Ultrarunning World ROAD, TRACK & TRAIL MULTIDAY & ULTRA DISTANCE NEWS ISSUE 11
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Ultrarunning World
ROAD, TRACK & TRAIL MULTIDAY & ULTRA DISTANCE NEWS
ISSUE 11
2 Ultrarunning World | 11 / 2018
Ultrarunning World | No.11 | May 2018
La st Annua l V ol - E d i t or i a l
S tate
We are very happy to welcome Maria Bellini and Sarah
Cameron to the team for this issue of Ultrarunning
World. By sharing their perspectives on runners and
22 events in France and Italy and introducing us all to
beautiful trails and races cherished by our neighbours in
Europe the magazine has become a richer environment.
Here in the UK and Ireland, one of the online race
calendars lists over 750 ultras for 2018. A phenomenal
De ad w at er growth of the sport over the last decade with new races
2017 in many locations to appeal to every taste including Mark
Cockbain’s ‘Hard Stuff ’ – events not to be confused with
races normal ultrarunners do. We hope to bring news or
mention every race in some shape or form throughout the
year – a challenging goal.
We are looking for more previously unpublished content
38
to increase the value of the magazine so if you want to
send us some ultra-related experience you’ve had, we look
forward to receiving your submissions.
As always, we are very grateful to current and past
contributors to the magazine for allowing us to share
these articles and images. Long may you run.
T our D e
Helvellyn
2018 42 T h e H ou s e :
Editor - Abichal Sherrington
• Correspondents - John Parkin
C on t e n t s - Maria Elisabetta Bellini
- Sarah Cameron
4 New s
• Staff - Marcella Dragan - Graphic Designer
Ra c e Reports
-Helen Hayes - Copy Editor
6 Ultra France • Photos
9 Going Long in Italy Front cover: Yolanda Holder
12 UK Ultras by srichinmoyultraphoto.com
Back cover: Don Winkley and Fred Davis III
14 USA Ultras
courtesy Athens International Ultrafestival
17 Australian Ultras
18 Skydive Ultra - Henrik Lowemark
22 Last Annual Vol-State - Expect the Unexpected Part
2 - Karen Jackson
36 White Rose - Helen Pickford
Ultrarunning World Editor: Abichal Sherrington
38 Deadwater 2017 - Hayley White Magazine Website: Ultrarunningworld.
Address: 38 Shadwell Rd, co.uk
41 Deadwater 2017 – Anna Gilmore Bristol BS7 8EP E-mail: mail@
42 Tour De Helvellyn 2018 – Arctic John Parkin Phone Number: ultrarunningworld.co.uk
01179441161 Facebook & Twitter
Upc oming Ra ces
50 SCMT Calendar We are very pleased to share this issue with the community and to bring these reports and
updates on international and British events. We are very grateful to all the people who have
52 UK & Ireland Ultra Calendar kindly contributed their experience, time and energy to make this edition a reality.
56 Multiday International Calendar
11 / 2018 | Ultrarunning World 3
News
The Winner of the 2017 IAU Athlete of
the Year announced 22 March 2018
Federations about future and will fancy his chances
bids for the next years. again this time around on
Please get in touch if you the continental stage.
have any interest for 2019 At the world championships
bids and further. last summer, Jess Baker
IAU 24H European achieved a notable seventh
Championship – place covering 147 miles
participants so will be one of the
The Winners of the 2017 with 266.938 km (165.87 We are getting closer to the contenders in the women’s
IAU Athlete of the Year miles). IAU 24 Hour European race in a few months’ time.
were Patrycja Bereznowska Both winners received Championships. From John Pares, the Team
(POL) and Yoshihiko around 45% of all votes. May 26th till May 27th,
Leader commented:
Ishikawa (JPN. The runners up in the 29 National Teams from
“I’m delighted we are
women’s standings were Europe will gather together
Patrycja Bereznowska sending a strong team
Camille Herron (USA) in Timisoara in Romania
(POL) has been amongst out to the Europeans at
and Adeline Roche (FRA) to take part in this event.
the best runners in the the end of May. We have
and in the men’s, Luis We are happy to share with
world for several years now. a good tradition at these
Alberto Hernando (ESP) you the participant list.
However her performances championships, with a
and Sebastian Białobrzeski The defending Champions,
in 2017 were outstanding. number of medallists from
(POL). Maria Jannson (SWE) and
She began her journey previous editions and we
Daniel Lawson (GBR) will
in April when she won No IAU 50K World will be challenging the best
return to defend their titles.
the Polish 24 Hour Championship in 2018. in Europe once again.
Championship with 256.246 11 Member UK Team For “We have a lot of experience
It is with regret we have
km (159.22 miles). In July IAU 24 Hour European in this squad, balanced
to announce that there
she became the IAU 24 Championships 2018 with a number of athletes
will be no IAU 50K World
Hour World Champion and Championship in 2018. A team of 11 will represent making their first ever
for the second time this year We had thought that we Great Britain at the appearances in a British vest
she improved her personal had secured an event IAU 24 Hour European so I am looking forward to
best and set new WBPs with but unfortunately the Championships in May, seeing them embrace this
259.991 km (161.55 miles). combined requirements taking on the challenge of exciting opportunity.”
She became the first women for both the LOC with the endurance in Timisoara, The British Athletics
to ever run more than 160 National Federation didn’t Romania. team for the IAU 24 Hour
miles in a 24H race. materialise in time. So it European Championships
Reigning European
Yoshihiko Ishikawa (JPN) is with considerable regret champion Dan Lawson on 26-27 May 2018 in
had a fantastic 2017 by we will need to cancel all headlines the squad Timisoara, Romania:
winning the IAU 24 Hour the activities and we will alongside three other Senior Men
World Championship in not have the IAU 50K members of the silver medal
July being the only man Championships for this winning men’s team from Dan Lawson
to run over 270 km with a year. 2016; Marco Consani, James Stewart
total of 270.870 km (168.31 The IAU 50K World Steve Holyoak and Patrick Marco Consani
miles). In November Championship is an Robbins. Brighton’s Lawson Craig Holgate
he won the prestigious important event for us covered a total of 162 miles Steve Holyoak
17th Soochow 24h and we have already sent on his way to the gold Patrick Robbins
Ultramarathon in Taipei information to our Member medal almost two years ago, Senior Women
4 Ultrarunning World | 11 / 2018
News
Jess Baker 100km men Championships will bring Inagaki’s (JPN) record of
Tracy Dean 1 Rob Turner, Scotland together the best trail 397.103 km (246.75 miles).
Adela Salt 7:00:30 runners of the world in Bereznowska’s crew posted
Wendy Shaw 2 Anthony Clark, England Castellón. Runners will their report on Kingrunner.
