josephgrasso6033]

Makes me want to run through a wall!!! Or just for a really long time. Awesome film!

[@WHSMrDeBoer]

Big fan of Zach. Nice work Billy.

[@BillyYang]

Me too!

[@redflash09021981]

The music, the pictures, the commitment to tell one person's story over years... Bravo!

[@stevendorsey4882]

Somehow I missed this one when it came out. Just finding it now over a year late. Truly a great film that not only shows races but also gets us into the life and mind of an elite ultra runner and the community with which he associates. Loved this film.

[@jasonlovell3934]

He has the best recipe for success. Faith, family and hard work! Another great film.

[@pelayocampomanes]

Fantástico documental, me encantan las imágenes, la música y los personajes. Muuuuuy bueno

[@RunningPure]

Look forward to watching this as I spin my legs on trainer. Have a wonderful NYE Billy.

[@j.b.2769]

Excellent. Remarkable story, remarkable athlete and a film that I feel people would pay to see.

[@tcfranklin]

Excellent documentary.

[@RudyBeltrame]

I watched it with my 9 y.o. son, what an inspiration shot of life and energy. Thank you Zach and Bill for sharing a bit of Zach's life path. Simply beautiful and true. Zach, we'll keep on going out on trails running with your smile trying to be as tough as you!

[@surfcruzer]

Humble man, humble family. Great example. Thank you Billy Yang.

[@AnaHecSepulveda]

Binge watching your films. I am obsessed with them. Thanks for the work you put in and for sharing your talents with us.

[@alisonkangas9152]

Thank you for making this film Billy! I've known of Zach for several years and always liked seeing him succeed. I had no idea he was a man of faith but I loved how you included this in the film ... Telling the story of the total person. Thank you!

[@haraldk.2551]

even after watching several times inspiring and motivating, so thank you very much for this great film about the man zach miller.

[@Bigern2998]

This film really spoke to me in a lot of ways. There was a message of unity that goes beyond the running. If this had 100M views the world would be a better place. Thanks Zach and Billy

[@skikarns]

8 months later. still my favorite video online. you're incredible Zach. thanks Billy

[@miroflorek4420]

Thank you Billy. Another superb movie. I love to watch all of them.

[@DaveTheAligator]

Man when you finish and have to be rolled away on a cart. GD! That is giving your all. What an inspiration!

[@filipjasinski1038]

What a movie! Pure art, watching again!!! Zach is phenomenal.

[@samuelandersen0]

amazing film, loved how you included info on his faith and how it incorporates his running. Good stuff

[@jackcooper3193]

Awesome film! Great runner and great person!

[@Furanisu]

It brings joyful tears and spirit-filled perspiration to me. Thank you for making and sharing this. 🙏

[@dejamarkwood8366]

Absolutely the best!!! Thank you Billy for this! Zach is one of my favorite people that I sincerely hope to meet someday! What a gift to this world you both are! 😘

[@aaronsmith2929]

Probably the best beginning to any documentary I’ve ever seen. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@stanmakowski1985]

WOW! What a great film and story, thank you Billy and Zach for telling such a great story and taking us on one hell of a ride. Well done, what a great story you have given us.

[@olivierpitibask2939]

a beautiful portrait of a man with a great panache, thanks Billy

[@y-squared]

This is incredible. I've gone back into the archives and been watching the oldest films. So now to see this, I can totally see how far you've come as a filmmaker. Congratulations on releasing such an incredible film. And it was such a pleasure to get to know Zach's story more deeply. Now for the live stream q&a!

[@tammiegrewe2757]

With so much film of such a fierce competitor, Billy, you managed to capture Zach's gentle spirit. Thank you for making this film and telling this story.

[@briansylvester6739]

Another gem from you, Billy! Here's to a powerful new year full of actual races!

[@PBnJ213]

Billy Yangs films are such an inspiration. Another one that will be watched more than once. And Zach Miller is a class act, his ethics and the way he pursues his dreams are amazingly captured in this movie. Thank you