Valencia-Montpellier and Bonn-Wiesbaden

Two more opportunities to do some stage-running in Europe, early in 2006:
Rudolf Mahlburg, finisher of the most recent Deutschlandlauf, has initiated
a new stage-run:

1. Rheinsteig Erlebnislauf. It will be held from the 7th
until the 14th April 2006. The participants will run a total of 320 km
along the river Rhine from Bonn to Wiesbaden in 8 daily stages. The running
will be done group-wise. For further info please contact Rudolf Mahlburg:
=46eldstra=DFe 5
76532 Baden-Baden
Germany
http://www.laufendhelfen.de
http://www.laufendunterwegs.de
Phone +49 7221-54 51 3
Mobile Phone +49 172-75 88 125
=46ax & Voicebox +49 1212-5-120-44-333=20
=46reePhone +49 1212305602057
eMail rudolf.mahlburg@web.de
info@laufendhelfen.de

The 4eme Raid Montpellier-Valencia will be held from the 30th April until
the 7th May 2006. The participants will run a total of 500 km along the
Spanish-French Mediterranean coastline in 8 daily stages. This year the
running will be from Valencia (Spain) to Montpellier (France). This is an
event with a result-list, prizes, etc. For further info please contact
Christophe Medard:
45 Avenue Jacque Cartier
Residence Arpeges
34000 Montpellier
=46rance
http://www.raid-montpellier-valencia.com
Phone 06 07462706
=46ax 04 67692358
eMail le_raid.montpellier@tiscali.fr
medardchristophe@aol.com
Ciao,
Bram van der Bijl
anvdbijl@xs4all.nl

Australian 6 Day race Photo Album

It's taking too long to upload the photos to the main race website

You will know find them at http://au.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ultraphil2002/album?.dir=/e481

Zane Grey 50 mile

Make a New Years Resolution to sign up for the,
Zane Grey Highline 50 Mile Endurance Run.
Entries are open and filling quickly.

_www.zanegrey50.com_ (http://www.zanegrey50.com)
Bob Redwanc, RD
Zane Grey

Sunmart Texas Trail Endurance Runs 50 MILE RUN

http://www.doitsports.com/newresults3/client/14723_21381_2005.html

Colac History article?

Dear All,

Over the next few months I will be concentrating on compiling an article about the history of the Colac race. At the moment I have as my main sources of reference, old Ultramags and the later Colac racebooks. Does anyone have any recollections, stories, photos of the race that they would like to share with me? Also - if you know anyone that was involved in the race in the early years, please could you forward this email to them? Any help will be greatly accepted and appreciated.....




Thanks and Regards

Phil

Across the Years - Set to start

Looks like the Across the Years race is set to start today. The website is at www.acrosstheyears.com . They have a very easy front page to navigate - from there you can see the results, photos, webcam and email runner option. Should be an interesting event to follow. Will Kouros be able to back up from his Colac performance?

Various web links - On Old Ultraoz page

Some might not work.

http://www.ultraoz.50megs.com/links.html

Aust Calender - Jan/Mar 2006

Sat-Sun -7-8 Jan 06
COASTAL CLASSIC 12 HOUR TRACK RUN & WALK (NSW)7.30pm start. Adcock Park, Pacific Highway West Gosford, NSW. Our track is grass and is 400 metres fully surveyed. The facility has men's & women's toilets and showers. Random lucky draw prizes. Trophies to Male & Female winners. Certificates & results sheets to every participant. All proceeds to go to Victor Chang Heart Institute & Gosford Athletics Inc. fostering athletics. contact: Frank Overton (02) 4323-1710 (ah) or Paul Thompson (02) 9686-9200 (ah) or mobile 0412-250-995. email: thomo@zeta.org.au

Sun 8 Jan 06
AURA BOGONG TO MT HOTHAM (VIC)60km mountain trail run, a tough event with 3,000m of climb. Not for the faint hearted. 34 km and 26 km options also available. 6:15am start at Mountain Creek Picnic Ground near Mt Beauty. Entry for AURA members is $60, non members $65, transport shuttle back to the start is $10. Entries close on 24 December. Contact: Race Director Michael Grayling, phone 0433 420 530, address 14 Banksia Court, Heathmont, VIC 3135; Communications Officer John Lindsay, phone 0419 103 928. email: jlindsa1@bigpond.net.au

