Zach Bates: Ultramarathoner with autism inspiring others after crushing 100 mile goal

By Jeff Paffenback and Patrick Snell, CNN

Updated 2039 GMT (0439 HKT) April 2, 2022

Earlier this year, Zach Bates became the youngest ever finisher of the Coldwater Rumble 100 mile Ultramarathon.

(CNN)With an injured hip, blisters on his feet and experiencing the sort of exhaustion few would be familiar with, Zach Bates retained a steely focus and determination.

Fighting through pain after running for 28 hours, and amid the sound of tired feet struggling through the Arizona dirt — finally soft, soothing music grew over the horizon. The sights and sounds of cheering family, coaches, and supporters grew closer and louder with every step. The finish line, which was once 100 miles away, was right in front of him.A small, roaring human victory tunnel welcomed Bates as he ran across the finish line and cemented himself as an ultramarathon runner. «I saw the finish line and people made a tunnel with their arms for me to run through. I also saw my cousins with their signs. Just really exciting,» Bates tells CNN, reflecting on his accomplishment.Read MoreDiagnosed with autism at the age of four, the 20-year-old American completed the Coldwater Rumble 100 mile Ultramarathon earlier this year, becoming the youngest finisher in the race's history, aged 19. Completing the 20-mile loop five times across a rugged terrain is an accomplishment itself but Bates finished 38th overall out of the 99 starters in just over 28 hours — and it is worth noting that 33 runners didn't finish.The achievement makes Bates seem like a seasoned ultra-runner but he and his family are just beginning their journey into the ultramarathon world. Bates hopes to inspire others with autism to take up running.'it seemed different'Bates was a member of the