Alison Young 7:00:37 have 15 hours to finish the com saying that she didn’t
3 Michael Stocks, England 85 km. This 2018 edition sleep for the 48 hours.
Anglo Celtic Plate 2018
7:16:54 will award the titles of Trail Bereznowska set the world
Samantha Amend and Rob World Champion for male
100km women women’s 24 hour record last
Turner won at the 24th and female individuals and
1 Samantha Amend, year in Belfast with 259.991
Anglo Celtic Plate Home teams.
England 7:53:57 km and won the women’s
International in Redwick,
2 Sophie Carter, England The race will start from Spartathlon setting a new
Wales, on Easter Saturday
8:29:42 the city of Castellón and women’s course record.
The 100km international
3 Jayne Angilley, it will head north into the Such tremendous capacity
also incorporated
Wales 9:27:00 mountains through typical would surely have the
the British 100km towns of the province. It
50km current 6 day records under
Championships and an will finish at Sant Joan de
Steve Way, Bournemouth threat – Sandra Barwick’s
open event for 100km and Penyagolosa mountain, at
50km. 2:58:03 track record of 883 km and
1,280m altitude. Dipali Cunningham’s 825
Steve Way, the British Nick Lewis 4:20:53
100km record holder, was Sandra Barry-Bowers, More information at the km road record.
the first finisher in the Winchester 4:34:08 IAU 2018 Trail World The Polish team took five
50km race with a time of Championships, the of the six podium places in
Team 100 km
2:58:03. Penyagolosatrails.com the 48 hour, a very strong
Men and the International
Anthony Clark led at the 1 Scotland presence, with Izabela
Trail-Running Association
halfway point in the 100 2 England Dziedzic finishing
(ITRA).
km race in 3:26:17 with second with 269 km
Turner following seconds Women In other news and Aleksandra Motylska
behind. The final kilometres 1 England The Athens International in third. Jean-Louis Vidal
saw Turner taking the lead 2 Wales Ultramarathon Festival (FRA) was the men’s winner
with around four laps left Full results can be found at in Greece in took place with 344 km. Second was
to go finishing with a pb of RunBritainRankings.com in January this year. The Zygmunt Luczkowski
7:00:30 just seven seconds 16 day event featured the with 324 km and Dariusz
Photo courtesy Paul
ahead of Anthony Clark. only annual 1000 mile and
Stillman Barowski was third with
Michael Stocks making his 1000 km races currently
308 km.
debut over the distance was being held in the world
2018 TRAIL WORLD with Americans Fred Davis In the Six day race, Petri
third with a time of 7:16:54.
CHAMPIONSHIPS and Don Winkley the only Perttilä produced the
Belgrave Harrier Samantha takers this year in the 1000 strongest performance
Amend, after finishing Castellón, Spain
International Association mile – Fred edging Don at and a personal best to win
seventh at the IAU World with 700 km. The only
of Ultrarunners (IAU) the end.
50km Championships in
in conjunction with Europeans took on the 1000 woman competitor, Mireille
Doha in 2016 set a new
International Trail Running km with Adrian Bontiu Cormier (FRA), makes this
course record of 7:53:57
beating the 8:00:37 set by Association (ITRA) (ROM) taking the win her first Six day race title
Wales’ Emily Gelder in are proud to present over Anagnostis Kokonias and third overall.
2011. Amend’s English the 2018 Trail World (GRE). In the more popular 24
team mate Sophie Carter Championships which will The big news though was hour event, Sasa Gacik
was second in 8:29:42 with take place in Spain on May Patrycja Bereznowska’s (SRB) won with 232 km and
Wales’ Jayne Angilley taking 12th 2018, organized by (POL) amazing new world women’s winner was Teija
third place in 9:27:00. Penyagolosa Trails record of 401 km in the 48 Honkonen (FIN) with 208
Top results The Trail World hour race surpassing Sumie km. Results on the website
11 / 2018 | Ultrarunning World 5
Recent Races
Ultra France
News and views from the French Ultra Scene
It was the much-anticipated 2018 on top of a severed tree trunk and D’haene going head to head
edition of the Paris Eco-Trail. bruised her quadriceps, she said for the first time since the 2017
After an impressive race in very she desperately wanted to quit but UTMB it would be positively
difficult conditions, Emmanuel stuck it out and finished in a very remiss of us not to report on it. La
Meyssat won the flagship 80k respectable if not stellar 08:15. Pierra Menta is an international
event in a fraction over 6 hours. He The history books will remember ‘ski alpinisme’ competition that
finished just four minutes in front takes place each year at Arêches-
this eighth edition as having
of Emmanuel Gault after a huge Beaufort in the Savoie region of
exceptional weather conditions,
navigational error put his win in France.
with rain then snow and a
jeopardy for a while. Along with The race has 10,000 metres of
particularly bitter cold. Many
Yoan Stuck and Parisien Vincent elevation gain, the same as the
competitors were forced to
Viet, who recently ran a 70-minute UTMB, but here it is divided into
abandon due to the threat of
half marathon, Meyssat went off four stages. The 15 summits and
hypothermia. The terrain was far
course by three kilometres and lost their subsequent steep, technical
muddier than usual, especially
several places that he then had to descents are attacked by 600
in the woods of Meudon and
work hard to make up. Viet was competitors in teams of two, over
Chaville. The Eco-Trail is generally
demoralised and threw in the towel four days of racing. Thousands
deemed to be a rolling, accessible
after 50k. Meyssat managed to of spectators scale the most
ultra but the additional challenges
reclaim the lead and was the first to accessible peaks accompanied by
this year turned into a much harder
mount the iron steps and cross the their cowbells, trumpets and even
race.
iconic finish line halfway up the accordions.
Eiffel Tower. Full results here:
Despite having recently had
In the ladies’ race, Sylvaine Cussot http://ecotrail.livetrail.net/ surgery on his shoulder (the
shared the victory with Gaëlle classement. infamous dislocated shoulder
Decorse, after having also taken an php?course= of Hardrock), five-time winner
almost catastrophic wrong turn. 80km&cat=scratch Kilian was touted once again as
Notably, Gaëlle is in the ‘Espoir’ Some great photos and footage race favourite by the French press.
category, which means she is an here (check out the size of the The operation to repair the injury,
under 23, born between 1996 and snowflakes): http://www.widermag. which he initially sustained during
1998. There were some big names com/news-eco-trail-paris-2018- a skiing accident in 2014, took
a little lower down in the rankings manu-meyssat-sylvaine-cussot- place just four months ago on 20th
with Juliette Blanchet coming in gaelle-decorse-vainqueurs-malgre- October. One of his competitors,
sixth and Francesca Canepa in les-imbroglios-parcours Xavier Gaschet, was quoted as
fourth. Francesca seemingly had a saying that even to be able to stand
tough day in the office and posted Sources: www.widermag.com, on the start line of the event so
a typically passionate Facebook https://paris.ecotrail.com, social soon afterwards was ‘not normal’
rant; she had snow in her hair, media. and that he is not like other men.