Sun - 22 Jan 06
AURA MANSFIELD TO MOUNT BULLER 50KM ROAD RACE (VIC)7am Start. $20 entry fee. Race Director is Peter Armistead 26 Williams St. Frankston , Vic 3199 contact: Peter Armistead 03 9781 4305


Fri-Sun 3-5 Feb 06
SRI CHINMOY 3-DAY ULTRA-TRIATHLON (ACT)The Sri Chinmoy 3-Day Ultra-Triathlon is Australia's longest triathlon. It can be enjoyed as a solo race; in a team of 3 with each member completing one leg; or a 'freeform team' of up to 7 members completing the course in relay. Its 15 km swim, 400 km cycle and 100 km run legs can also be entered as individual races. Swim stats 6am Friday (7h 30m cut off), Bike starts 3pm Friday (18h cut off), Run starts 6pm Saturday (16h cut off)

Sat 4 Feb 06
CRADLE MOUNTAIN ULTRA (TAS)6am start at Waldheim, Cradle Valley at the northern end of Cradle Mountain/Lake St.Clair National Park, finishes at Cynthia Bay at southern end of the park. approx. 82km of tough mountain trail running with lots of bog! contact: Sue Drake. email: sue.drake@trump.net.au

Sat 18 Feb 06
GREAT LAKE 100 MILE RACE, NEW ZEALAND ()This race attracts 500 teams of 10 runners each running a leg of approximately 10 miles. The solo section is 100 kms, incorporating the NZ100 kms championships, with a 2-person 50km relay option. The course is around the picturesque Lake Taupo, situated just 3 hours drive south of Auckland, NZ

Sun 19 Feb 06
MAROONDAH DAM TRAIL RUN 50KM & 30KM (VIC)A beautiful 30km & 50km trail run close to Melbourne, around Maroondah Dam. The 50km event starts at 8am at Fernshaw Reserve and the 30km event starts at 9:30am at Dom Dom Saddle. Both events finish below Maroondah Dam as usual. $10 entry for AURA members, $20 for non-members. email: mark_mex@bigpond.com.au

Sat/Sun 25/26 Feb 06
WORLD 24 HR CHALLENGE, TAIPEI, TAIWAN
Available for individuals and teams. For more information contact Paul Every tel 02 9482 8276 (H) or email Paul Every, pevery@zoo.nsw.gov.au or see http://www.iau.org.tw/competition_detail.php?Id=6



Sat 4 Mar 06
BUNBURY RUNNERS CLUB TRACK CHALLENGE. 12 HOURS, 6 HOUR AND 50KM STATE CHAMPIONSHIP (WA)500 metre grass track at the Bunbury Runners Club rooms, Ocean Drive, Bunbury Start time for both events is 5pm. Entry fees: $40 for the 12 Hour and $35 for the 6 Hour Runners will need to provide their own lapscorers Entries close on 3rd February. Definitely NO late entries contact: Shane Walker 0438 922 711.

Sat 11 Mar 06
BLUE MOUNTAINS SIX FOOT TRACK MARATHON (NSW)45.0km mountain trail run, starts 8am Saturday from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves. Time limit 7 hours entry criteria applies. Approx 700 runners contact: Race Organiser, Six Foot Track Marathon, GPO Box 2473, Sydney NSW 2001. email: raceorganiser@sixfoot.com

Sat 11 Mar 06
TE HOUTAEWA 90 MILE BEACH CHALLENGE RUN ()Ultra Marathon (62km), Marathon(42km), Half-Marathon(21km), Walk for life(6km). Starts at 7.00am from The Bluff, 90 Mile Beach, Northland, New Zealand. Run on beautiful white sand, cool sea breezes- Everyone receives a prize - Spot Prizes - 2 trips for 2people across the Tasman contact: Frances Piacun on 64-9-408-6060 - PO Box 654, Kaitaia, New Zealand. email: francespiacun@xtra.co.nz

