Man Runs Longer Distance Than Fully Charged Tesla Model 3

Ultramarathoner Robbie Balenger ran 100 feet more than a fully charged Tesla Model 3 driven at an average speed of 65 mph.

Ultramarathon runner Robbie Balenger runs longer distance than Tesla Model 3

Dan Mihalascu

By: Dan Mihalascu

Apr 18, 2022 at 6:38am ET

Add InsideEVs as a preferred source in Google

Comment

In the latest episode of the age-old man versus machine battle, a marathon runner has outlasted a fully charged Tesla Model 3 RWD.

Robbie Balenger, who describes himself as a plant-based ultra runner, beat the distance covered by the fully charged electric vehicle by 100 feet (30.5 meters).

Modeled after man vs. horse marathons of the past in which human racers attempt to run longer distances than horses across the same terrain, the first-of-its-kind endurance race between man and electric car began at the same time and the same starting point approximately 250 miles outside of Austin, Texas.

The Tesla was driven at a median speed of 65 mph until its fully charged battery dried out, covering 242 miles in the process. Balenger followed the exact same route as the Tesla and was able to cover 100 feet more in 76 hours 54 minutes and 46 seconds.

Why race the Tesla Model 3 and not any other vehicle? The ultramarathoner says the EV maker is "the most disruptive and exciting thing to happen to transportation since the first horse was broken," making it the best opponent for a modern take on the man vs. horse race.

Initially, Balenger estimated he could beat the Tesla's distance in 72 hours, with 24 hours being a respectable time for finishing a 100-mile race in the ultra community.

"However, three straight days of unrelenting 90+ degree weather killed that plan. In the end, I was able to out-distance the Tesla in just shy of 77 hours. It was absolutely brutal, but we got it done."

Gallery: Ultramarathon runner beats Tesla Model 3 in first-of-a-kind endurance race

Ultramarathon runner Robbie Balenger runs longer distance than Tesla Model 3

Mind you, that doesn't mean Balenger ran for 77 hours without taking breaks. He ran for three straight days but made short stops for sleeping, eating, brushing teeth, changing clothes, and so on. In total, he spent 8.5 hours of the almost 77 hours not running—check out the videos below for more details.

Does this human victory over the popular electric vehicle prove anything? Not much, other than the fact that Balenger is a great ultramarathon runner. For example, based on information in the press release, we calculated that the Tesla Model 3 covered 242 miles in about 3 hours and 42 minutes, so if time mattered the most, the EV would win this by a large margin. Also, the Tesla would need no breaks to cover that distance.

Furthermore, if the Tesla had run at a much lower average speed than 65 mph, it would have covered a much longer distance that Balenger probably would have find difficult to beat.

But that's just splitting hairs; in the end, what matters is that he accomplished his goal and can now brag about having a longer range than a Tesla Model 3 RWD, sort of. He's also hoping that his feat will become an inspiration to other people.

What do you think?

View

Comments

"Outlasting a Tesla has been the longest single effort I have undertaken to date. My hope is that this feat inspires others to leave their comfort zones and embrace innovation, be it by challenging their perceptions of their own physical limits, or making lifestyle changes that can have a positive effect on the planet."

The unusual race was sponsored by NYC-based men's activewear label Ten Thousand, as part of the company's ongoing Feats of Strength series in which a different athlete attempts a new record breaking feat every month.

Check out other EV range challenges

EV Range Test Of Various Models Shows Up To 20% Drop In Cold Temps

Porsche Taycan 4S Shines In 100%–0% Range Test At The Speed Limit

Source: Ten Thousand

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Insideevs.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The InsideEVs team

Share this Story

GO TO COMMENTS

(

)

Got a tip for us? Email: tips@insideevs.com

View all comments ( )

Trending

I Drove The Electric And Gas-Powered BMW X5. I Know Which One I'd Pick.

The 2027 Ford Mustang Mach-E Has More Range As Standard

GM's Next-Generation EV Platform Has 30% Less Wiring And 20% Less Battery

Can The BMW iX3 Take Down The Tesla Model Y L And Rivian R2?