she was soaked from falling in a It’s not an ultra marathon and There are few who would disagree
puddle, her hands were frozen so it’s not even a running race but with that statement. Kilian’s physio
she couldn’t eat or drink, she fell with Kilian Jornet and François responded by saying that it is his
6 Ultrarunning World | 11 / 2018
Recent Races
mental strength that allows him an extremely impressive fourth learn a lot and enjoy yet suffer so
to recover quickly because he place. He is renowned for his much! Laetitia Roux and me had
invests as much energy into his athletic achievements in other some challenging days, actually
recuperation as he does in his capacities but he is far from being a I did not know if I had a partner
training and he keeps a positive professional skier which makes his until just a few days before. But
outlook. He explained that Jornet’s result even more significant. we tried our best, took some
upper body immobility would The win was taken by Italian duo time to know how the other was
probably restrict his ability to ski Michele Boscacci and Robert feeling and after 3 days of coming
and that he is focusing mainly Antonioli. In the ladies’ race, in second place, we could finish
on the summer, when he will be Axelle Mollaret and Katia Tomatis with a stage victory! Thank you
targeting Western States 100. were victorious. Skyrunning to all organisers, volunteers and
In spite of this, Kilian and his world champion Emilie Forsberg, spectators, you really make this a
partner Jakob Herrman had indeed partnered with seventeen-time ski special race.’
been leading La Pierra Menta until mountaineering world champion Kilian’s social media feeds were
Kilian had a unlucky fall on the Laetitia Roux made a formidable harder to read; he posted an X-ray
final descent of the fourth and final team and took second place. showing a fractured fibula that
day. A leg injury ended his race and Emilie’s post-race Facebook will require 45 days in plaster.
saw him evacuated from the course comments described Pierra Menta Hopefully his positivity will
by paramedics. as being ‘a love story’ that she again aid him recover from this
François D’haene thus came out wants to continue.She wrote: ‘It’s latest setback in a way that is ‘not
on top again; in partnership with demanding, insanely hard, so fun, normal’ and we will see him back
his brother-in-law he finished in so teaching and so wonderful. I on form for Western States.
11 / 2018 | Ultrarunning World 7
Recent Races
Sources: race punches above its weight. second place a mere thirteen
http://www.pierramenta.com/ Considered to be the opening race seconds. The times were slower
course.php, of the French ultra season, Ventoux than last year, due to snowy
http://fr.euronews. always attracts some big names. conditions, but the classifications
The 2018 edition was no exception were surprisingly familiar:
com/2018/03/17/ski-alpinisme-
with Sylvain Court, Ugo Ferrari,
abandon-de-kilian-jornet-lors-de- First female was Lucie Jamsin, a
Christel Dewalle, UTMB winner
la-pierra-menta, fire-fighter from Béthune who runs
Xavier Thevenard, Nicolas Martin
https://france3-regions. for Team Isostar. Lucie finished in a
and Ludovic Pommeret all footing
francetvinfo.fr/sport/ski/pierra- fraction under 5 hours, her official
the line for this 16th edition.
menta?r=auvergne-rhone-alpes time 04:59:20. Lucie came second
It was very close in the men’s last year, so it seems that this is a
At 45k the Trail de Ventoux is race with ex-Salomon runner, race that runners love to return to.
technically only just an ultra, but Marc Lauenstein, taking the win
with 2,200m of elevation gain in 04:00:22, just thirty seconds Full results here:
and loss on and around the Mont ahead of Ludo Pommeret. Romain http://sportips.fr/resultats/
Ventoux of cycling fame, this Maillard was third, the gap to 2018VENTOUX46KM.pdf
8 Ultrarunning World | 11 / 2018
Recent Races
Going Long in Italy
by Maria Bellini
One race is credited
to have sparked the
beginnings of the ultra
trail scene that has
literally stormed Italy
in recent years. In 2000
the first edition of the
Cro Magnon Ultra Trail
(100km) took place. It
was in fact, a French
race, that started in
Limone, Piemonte (Italy)
and finished in Cap d’Ail
In recent years ultra pilgrims, the military, Alps, the imposing on the Riviera, in France.
running has been and even persons 3,841meter Monviso in
steadily gaining of dishonest means, 1863. With a long race route
amongst others, have that didn’t require any
popularity in Italy. This
largely utilised the Italy’s history with form of mountaineering
is particularly the case
country’s countless paths mountain running dates skills, the Cro Magnon
with trail running.
and tracks. A means back several decades and grabbed people’s
Italy is a mountainous to gain an end. Like in involved a strong yet attention, stirring up
country, with the Alps many parts of the world, narrow field of athletes, quite a bit of interest
and Dolomites to the throughout history the one that possessed the amongst budding trail
north and the Apennine trails were usually used correct skills required to runners. It was also the
range that vertically for practical reasons. tackle races that called first ultra trail to receive
snakes it’s way down for speed, sure footing national press coverage
Italy’s backbone, right As leisure pursuits and familiarity with in the Italian running
down to the south. So it go, hiking and technical terrain. magazine “Correre”.
mountaineering was a
comes as no surprise that Ultra (R)Evolution The following years - up
practise reserved for a
the majority of Italian until now, saw the trail
select few. In fact Italy’s Today it’s a completely
trails have a significant running movement in
main mountaineering different story. Italy’s
amount of ups and Italy grow from what
society C.A.I. - Club trails are mainly used for
downs. But who, in the was just a spatter of
Alpino Italiano, was recreational purposes.
past, was making use of established after the idea brave, intrepid events
Italy’s vast trail network? of forming a club, came Be it mountain running, to the fully blown ultra
Toil, Prayer and to a group of Alpinists, Skyrunning, trail running scene that it
Plunder led by Quintino Sella, running and ultras, has matured into today.
during the first all-Italian hiking or walking. And With plenty of trail races
Drovers, farmers, ascent of the tallest that’s just a ‘man on two to choose between each
woodsmen, traders, mountain in the Cottian legs’ situation. weekend, important
11 / 2018 | Ultrarunning World 9
Recent Races
of the Italian ultra trail
ALVI-Trail-Liguria
experience. What you’ll
be required to bring will
depend enormously on
time of year, location,
weather conditions,
and type of trail. Keep
in mind that many trail
races reserve the right
to change mandatory
kit even on the day of
the race, so it could be a
good idea to pack some
extra kit in your luggage.
main sponsors, a environment. place on lower grounds,
myriad of trail running Welcome To The
always keep in mind
circuits, and a number You don’t necessarily Apennines
that the majority of
of semi professional trail have to travel to the Alps Italian ultra’s can have In this article we’ll be
runners, many important or Dolomites either. significant level gain. looking at three ultra
trail races, and of course The Apennines, often
Terrain usually starts trails that take place in
not to mention races of overlooked, offer some
at ‘hilly’ and progresses Italy’s Apennine range.
the calibre of the Tor Des of Italy’s most creative
to ‘mountainous’. With Two of which take place
Geants and the Lavaredo landscape, and they also
the arc of the Alps and on official Italian Long
ultra Trail. have the added benefit of
Dolomites to north of Distance hiking paths.
being less crowded than
the country, and the
the popular and more
Apennines that mostly
well known destinations.