Sun 26 Mar 06
WATER WORLD GREAT OCEAN RUN (NSW)Red Rock to Coff's Jetty Beach and Headland. 45km. 8am start at northern end of Red Rock Beach. Finish at Coffs Harbour Jetty. Entry fee is $10 before the day (payable to Woolgoolga Fun Run), $15 on the day. Contact Steel Beveridge, (02) 6656 2735, 3b Surf Street, Emerald Beach NSW 2456 or email steelyn@hot.net.au. Course survey Saturday 25 March, meet at Arrawarra Headland, 3pm. Carbo load at Woolgoolga Pizza Place from 6.30pm Saturday 25 March. contact: Steel Beveridge. email: steelyn@hot.net.au.

Kokoda Challenge - 15/16 July 2006

KOKODA CHALLENGE, (QLD)96 km event in the Gold Coast hinterland for is 4 person teams and has a 39 hour cutoff. This race is to raise awareness of the success of the 39th Batallion, which in 1942, despite odds of 10 to 1, saved Australia from the invading Japanese Army.

For more information see www.kokodachallenge.com or contact Doug Henderson on 0414 354 264

Briton crawls for Christmas kindness

A British man is giving a whole new meaning to begging to be loved, setting off on a 88.5 kilometre crawl on his hands and knees to find a partner.

With a sign saying "Could you Love Me?" strapped to his back and 18 boxes of chocolates trailing behind him on string tied to his wrists and ankles, Mark McGowan has begun his unusual quest to find a girlfriend.

His route will take him from the site of the Tabard Inn in Southwark in south London, to Canterbury Cathedral.

He is following the pilgrims' trail made famous in 14th Century author Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

The 37-year-old performance artist, who says he is also hoping to raise awareness of people left lonely and isolated during the festive period, is hoping to complete the back-breaking task within 30 days.

"I can remember one Christmas I wasn't in a relationship and didn't want to spend it with my family," he said during a break en route.

"I ended up cooking two fish fingers. I'm sure a lot of people have had that experience.

"Some people can spend Christmas in utter desperation and misery and find it difficult to cope with.

"I hope this encourages people to maybe invite someone over."

Mr McGowan, from Peckham in south London, is no stranger to bizarre stunts or being so close to the tarmac.

In 2003 he spent two weeks rolling a monkey nut with his nose seven miles to Downing Street to protest against student debt.

Earlier this year he attempted to cartwheel 57 miles from Brighton to London to highlight the problem of people taking stones from beaches to decorate their gardens.

He was forced to give up with a twisted back after four days.

In 2002, he rolled across London singing We Wish You A Merry Christmas in an attempt to get people to be nicer to cleaners.

On May 5 this year - the polling day for Britain's general election - he planted 100,000 kisses on a laminated picture of Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Mr McGowan is single.

From www.ABC.net.au

Yiannis Kouros with Colac trophy

Dead Sea Ultra Marathon -2006

Dear sir/miss,

I would like to introduce to you our Dead Sea Ultra Marathon DSUM, entitled (run to the lowest point on earth), it's unique and a fun run. It began in 1993 after the Amman Road Runners, a group of Jordanian residents shared the same passion for running, decided to present them selves with the ultimate challenge: the 48.7 km run to the lowest point on earth. The DSUM is annually held on the first or second Friday of April. The run begins at 6:30 am from Amman (the capital of Jordan), at an altitude of 900 m above sea level to the beach at the Dead Sea / 400 m below sea level.

The DSUM is considered the main fund raising event for the Society for Care of Neurological Patients that was established in 1986, and under the presidency of HRH prince Firas Bin Raad. The society is providing neurological patients with medical aid and covering the costs of necessary surgeries for the needy and those unable to pay the high expenses.

Our first goal is to help as many neurological patients that are in need. Your support is highly recommended and appreciated, by joining us in our amazing run we will be able to cover for the surgeries high expenses. You are welcome to be one of our participants and/or sponsor.

