Michael Versteeg: Southwest Renaissance Man
Even if Michael Versteeg’s name rings a bell, chances are you don’t know much about him beyond his impressive feats in ultramarathons and his record-breaking run along the Arizona Trail. And that’s just how he prefers it. Despite living in an era where individuals are often defined by their “Instagram-worthy accomplishments,” Versteeg prefers to keep his athletic, artistic, and intellectual pursuits under the radar. Formerly a scientific researcher and chemistry professor, he now earns his living as a carpenter, supporting his enviable nomadic lifestyle.
Based in Prescott, Arizona, with a slice of land nestled behind Granite Mountain—a hidden haven for trail running and multi-pitch climbing—Versteeg leads a transient life, often traversing the Four Corners region from the confines of his van or by hitchhiking to his next adventure.
“Northern Arizona and southern Utah have always felt like home to me,” he shared, “but you can also catch me in the high country, surrounded by canyonlands, the towering peaks of the San Juans, and the majestic Grand Canyon. The Four Corners region offers it all—towering mountains, expansive canyons, narrow slot canyons, and meandering rivers. Whether it’s running, rock climbing, ice climbing, or water sports like floating and water skiing, there’s something for everyone.”
Versteeg’s athletic versatility is nothing short of impressive. With a background in climbing and mountaineering, he seamlessly transitioned into trail, mountain, and ultrarunning, achieving remarkable success in a relatively short span. Just ten months after his inaugural trail run, he clinched victory in his first 100-mile race, the Stagecoach in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Reflecting on that momentous win, Versteeg admitted, “It was perhaps the first and last time I felt emotionally invested in a race. Crossing the finish line was a deeply emotional experience for me. I felt like I was pushing boundaries and accomplishing something significant.”
Yet, Versteeg’s crowning achievement came in the form of his 15-day, 22-hour, 39-minute run, setting the supported Fastest Known Time on the grueling 830-mile Arizona Trail. His motivation for undertaking such a monumental endeavor stemmed not only from his love for his home state but also from a quest to recapture the emotional resonance he felt during his inaugural victory.
“Having spent most of my life in Arizona, the Arizona Trail was always a personal ambition of mine,” Versteeg explained. “When I found myself losing passion for running, I turned to personal projects. Embarking on this journey felt like destiny. It was fascinating to see how many miles I could cover consistently each day (averaging 51 miles). It redefined my understanding of endurance. My perception of the term differs vastly from most people’s now. Endurance, to me, is about pushing your limits day after day, with no foreseeable end in sight.”
In the past year, Versteeg continued to dominate races across the Southwest, including the arduous John Cappis 50K in Silverton, boasting a staggering 19,000 feet of elevation gain and a daunting 19-hour cutoff time—a challenge conquered by only two participants. However, he also ventured into uncharted territory, delving into photography for the first hiking guidebook to Bears Ears National Monument, spending over two months immersed in the region’s stunning landscapes.
“Exploring Bears Ears and documenting its beauty was a refreshing change of pace,” Versteeg reflected. “It provided a welcome respite from the political controversies surrounding the monument’s status, allowing me to appreciate the area for its natural splendor.”