Trail With A View cover the rest of the ALVI TRAIL
country, it always makes
One of the many The first ultra trail takes
good sense to study race
positives about ultra The Practicalities... place in Italy’s coastal
cut off times and also
running in Italy, is that region, Liguria.
Many races, in Italy, have previous years rankings.
the Italian landscape
can be pretty incredible, multiple distances to Poles are always a good Known for such delights
it’s hard to find a trail choose from. It’s not idea in Italian ultra trail as the designated
race that doesn’t take in uncommon to find races races. You are required UNESCO World
some form of spectacular which offer several race to keep them with you Heritage Site; the Cinque
surroundings. Italians routes, say a longer ultra from start to finish, but Terre, and for one of the
will strive to search out distance from 70km get plenty of practice most picturesque Italian
the most panoramic upwards, a shorter (but beforehand, use them ex fisherman’s villages,
trails to pack into their still) Ultra distance well, and they can the now chic Portofino.
race routes. Proud of between 45km and really aid efficiency And also for the part
their territory RD’s 70km and a shorter race throughout a race. of coastline between
delight in showing off between 20/35 km. La Spezia and Lerici,
the natural beauties that Although there are Mandatory kit is called the Golfo dei Poeti
colours one’s own local several ultra’s which take always part and parcel (the Bay of the Poets)
10 Ultrarunning World | 11 / 2018Recent Races
after the Shelleys and
Byron, who lived in the
area. Loved by the the
British Romantic poets,
Liguria can still conjure
up a realm of rare
contemplative beauty.
The Alvi Trail Liguria is
a stage race. ALVI stands
for “Alta Via dei Monti
Liguri” - the High
Route of the Ligurian
Mountains. 2018 will be
the second edition, and
it runs from Saturday
June 9th to Saturday June
16th, 2018. Trail-Simbruini-Subiaco
400km divided into 8 south for a fascinating All details, regarding The AVP501 Endurance
stages with a total of trail that takes place in hospitality, race rules, trail takes place on the
17000m D+ comprises the wild mountains of and registrations can Alta Via Dei Parchi
the race route which the Monti Simbruini be found on the race long distance hiking
runs from Dolceacqua in Park, with peaks that website (in English route and runs across
Imperia to Porto Venere reach 2000 meters above too) Website:www. two of Italy’s National
in La Spezia. sea level, you can see that traildeimontisimbruini. Parks – Parco Nazionale
it’s not only northern it/en email:info@ dell’Appennino Tosco
It’s also possible for Italy that boasts altitude Emiliano and the Parco
traildeimontisimbruini.it
runners to compete as a and tall mountains! Nazionale Foreste
2x200km relay team, a Just a stone’s throw Casentinesi. It’s a point
110km ALVI weekend away from Rome, the to point route at 501km
formula, or even just AVP501 Endurance
Trail Monti Simbruini / 30000m D+ and starts
run a single stage (the 8th Trail
starts and finishes in Pennabilli (Rimini),
stage). in Subiaco a typical Emilia-Romagna and
Our third ultra trail
All details, regarding central Italian hamlet of ends in Berceto, Parma,
claims the title of being
hospitality, race rules, medieval origin, famed Emilia-Romagna, with a
Italy’s longest ultra
and registrations can for the prescence of generous cut off time of
trail. From the 1st to
be found on the race Saint Benedict and for 200 hours
the 9th of September
website (in English too) the important Abbey
Website: http://alvitrail. 2018 - will see the first All details, regarding
dedicated to the Saint.
com email: alvitrail@ edition of the AVP501 race rules, logistics
gmail.com At 90km (other distances Endurance event. This and registrations can
available) with 6230m trail has been on the be found on the race
of level gain, this testing books for ages and 2016 website (in English too)
ultra takes place on the saw the official tests Website: http:// www.
Trail Monti Simbruini
weekend of 30th June carried out along the avp501.com email: info.
We move down further and 1st July 2018 mamouth route. avp501@gmail.com
11 / 2018 | Ultrarunning World 11Recent Races
UK Ultras
Peddars way ultra Photo courtesy Positive Steps
Hardmoors 30 is usually the first and Anna Troup was first amongst was won by Mark Darbyshire in
ultra of the year taking place on women in 7:26:39. 5:41:46 and first woman was Melissa
New Years day. The route is a Pilgrim Challenge North Downs Venables in 6:31:15. 253 finishers.
loop that follows the old railway Way Multistage Ultra is a two day GB Ultra Country to Capital
lines north between Robin Hoods 66 mile stage race that can also one of the first races of the year,
Bay and Whitby before heading be run as single stages. Starting in this popular 45 mile race from
southwards along the Cleveland Farnham, Surrey and finishing at Wendover to Little Venice in North
Way and finally finishing in Robin the end of stage 1 at Redhill before London was won by Barry Miller
Hoods Bay. This year’s race was returning to Farnham on day 2. from Poole AC in 5:30:39. Women’s
won by Ben Shacklock 4:19:43 and James Bellward won the men’s race winner was Gemma Carter from
Emma Lavelle-Wood in 5:16:20. in 9:09:18 and Sarah Hill was first Serpentine RC in a time of 5:53:55,
Go Beyond Ultra Thames Trot is a woman in 9:44:00. 244 starters. 10th place overall.
50 mile race from Oxford to Henley Brecon to Cardiff Ultra features 70 The Montane Spine is one of the
along the River Thames. This year’s km of footpath or Forestry Trails longest multidays in Europe. A
event was the 11th running of the and an off road cycle path along the 268 mile non-stop race along the
race and was won by Alexander Taff Trail finishing in Nantgarw. Pennine Way also featuring shorter
Whearity who finished in 6:12:04 This year’s race on 11th February 108 mile Challenger.
12 Ultrarunning World | 11 / 2018Recent Races
The last few years have drawn some race won by Matt Blackburn in covers the scenic rural countryside
of the best British and European 4:22:26.9 and first woman home of Nottinghamshire using a combi-
runners to take on the Spine and the was Helen James in 5:59:30.9 nation of the two main local water-
winter timing adds to the energy Coastal Trail Series - way tow paths; The ‘Cuckoo Way’
that surrounds the event. This year Northumberland Ultra passes (Chesterfield Canal) and ‘Trent
Tom Hollins triumphed over Pavel through a host of conservation Valley Way’ (River Trent). This years
Paloncy in 99:25:35. The women’s sites, including two National Nature event was won by Nicholas Booker
winner was Carol Morgan (IRL) Reserves in an Area of Outstanding in 4:12:24 and women’s winner was
109:54:00 setting a new course Natural Beauty. Mark Kearney was Sarah Thomson in 4:54:48. Full re-
record. Second placed woman was first man home in this 35.2 mile sults.