If you have any questions about the marathon or our society please be free to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

My best regards
Thank you

Maryana Abbas
13th Dead Sea Ultra Marathon
Fundraizing event for the Society for Care Of Neurological Patients
Tel: +962 6 5677660
Telfax: +962 6 5660296
Office hours 9 am to 2pm
P.O.Box: 940222 Ammann 11194
www.deadseamarathon.com
www.see-jordan.com

Across the Years

Beautiful Nardini Manor, located in Litchfield Park, AZ,
owned and operated by Rodger Wrublik, is presenting the
twenty-third running of the popular multi-day ultramarathon
"Across the Years", from 9:00am December 29, 2005, until
9:00am January 1, 2006. Paul Bonnett is race director.
Across the Years consists of three races, one each of
duration 72, 48, and 24 hours, starting on December 29th,
30th, and 31st respectively, with all races running their
final day and ending simultaneously.

All three races include the last day of the calendar year
and continue through midnight on New Year's Eve. Thus
runners run "across the years," and also across whatever
other time markers happen to apply. In 1999 we hosted a
six-day race to celebrate the incoming of the new decade,
century, and millennium.

Runners have traveled from most states in the US to
participate in ATY. Runners from Brazil, Canada, England
Germany, Greece Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Norway, Scotland,
South Africa, Venezuela, Wales, and Yugoslavia have also
run or are running this year.

The object in fixed-time racing is to go as far as possible
in the time allotted. Distance is measured by counting laps
run on a loop course, in this case, a track built around
Nardini Manor by Rodger Wrublik explicitly for this race.
The length of a single lap at Nardini Manor has been
officially certified as 500 meters by USA Track & Field, the
national governing body for track and field, long-distance
running, and race walking in the United States.

Many elite athletes have participated in Across the Years,
including numerous holders of national and world records in
the sport of ultrarunning. In years past, records have been
set at this event. In 2003, John Geesler set a US national
48-hour record by running exactly 400 meters (248.55 miles).
In 2004, he ran 300.122 miles in the 72-hour race. Geesler
will be returning to this year's race to run the 72-hour
race, in which he hopes to run 350 miles.

Geesler will have stiff competition, as this year the race
is honored to feature the participation of Yiannis Kouros,
widely heralded as the greatest distance runner in history.
In November of this year, Kouros re-set the six-day world
record, in the process passing 368 miles at the 72-hour
point. His goal at Across the Years is to set a world record
for 300 miles and then coast the rest of the race.

Guests are invited to drop by as observers and to cheer on
the athletes, any time of day or night during the running of
Across the Years. Web visitors will be able to enjoy seeing
the race via webcam, and will be able to view regular
results updates throughout the race.

To find out more about the race, please visit our Web site
at http://acrosstheyears.com or send email to
webmaster@acrosstheyears.com.

by LynnDavid Newton

The Great Dane

I think this article sums up in a nutshell the character of Jesper Olsen and what he was trying to achieve.

http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/usa/livefromtheroad/offroute/newyork/

You know your an Ultrarunner when....

http://www.ultrunr.com/youknow.html

Enjoy!

Seeking input for Fixing Your Feet

From - John Vonhof at johnvonhof@COMCAST.NET

I am working on material for the 4th edition of Fixing Your Feet and would
appreciate your input. Anything I use will be credited with your name.
Responding off-list is best. My deadline is January 10. Thanks.

1. For those who have a copy of FYF, what would you like to see added?
2. For everyone else, what are your common feet issues? And finally,
3. I am always on the lookout for personal experience stories, tips, and
solutions you have found work for you.

John Vonhof
Fixing Your Feet Ezine at: http://www.vonhof.typepad.com/fixingyourfeet
Happy Feet blog: http://www.vonhof.typepad.com/happy_feet/
http://www.footworkpub.com
Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatments for Athletes, 3rd edition

2005 Delaware 100 Report

If anyone is interested my account of the first ever 100-mile race in the state of Delaware can be found on the following websites.
http://tinyurl.com/795sc
http://www.ultrablog.us/

Dave Bursler
Bear, Delaware

Warning about Ads on Yahoo Mail Lists

Friends,
"Nutrition product" ads are showing up at the bottom of the yahoo
message page for racewalking and ultrawalking. They are selling
illegal anabolic steroids, trying to pass them off as legal
nutritional supplements. Buyer beware: these are dangerous drugs
which cause chronic disease, organ failure and premature death. They
are also banned doping substances and easily detectable in urine.