Helen Dumais (CAN) in 153:29:05. ultra in a time of 03:41:20 and first Peddars Way Ultra is a 48 mile race
The Gloucester 50km was held on woman was Kim Loney in 04:25:24 from Knettishall Heath to Holme
a new course starting in Telford St Peters Way Ultra is a 43 mile next-the-Sea. Steve Claxton (Poole
Way, Waterwells Business Park footpath meandering through Runners) won the race in 6:19:27.
Quedgeley, Gloucester. The race the countryside of Essex, from First amongst women was Susan
is held in conjunction with a Chipping Ongar to the ancient Matthews (Ryston Runners) in
marathon. The 50 km was won chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall at 6:59:46. Full results.
by Franco Pardini (Roundhay Bradwell on Sea. Organised by Flitch Way 100k is another offer-
Runners) in3:05:47. The women’s Challenge-Running who host 10 ing by Challenge-Running This is
race was run by Samantha Amend races throughout the year including a 100k timed event that runs 10 x
(Belgrace Harriers) in 3:30:56. The Monarch Way. St Peters Ultra 10k out and back sections along the
Results was won this year by Robert Barnes Flitch Way in Essex. It is primarily
The 9bar Winter Railway Ultra in 5:37:41. The first woman home designed to be a timed qualifier for
route takes runners along the was Rebecca Lane in 5:37:41. Full Spartathlon. This year’s winner was
banks of the River Severn between results Alistair Higgins in 7:55:00 and the
Ironbridge and Bridgnorth along Waterway 30 starts and finishes at women’s winner was Isobel Cairns
the disused railway line, a 38 mile South Wheatley Village Hall and in 10:00:04. Full results.
Thames_trot
11 / 2018 | Ultrarunning World 13Race Report
USA Ultras
One of the biggest events on the AZ11005GAN. It consists of Blakeney with 116.1 miles.
American multiday running primarily gravel paths (0.90 mile) Women’s winner was Sarah
calendar is Across The Years with short sections of asphalt (0.12 Lavender-Smith, third overall with
which takes place in Phoenix, mile) and concrete (0.03 mile). 115 miles. Full results.
Arizona. Founded in 1983 by
Harold Sieglaff the race now Full results The Arrowhead Winter Ultra
features 24/48/72 hour events as is a 135 mile human powered
well as the 6 day race. Usually New Year’s One Day is a 24/12/6 ultramarathon taking place in
starting on December 28th it hour event that takes place over the coldest part of winter in the
finishes January the 3rd. The course the New Year at Crissy Field, coldest city in the lower 48 states
at Camelback Ranch is a USATF in the shadow of the Golden of America, International Falls in
certified 1689.5 meter (1.0498 Gate Bridge in San Francisco. northern Minnesota. The average
mile) loop, certification number This year’s winner was Charles finish rate is less than 50%. This
Race Women Km Men Km
24 hour Adela Salt 207.8 Florian Nattero 187.52
48 hour Dennene Huntley 246.65 Thomas Jackson 309.16
72 hour Amy Mower 354.78 Scott Thompson 341.26
6 day Annabel Hepworth 633.54 Ed Ettinghausen 733.61
14 Ultrarunning World | 11 / 2018Race Report
year Run winner, for the fourth race was won by Addie Green takes place in Page, Arizona
time, was John Storkamp finishing in 39:53:29. First man was Zach .The first 50 miles feature
in 38:00:00. First unsupported Franklin in 44:50:34. The 100 Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe
man was Parker Rios in 41:02:00 miler was won by Wil Daniels in Bend, Waterholes Canyon and
and first woman was Pam Reed in 22:17:59. Megan Hyndman won overlooks Lake Powell. The 100
42:58:00. Full Results the women’s event in 23:40:02. mile winner was Randolph Curley
Full results in 21:55:35.3 and first woman
Florida Skydive Ultra Run - was Lynn John in 27:11:02.3. Full
200/150/100 Miles The Florida Black Toe 24 hour Run is a 24/12 results.
Skydive Ultra course is a single hour solo and relay race that
loop, approximately 7.25 miles takes place on a 5 mile trail loop Stories Ultra 30 Hour Run is a
long. It’s a dirt and grass path at Hardin Farm in Watertown, looped trail race in Cheyenne
around the skydiving landing area TN. The solo division winner was Mountain State Park in Colorado
and through the local farming James Fleming with 78.8 miles Springs, CO. Featuring 15/6
fields. There is no elevation change including 21,000 feet of elevation hour options, the event drew 37
what-so-ever (aside from the gain. First woman was Ariela runners, 21 year old Josh Myers-
13,500 foot descent at the start). Flory with 47.3 miles with 12,600 Dean running 67.28 miles. Top
This year Leonie van den Haak feet of gain. Full results. woman was Jittilak Chaivann with
won the race overall in 58:23:13 60.66 miles. Full results.
and first man was Cortland Antelope Canyon 100 Mile Run4Water 24 hours Run The
Wheeler in 58:57:08. The 150 mile features a 100/50 mile/55K and course is described as “a smooth,
11 / 2018 | Ultrarunning World 15Recent Races
blacktop, flat course with no won by Jacob Jackson in 15:53:04 Beast of Burden Winter 100/50/25
sharp turns. It is optimal for big and first woman was Tonya Keyes mile events take place on the
miles and fast times!” It took in 21:08:37. Full results. Erie Canal Towpath. The event
place at Leeville Pike, Lebanon, started at Wide Water’s Marina in
TN February 24th and was an Celtic Winter Classic 24 Hour Lockport, New York on February
opportunity to run a 100 miles. Run kicked off Jan 19th at Royal 17th. Men’s winner was Adam
First to cross the line was Jon Scotts Way, Bakersfield CA. The Eckberg in 16:40:33 and the
Olsen in 14:03:31 and Gina Slaby course is a flat one mile loop at the
women’s winner was Kat Clewley
was first woman in 14:36:08. Full Highland High School Stadium.
in 23:27:21. Full results.
results. First amongst the jesters was Ed
Ettinghausen with 121 miles. First
Farm Daze 24 Hour Run, a
Jackalope Jam 72/48/24/12/6Hour woman was Jen Francis with 114
miles second overall. Full results. 24/12/6 hour event in Brooklet,
races take place on a 1 mile GA. Starting February 4th,
looped course with mixed surface the event takes place on an
Fasttrack 24/12/6 Hour Run
including cement and crushed approximately 2 mile trail loop in
is Florida’s only 24 hour track
granite. The event is located at
race and is based in Palatka, FL. grass pasture and shaded woods.
Cat Spring, TX and began with
This years inaugural event took Nathan Leehman was first to
the 72 hour race on February 21st.
place January 20th with a strong 110.58 miles and Elaine Smith
Jean Hofschulte was first man
field. 13 runners went over 100 ran 100.58 miles for the win. 42
in the 72 hour race finishing with
miles led by Harvey Lewis from finishers. Full results.
208 miles and first woman was Cicinnati with 153.49 miles.
Deb Sexton with 127 miles. The 48 Second overall and first woman Jackpot Ultra Running Festival
hour saw Marc Henn win with 113 was Megan Alvarado with 146.87 48/24 hour 100m race starting
miles and Stacy Bolyard was first miles guaranteeing selection for 15th February. The course is a
woman with 102 miles. Rebecca their national 24 hour teams. Full mixed surface 2.5 mile loop at a
Gartrell won the 24 hour with results.
92 miles and Elton Toussand III venue just 10 miles outside of Las
was first man with 87 miles. Full Vegas, NV. The 100 mile event was
Susitna 100 Mile with its sibling
results. also the 100 Mile USATF Road
Little Su, a 50k race is organised
by Alaska Winter Wilderness Championship which was won by
The Coldwater Rumble is the fifth Races and took place February Traci Falbo in 17:03:15. Jon Olsen
race in the Aravaipa Running 17th at Big Lake Alaska, two hours was the Men’s champion finishing
– Desert Runner Trail Series drive from Anchorage. Men’s the race in 13:39:32. The 48 Hour
with a range of options from winner was David Johnston race was won by Greg Salvesen
4 to 100 miles taking place at 23:38:00 and women’s winner was with 205 miles. First lady was
Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Laura McDonough in 28:39:00. Cheryl Symons with 195 miles. 65
Goodyear, AZ. The 100 miler was Full results starters. Full results.
16 Ultrarunning World | 11 / 2018Recent Races
Australian Ultras
Sandman 50 has one of the runs between Dromana on the Victoria’s High Country. With 10
best descriptions I have come Port Phillip Bay side and Cape peaks and 5700 metres of gain
across. This is from the website. Schanck on the Bass Strait side. its a real challenge. It took place
“Sandman 50 reflects the That’s a 28km crossing (or 16-18 of February and was won
regularity of astronomy, a race 56km double crossing) of the by Ryan Lowe in 15:27:00 and
aligned with a full moon, a Mornington Peninsula. Entry the women’s winner was Jo Kruk
low, low tide, and a perfectly capped at 1100 runners. This in 18:00.
timed sunrise. Whether you years race was won by Majell
share the moment in company, Backhausen in 4:15:56 and Lucy Australia Day Ultra 100/75/50
sifting through the remains of Bartholemew in 4:33:58. Km The course is mapped
last night’s high tide, or go it out as a 12.5 km out and back
alone with silent stingrays and Bogong to Hotham is one of road race along the Australind
dancing crabs, admiring the Australia’s oldest ultras having Foreshore in Western Australia.
improbable grace of pelicans, a 30 year history. A 64 km high Founded in 2015 the 100 km
this 50 kilometre beach run alpine race won this year by had 18 finishers first of whom
promises a mostly firm and flat Ashley Hoffman in 7:28:22 and was Kevin Matthews winning
surface. You will be able to run the women’s winner was Gillian in 7:47:33. Womens winner was
freely in the coolness either side Fowler in 8:55:19. Bernadette Benson in 8:27:47
of dawn, but you will also get
wet feet, and shoes are definitely Oscars 100 Hut2Hut Oscars100 SA Track 100/50 km
optional. There are no roads or Hut 2 Hut is probably Australia’s Championship was held at the
pavements - just start to finish most spectacular trek / run Santos Stadium in Adelaide on
sand, water and rocks, the way challenge that takes teams of two 27th January. The 100 km was
nature intended it.” on a stunning journey through won by Darren Linney in 8:16:19
The 50 km race was won by
Richard Avery and Jodie Lewis
was the women’ winner.
Narrabeen Allnighter 12 hours
Trail race is held on a 5.275 km
out and back trail loop, adjacent
to Narrabeen Lake, 20km North
of Sydney. This year’s event
was won by Luca Turrini with
134.490 km and the women’s
event was won by Alia Karaman
with 108.120 km
Two Bays Trail Run was the
AURA Australian National
Trail Championships (short
course) for 2018. The course
11 / 2018 | Ultrarunning World 17Race Report
Skydive Ultra 150 mile
Race Report
by Henrik Lowemark.
“Do you want to race or main competition, only out. Scary. Then it’s your we started running. I
just finish it?” Marcus because I had no idea turn to get out of the put on the race gear
asked me before the race. who the other people plane, and wow, what and actually put on my
were. an amazing experience! headphones and started
“I want to race” I replied. The free fall for fifty the music. That was
But let’s start at the seconds is very hard to the first time I ever had
beginning, as this race explain. It did not really done that. Started with
This would be the first is like no other race. feel like you were falling, a handheld containing
time I would approach a You actually start out more like you were just Tailwind. So off we
race with the intention to with doing a (optional) weightless far, far above went and Dave sprinted
try and do well instead skydive from 14,000 the ground. An awesome ahead in first, just as I
of just trying to finish feet. It was quite the feeling really. Everyone had predicted. I decided
it. As it turned out I experience, like nothing should try and skydive to not let him get too
actually managed to do I have ever done before. at least once in their life far ahead, so a fast pace
really well. I looked at The feeling when you I think. It makes you feel it was, just had to deal
the start list and figured jump out of the airplane alive for sure. with it. The first loop
that Dave Krupski (5th is hard to describe. First went pretty fast and
place at Badwater last you see the ones jumping After we landed we had uneventful. I think I held
year) would be my before you just disappear thirty minutes to get a little under a 5min/
as soon as they jump ourselves ready before
18 Ultrarunning World | 11 / 2018Race Report
km pace. And Dave was and it was getting really bad thoughts. Continued problems. Also around
not far ahead of me. I dark, clever boy. Forced to drink Ensure and this time I start to lose
thought that if I didn’t to do almost the whole switch bottle each track of everything that
let him get too far away second loop in complete time I passed the aid was happening, so I
and keep him in sight darkness was not much station. Some loops apologize beforehand
all the time he would fun. Still managed to replacing the Tailwind if I’ve mixed things up
not slow down and keep a pretty good with Mountain Dew or a bit. I think it was on
keep pushing. The first pace, a bit over 5min/ Powerade. I think that the first night that I saw
thing I said to my crew km I think. Into the aid it was about this time I two coyotes and a hog,
after the first loop was station for the second also started eating one but I’m not sure. That
that I could not believe time, drank Ensure and or two sandwiches and a was exciting, I saw lots
how boring the course changed bottle again and few orange slices at the of eyes (no not ice, lol)
was! It was horrible, remembered to grab the second aid station every in the bushes before the
but it was just to suck headlamp. time I passed it and second aid station and
it up and deal with it. usually had some water on one loop there where
Twenty loops to go. I Third, fourth and fifth or coke too. two coyotes right in
downed some Ensure loop were a pain in the front of me on the trail.