The links that appear from time to time:

YAHOO! SPONSOR RESULTS
Muscle Building Sports Nutrition - Hardcore legal sports nutrition
supplements build muscle fast. Buy D-Bol, Winni-V, Deca, Hgh, Test
and more. Enter now for guaranteed results.
www.legalsteroids.com
SNAC Sports Nutrition Products - ZMA, our signature product, is used
by athletes worldwide. See our entire selection of advanced sports
performace nutritional products.

Ray Sharp
www.snac.com

Colac Race story written by Vlastik Skvaril

There's a new report about the 2005 Australian 6-day race written by Vlastik Skvaril. It's on the web site at http://www.sixdayrace.org.au and it's on the front page. Enjoy.

Comment option added to Site

To make this blog more interactive with it's users I have enabled the comments section for each post. That means people can add extra comments to articles and posts etc. They will be checked prior to publishing - so please - NO SPAM! Keep it Ultra related.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

From Everyone at the World Ultra News Team. See you in 2006.

Huntington, IN Ultra Frigid Fifty (HUFF) 50K Report/Results - 12/17/05

Originally posted to the Dartmouth Ultra List by HUFF RD Mitch Harper
by Brett Hess
December 18, 2005


First-timer and Old-timer Win HUFF 50K Titles

The two overall winners at Saturday's HUFF 50K Trail Run couldn't be more different. The men's winner was Brendon Moody, a 24-year old Buckeye making his first foray into ultramarathoning. The women's winner was veteran Ann Heaslett, a 41 year-old Wisconsin runner with international ultra experience. One thing the two did have in common on Saturday was a solid grip on their victories. Moody won by over 26 minutes; Heaslett's margin of victory was nearly five minutes but she was in control throughout.

"I just decided Monday to come over and do this," Moody said moments after his 3 hour, 55 minute and 49-second performance. I've kind of been on a down-cycle (mileage) but I felt like I could still run strong."

Moody had called race director Mitch Harper to see who else was entered and what the course record was. With the nearly six inches of snow on the course there was little shot at a course record, Harper told Moody, but a win was certainly possible.

Moody wasn't challenged, establishing a 17-minute lead after the first two loops of the three-loop race. He then changed shoes from racing flats to trainers and cruised to victory.

"The course was in decent condition," Moody said of the third loop. "We just needed to pack the snow down. I thought it was getting a little slick, which is why I put my trainers on."

Moody, an assistant cross country coach at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, had run a 2:26 at the Akron Marathon in October.

Runner-up was another cross country coach: Chuck Schlemmer of Ligonier, IN. Schlemmer, 45, finished in 4:18:19. Schlemmer was also making his ultramarathon debut but is a veteran marathoner. He is the girl's cross country coach at West Noble High School.

Heaslett, a member of the United States 100K racing team, won her third HUFF, completing the course in 5:10:39. She overtook Jenn Dick of Ontario around the eight-mile mark and never looked back. Dick eventually finished second in 5:14:33.

Heaslett had a four-minute lead by the end of the second loop and when spotted at various points of her third loop, was in good spirits. "I felt pretty good," a remarkably fresh Heaslett said after finishing. "The course was great. No problems at all."

--Brett Hess

NAME,DIV,OVERALL,FINISHING TIME

Brendon Moody,M20-24,1,3:55:49 - Winner

Ann Heaslett,F40-44,16,5:10:39 - OAF

For full results: http://www.huff50k2005ageresults.blogspot.com/2005/12/50k-age-group-results.html

Check out Mitch Harper's "The HUFF 50K Trail Notes" blog, the place for updates on everything related to the HUFF 50K Trail Run. There will be news for veteran runners, newbies and volunteers. Plus, you can order professional photos of this year's race: http://www.HUFF50k.com

--Constance Karras

Yiannis Kouros talk in Colorado

This is an incredible opportunity to meet one of the greatest athletes in the World! Yiannis Kouros holds nearly every world record in running from 24 hours (300+ km!) up to 1000 miles. Just last month he set a new 6-day WR of 643 miles! Kouros takes a deeply spiritual approach to his running & life.