and switched to a new ass as they usually are After the fifth loop I shouted some angry
bottle of Tailwind and off (20-50km). Hate these things started to feel Swedish words at them
I went out on the second kilometers in a race, but easier, when you kind of and they ran away into
loop, right behind Dave. the only choice I had get into the zone and just to the bushes again. The
Managed to forget to was to keep moving keep moving forward hog also appeared on the
bring the headlamp, forward and ignore the without any major trail right in front of me
11 / 2018 | Ultrarunning World 19Race Report
a quick one minute
massage and it got a little
bit better. It was around
this time I think that
Ashley and Yvette started
taking turns pacing me.
That felt great, it was
nice to have someone
to talk to and someone
that pushed you a little.
We ran from stone to
stone, from phone pole to
phone pole and between
lots of other weird things.
The weather during the
second day was almost
perfect. It only got really
hot for about three hours,
lucky.
sometime during the first One other problem watermelon drink Ensure
night. It just stood there, with the course other and getting a fresh At this point at the start
looking at me, looked than it not being the bottle with Powerade of the second night my
like a small pig. As I got most visually stunning quads hurt really badly,
or Mountain Dew each
course was that there and also my right ankle
closer it turned around loop. Could not stand to
were a few wet stretches, had started to hurt like
and dashed away into drink anymore Tailwind
although very short ones, hell. I also had pain in my
the night. There were as of now. Had no real
they were impossible to left knee, but Yvette fixed
also lots of frogs beside problems with eating
that by putting on some
the course that I never avoid, so I was running or drinking during the
magical Biofreeze stuff,
saw, but I heard them all each loop pretty far entire race actually. Just
so that went away pretty
throughout the night. with wet shoes. This getting tired of drinking quick. The quads and the
After the race I heard started to cause some Tailwind and sometimes ankle though never got
stories of people seeing minor problems during I felt that I had drank too any better, I had to deal
alligators, snakes and the second day as I was much and my stomach with that shit until the
even a panther!? Scary. starting to get blisters started to feel bloated end. The blisters under
under both feet and almost feeling that I
I think that some guy the foot was also starting
also on some toes. I also had to throw up. All I
passed me during the to get worse. But it really
didn’t put on the gaiters had to do then really
night, putting me in didn’t matter because I
until the second day, so was to stop myself from was in the lead and I was
third place. But I was I got lots of sand and drinking anymore for a going to finish this race
able to push on and pass small pebbles in the little while, then it went no matter what.
both that guy and also shoes. I have no idea away.
Dave during the night. why I waited so long When the second night
That put me in first place before putting them I also started to become started, Bonnie, Ashley,
as the sun started to rise on, stupid. Continued pretty stiff in my quads Miguel and Chris took
above Skydive Spaceland to eat sandwiches, at the start of the second turns pacing me. No idea
Clewiston. oranges, candy, bacon, day. Ashley gave me really when and who, but
20 Ultrarunning World | 11 / 2018Race Report
it doesn’t matter, the only
thing that mattered was
that someone was there
with me, supporting me
in my struggle moving
forward. Sometime
during the second night
I got so tired that I
had to jog, otherwise I
would fall asleep. That
was a bit scary. I started
to sway as soon as I
stopped jogging. Drank
some coffee at every aid
station for a while and
then I felt better and
not as tired. I continued
drinking and eating the
same stuff, it just worked.
So I was not going to there I think I was pretty otherwise I would have sleepiness and suffering
change anything. Would annoyed and didn’t gone mad. It looked very and I won, for the first
have been nice to get a understand why they just surreal. time ever, I had won a
hamburger though, but wouldn’t tell me. Sorry race. It took me 37 hours
for that guys. The final loop, the
didn’t get any. I think I and 11 minutes, and it
homestretch, that final
had some pizza during Didn’t start to see weird stretch of asphalt, was worth every second
the night, that was ok I shit until the final loop. I that was amazing and of it.
guess. was absolutely sure that something that I will Marcus, Ashley, Yvette,
The last five loops where Marcus and Eric stood never forget for as long Bonnie, Chris, Miguel,
horrible, it felt like I there out on the course as I live. When Marcus
Eric, Sarah, all the
would never finish. I waiting for me. I didn’t started playing the
volunteers at the aid
was still in the lead and understand why Ashley Swedish national anthem
station and everyone
desperately trying to didn’t see them, they Zlatan style it was hard
were there right in front not to start crying like a else I have met during
find out how much time
of us! Marcus was even baby. When he gave me this journey. You are all
there was between me
carrying the Swedish flag the Swedish flag, even amazing people and you
and Dave who I thought
was in second place. But around his shoulders harder. When I heard all have a special place
they could never tell me ffs! It turned out that it Eric on the microphone in my heart forever. It
the time. I later found just was some landing calling out that the would not have been
out that Dave had DNF’d lights at the airport, first 150 mile runner possible without you.
and that they didn’t want funny how the brain would arrive shortly, Thank you. I am forever
to tell me this because works sometimes. Then impossible. Then I grateful.
they thought that I the sugarcane started crossed the finish line as
would start to relax and to shrink and move the first 150 mile runner. I love you.
slow down. I understand in weird ways when I Finally. Swedish flag over
now that it was a smart looked at it, had to look my head, triumphant! I
move, but right then and down on the ground, had conquered the pain, www.skydiveultra.com/
11 / 2018 | Ultrarunning World 21Race Report
Last Annual Vol State Road Race 2016
(Expect the Unexpected) Part 2
by Karen Jackson
Photo courtesy Bo Millwood
On the ferry
E xpect The Unexpected.