For more info you could contact Glen Turner at grtjrr@yahoo.com

Peter



Who: Yiannis Kouros - Multiple World Record Holder
49 years old
All around great guy
Last month set 6 WRs on the way to
winning the Colac 6-day race running 643 mi
in Australia.
(check out his website: YiannisKouros.com)

What: Its a talk about "How to be competitive at any age"
with tips about how to compete beyond your physical training, and his unique training methods. Plus a Q/A.

A reception will follow (with light greek food, drinks & music by Yiannis he wants to share some of his music)

When: 7:00 - 8:30 pm Thursday December 22nd, 2005

Where: Lakeshore Athletic Club Superior/Broomfield behind Bennigan's at the Flatirons mall.

We want to keep it intimate and limit it to 100 people so PLEASE RSVP to 303-729-4300 (Lakeshore's main line)

Cost: Only $15.00 We are raising money to help payfor his expenses in his next WR attempt in Pheonix at the Across the Years Race 12/29 - 1/1

Houston Ultra Weekend

The applications for the Houston Ultra Weekend is now available. The Houston Ultra weekend features 6, 12, 24 and 48 hour competitions, as well as a 100km race. In addition, there will be an opprotuinity for one to become a "Centurion" by walking 100 miles in the 24 hour event.

Details are available at the following updated link:

http://blueollie.blogspot.com/2005/12/walking-and-running-events-for-truly.html

With the Houston Ultraweekend application available at:

http://www.ultrarunners.info/BCracentry06.htm

Inaugural Orange Curtain Ultra Runs - 50 & 100K, 2/18/2006

Originally posted to the Dartmouth Ultra List - 12/17/05
Lorraine Gersitz, USATF MUT Running Council Member
Reprinted with permission


New 100K Offers Opportunity to Qualify for 2006 USA 100K Team

INAUGURAL ORANGE CURTAIN ULTRA RUNS - 50K AND 100K

Mark February 18, 2006 on your ultra-running calendars and take on a new challenge at the Orange Curtain Ultra Runs. These 50K and 100K road races are newly added to the Southern California Ultra Runners Grand Prix Series.

The course is a fast and flat 10 kilometer out and back (repeated 10 times for the 100K) along a 5 kilometer segment of the asphalt and dirt bike path on the east side of the San Gabriel River in Long Beach, California. For a complete description of the course, visit the rae website at http://www.oc100k.com/

This event is scheduled prior to the deadline for qualification for the USA 100K national team that will compete at the World Cup 100K in Korea on October 8, 2006. This is an excellent opportunity for athletes attempting to run a qualifying time for the USA 100K team. See the following for more information on qualifying for the USA team: http://www.usatf.org/events/2006/IAU100kmWorldCup/
RACE DETAILS:

Start Time: 6:30am (both races); 5:00am early start for 60 and over (100K only)

Start/Finish: El Dorado Park, Long Beach, CA

Time Limit: 11:00 cutoff (12:30 for early starters)

Aid: The single aid station is located just north of Spring Street at the middle of the 5 kilometer segment. This allows the runner to pass the aid station every 5 kilometers. In addition, water bottles will be available at the northern and southern ends of the race course. This should allow runners to run without carrying water bottles in all but the hottest conditions.

For more information:

Jay Anderson, RD
6237 Marian Avenue
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 225-9349
jayspenceranderson@yahoo.com

--Constance Karras

Gary Walkingman Hause

Gary Walkingman Hause is walking around the world in stages. He works as a park ranger in Arizona - while his winters are spent walking around the world on a 5 dollar daily budget.
At present he is in bandit ridden Columbia. The bandits have a cease fire during the month of December. Columbia is the country where the so called " Running Man!! " Robert Garside gave up after 10km due to these bandits.
Click onto the South America link for his weekly updates - www.walkingman.org

Americans Win World Masters 100K Championship: Team USA Sweeps in the Medals

For Immediate Release
December 16, 2005

USATF Mountain/Ultra/Trail Running Council
http://www.usatf.org/groups/MountainUltraTrail/
Lorraine Gersitz, USATF MUT Council Member/Masters Ultrarunning Representative
E-mail: bruceandlo@earthlink.net (714)526-5340

Americans Win World Masters 100K Championship:
Team USA Sweeps in the Medals

Bariloche, Argentina - On the hot and hilly course at the foothills of the Andes, American Mark Godale (35) won the 2005 World Masters Athletics 100-kilometer (62 mile) world championship in Bariloche, Argentina. The Ohioan finished over 9 minutes ahead of silver medalist Morales Jose Antonio. American women team of Amanda McIntosh (40), Tania Pacev (46), and Dee Dee Grafius (56) swept the gold, silver and bronze medals. The USA Track & Field's eight-member powerhouse team scored a total of nine medals, two more than the second place Argentinean team and three times the number of medals awarded to third place Uruguay. The impressive USATF masters team also set four age-group course records at the WMA 100K World Championship contested on December 11, 2005.

This team was the largest team that the United States has sent to a masters world ultra championship and the four returning veteran team members showed their experience against teams from Canada, Columbia, Spain, Uruguay, and host country Argentina. On previewing the scenic race course, veteran USATF 100K team member Pacev said, "The course is very hilly, the part aound the lake and the last 20K has lots of hills...the temperature may be up to 80F. It looks like running in San Francisco."

The four men and four women USATF masters 100K team represented a mix of states and two decades of age groups. The WMA 100K World Championship is an opportunity for American ultrarunners age 35 and over to compete in a world 100K championship exclusively for masters runners. The goal of the 2005 USATF Masters 100K Team is to provide broad American age-group presence at the World Cup 100K demonstrating American support for the masters 100K world competition and to compete for individual world age-group medals.

USATF provides partial funding for the WMA 100K Team and team members are self-funded. Donations to the team are welcome. Contributions to the team are tax-exempt through International Masters Athletics Foundation. To contribute to the 2005 USATF WMA 100K Team, contact Katy Cotton at IMAF, Inc. @ imaf_inc@yahoo.com. For information about IMAF, go to: http://www.cerritos.edu/lgersitz/IMAF/Home.htm

Team USA Results:
(source: www.mundial100k-wma.com.ar)

Mark Godale, 35, OH, 8:28:10*
Roy Pirrung, 57, WI, 9:09:07*
Chris Frost, 54 CA, 11:57:14
Craig Robertson, 46, TX, 13:56:45
Amanda McIntosh, 40, TX 9:22:49
Tania Pacev, 46, CO, 10:00:08*
Dee Dee Grafius, 56, CA, 11:25:46*
Katy Cotton, 39, WY, 13:06:18*

Rivero Jorge of Argentina set a Masters course record, winning the Gold with a time of 8:51:30*

*Age Group Course Record

For full results, go to the World Masters Athletics website at: http://www.world-masters-athletics.org or the Mundial Ultramarathon 100K - WMA 2005 website: http://www.mundial100k-wma.com.ar
Check out the January, 2006 issue of http://wwww.ultrarunning.com for race coverage/results and for a Calendar of Events.

--Constance Karras

Colac photos

Colac 6-day race photos are now starting to be uploaded at http://sixdayrace.org.au/colac/index.php?option=com_zoom

David Jones - Making Lemonade out of Lemons

Know an ultra runner who makes lemons out of lemonade? Submit your story to pessam@bigpond.net.au

Below is a story written by ultra runner Jeffrey Bryan, who, from the looks of it, embodies the spirit of the ultra runner he so admires, refusing to leave Jones behind after a nasty fall, and willing to sacrific his own race in the process. Turns out Jones was just fine, thank you very much.

Originally posted to the Dartmouth Ultra List
12/9/05
Reprinted with permission of the author

I was running with David Jones when he fell at Mountain Mist. He was one lucky guy. If he would have slammed his head rather than his back up against that boulder, we would be talking about the late David Jones. Below is an excerpt from an article that I wrote about Mountain Mist that year.