Always.
anybody remember or care that
I broke six days, finally? Or do I
take care of the tiny being that for
out.” Then I realized it was a
small dog. At first I wasn’t sure
if it was a puppy or just a small
You never know when something breed dog. But it was friendly
whatever unknown reason picked
will change not only your race, and wearing a collar. This wasn’t
me, picked us, as his companions
but also your life. Something going to be one of those Vol State
and guardians?
happens that challenges you to vicious dog stories. We tried to
forget your own selfish goals. As we rounded the corner around shoo him away, out of the road,
Something happens that makes maybe 9pm Sunday night in back toward his home. The dog
you ask yourself “Who am I? What Culleoka (188 miles), something continued following us. We didn’t
is important?” You wonder, when darted out in the road. It was really slow down for him at all. He
I’m old, will it matter if I won? Will small. I said “oh, little kitty, watch just kept up. There was little or no
22 Ultrarunning World | 11 / 2018Race Report
Boarding the ferry
traffic but we did start to worry Andrei passed by and didn’t stop called him several names Chico,
about how far from home he was but a second as he was looking Drifter… Apparently we passed
getting. When we reached the for some place to nap. The dog wherever Andrei had gone down
next landmark, the Mooresville followed Andrei. Well, that’s the to nap and the dog wanted to keep
Market (193 miles) I took a photo last we’ll see of him we thought. moving. Increasingly we began
& made a plea on the Vol State Surely in Lewisburg he would find to feel distressed. As we neared
Facebook page, hoping someone a distraction and stay there. morning, traffic increased. We
in the area was up and moving were on roads with no shoulder.
around and would just come get Bo and I continued now, not The dog was all of 10 to 12 pounds,
him and deliver him back to the worried about the dog, to the like a large Chihuahua. He can’t be
neighborhood where we found 24 hour gas station on the far cut out for this mileage. We looked
him. We didn’t stay long. Made side of Lewisburg where Henry for secure fences in front of homes
the post & continued. Henry was had already gotten food and was where we thought if the owners
with us again. We more or less ran heading outside to sit and eat. found him in the morning they’d
with or near both Henry & Andrei We followed suit, Henry once take care of him. We thought we
all the way to Lewisburg (201 again finishing just before us and HAD to get him off the road. Twice
miles). One of the fun parts of the hitting the road. We took our time, we put in him other people’s yards,
journey into Lewisburg was trying realizing resources between here feeling like that’s a lousy thing to
to spot deer in the woods off the and Columbia would be limited, do but the best way we could help
highway. Bo delighted in spotting especially the time of night we were him. We were running solo, in the
eyes in the dark. It was a game moving. Leaving Lewisburg we night, with little to no resources
that made the miles tick by. Bo & I passed the Celebration Inn on the for ourselves, let alone a small dog.
stopped outside a gas station with outskirts of town and were moving Both times he escaped and was
a spigot to refill our water and try along well when Bo said, “look right back with us in minutes. We
to get our tiny companion to drink. down.” There was the doggy. We had resisted feeding him because
11 / 2018 | Ultrarunning World 23Race Report
the road. Take him to a shelter.
Anything. We’re not asking you
to adopt him! Understand, we
were now maybe ten miles from
Shelbyville. The closest shelter
would not have been a ten-minute
drive for these people. It was
unreal. No one would do anything.
We headed on to Shelbyville. That’s
all we could do. We still were
managing our minimum 3mph
or better. But the situation was
quickly coming to a head. It got hot
quick. Monday morning traffic was
zooming by. I was trying so hard to
put aside the feelings I was having
regarding my own race. Bo & I
had both been feeling pretty good
and could have probably already
been in Shelbyville getting a room
for the day now. I started to feel
six days slipping away. I started to
feel Sandra Garrett pulling away
and Julie and Jan catching up. And
I looked at this tiny life, panting
by my side, running in the road
we didn’t want to encourage him to earlier with Andrei. But he crossed to sniff every bit of road kill as
stay with us but Bo finally pulled the road and stopped with us. We the trucks and cars slammed on
out a Slim Jim from his pack, got water at their outside pump, breaks & swerved to avoid him.
unwrapped it, broke in two and took more pictures and made more All I thought was that we couldn’t
pleas, reaching farther into the let him die out here. Whatever
put it on the ground off the road,
community for help. Still, we had happens in our race, this is more
hoping he’d stop to eat and lose
to move. It was only going to get important. If it blows up our plans,
interest in us. Nope. He picked the
hotter and more dangerous for all we did the right thing, and it’ll be a
questionable meat-like product up
three of us. There’s a gas station a good Vol State story.
in his mouth and chased us down
again. couple of more miles beyond the We met a woman who offered
church that has a grill. I’ve eaten us water in front of her home &
The sun was starting to show and there the last two years. They were offered to take the drifter to the
Ben Brucker, running solo but open for the morning business as shelter when her husband got
with so little gear that we thought we came by. Bo went inside and up. Yay! Finally our prayers were
he was crewed, caught us on the got some breakfast biscuits while answered! She put him on her
road near the church outside of I stayed outside and tried to get locked patio & off we went. Several
Wheel. At first it looked like the the little guy to drink water and minutes later the click of toenails
little drifter was going to follow asked every single person outside on asphalt could be heard from
Ben when we stopped as he’d done for help. Please, just get him off behind. There he was, barreling
24 Ultrarunning World | 11 / 2018Race Report
as fast as his tiny legs would carry
him down Highway 64.
While we tried to keep moving
forward, I located the phone
number for Bedford County
Animal Control. I had hoped some
rescue organization would come
forward to help first. But we had
become desperate to get the little
guy safe. They weren’t open yet so
I left a message. To my surprise
they actually called before normal
business hours. I explained the
situation & where we were and
they sent someone immediately
to meet us as we came into
Shelbyville. We had begun carrying
the dog a couple of miles back,
taking turns, wetting him down
with our remaining water, trying
to keep him cool & out of traffic.
Animal control whisked him away
and I expressed my desire that,
should his family not be located,
we would come back for him. The
last thing I wanted was to save him
from the highway, only to die in
an overcrowded shelter. Finally we
could relax though. We had met
the challenge set before us. Not the
challenge of sticking to our plan.
The challenge of doing the right
thing when it wasn’t in our plans. step above a crack house when I Value it is! We washed our clothes
In all, the drifter had made what I passed it. This year it looked like it in the shower for the first time &
estimate to be between 33-35 miles had under gone some substantial tried to dry them outside in the
that night. That’s one determined
renovations so we stopped to see sunlight on the luggage rack. And
little pup.
if maybe Henry had ignored my went through our usual routine. As
We headed in to Shelbyville in warning and gone ahead & stopped luck would have it, Henry was right
search of air-conditioning and there. Not only did we find out he next door. He ordered pizza and
sleep. I had warned Henry earlier had not stopped there but, we were wings around the same time we got
to avoid the Magnolia Inn in told, “we don’t have your kind here. up & moving and we all visited a
Shelbyville and head straight to They’re in the park on the right or bit, made a stop at the pharmacy
the America’s Best. It’s off course under the bridge.” Wow. I know for a few supplies and headed on
& not exactly four-star. But the we looked rough. But dang, we the road to Wartrace. Instead of
Magnolia always looked like one showered every day. America’s Best eating in Shelbyville, I opted to wait
11 / 2018 | Ultrarunning World 25You can also read