"Somewhere on the course between 17 to 20 miles, I had a distinguished masters runner, David Jones, catch up to me. David is the 1997 winner of the Badwater Ultra Marathon and has completed in many other tough ultra events. I was honored to be running with such an accomplished runner. While running with David, I witnessed the worst "face plant" that I have ever seen. On a down hill stretch, David hit a loose, ice covered rock, did a 180 degree spin and then slammed himself into a boulder. It sounded incredibly bad and looked much worse. I hurried to his side to see what assistance I could provide. As far as I was concerend the race was over right there. Looking up, David tells me to go on ahead. I objected. I told him that I wasn't just going to let him lay there in the woods and insisted that he needed help. He said that he didn't need any help and that all that he needed was to get back on his feet. He pulled himself up and we continued to run together for about a quarter mile. He told me that he would be fine after he had a chance to run it off. He wasn't kidding. He not only left me in the dust, he went on to blow away his own grand masters course record. David now ranks as one of the toughest people that I have ever met."

Jeff Bryan
Tallahassee, FL

--Constance Karras

Hellgate 100K Results - 12/10/05

Hellgate 100K Results
Camp Bethel, Fincastle, VA
December 10, 2005

Serge Arbona, M,40,MD 11:41:01 - OAW
Justine Morrison, F,25,DC 13:39:11 - OAF

For full results and to read race reports by finishers Dave Bursler, Paul Carrasco, Darin Dunham, Jamey Groff, Eric Grossman, Neil Jamison, Shawn Krause, Sophie Speidel, Nick Whited, and Jeff Wilbur, go to: http://www.extremeultrarunning.com/2005_hellgate/finishers.htm

--Constance Karras

Ancient Oaks 100 Mile Results - December 10 -11, 2005

Unofficial Results
Ancient Oaks 100 Mile Endurance Run
Titusville, FL
December 10, 2005

Monica Scholz, CAN 19:19 - course record
John Dodds, USA 19:38 - men's course record

For full results, go to Matt Mahoney's Ultrarunning Home Page:

http://www.mahoney4.home.netcom.com/scr/races/05ao100.txt

--Constance Karras

Article in Canberra Times

'Crazy' Fryer on the mend after discovering it's a long, long way to the top
Rebecca Wiasak
Tuesday, 13 December 2005

Canberra endurance runner Martin Fryer returned from a record-breaking effort in a Coast to Kosciuszko Ultra Run but instead of celebrating his win the athlete was visiting the doctor.
Two doctors were needed to assess Fryer and, while they labelled the runner "crazy", the recommended medication was for an inflamed foot rather than his psychiatric state.

Seven competitors embarked on the two-day journey that started at Boydtown Beach, south of Eden on the NSW South Coast, on Friday. Only five finished.

Fryer was the first across the finish line at Charlotte's Pass more than 30 hours later.

His time 31hrs55min broke the race record by seven hours and was three hours ahead of his nearest rival Paul Every, a zookeeper at Sydney's Taronga Park.

Fryer, 44, said he was sometimes "paranoid" during the 246km journey to the summit of Mt Kosciusko, but crew members Ian Wright and Seb Dunne's clever tactics helped him maintain the lead.

Wright and Dunne are accomplished ultra-marathon runners, and when the gap between Fryer and Every narrowed they chose not to post updates to a public forum updating interested parties on the race progress.

"Some of their tactics allowed me to do better than other teams," Fryer said. "They were a critical part of it."

The Weston Emus orienteering club member decided to enter the gruelling event after completing a 24hr track race in Queensland last year. He said part of the attraction of the event was to go from sea level to the highest point in Australia.

"The thought of it was intimidating but the way to get through it is to break it up in micro chunks to the level you run to the next snow poll then walk to the next pole.

"The worst part for most people was between two and three in the morning.

"You body wants to shut down at that stage and it ends up being willpower rather than physical that gets you there."

The Coast to Kosciuszko race was one in a series of 'Fat Ass' events which are gatherings of like-minded athletes following the motto: 'No Fees, No Awards, No Aid, No Wimps'.

There are no entry fees, no course marshals and no help if runners encounter trouble on course, making crews of helpers integral to the events.

Fryer hoped the extreme mountain run would attract sponsorship so the event could grow.

He believed the entry of more competitors would eventually bring the race record to well under 30hrs.

"It's basically a purist, experiential running group, sort of like an underground current of getting people and supporting them to get into running longer distances, even though there are no prizes."

AT A GLANCE1 Martin Fryer 31hr55min; 2 Paul Every 35:28; 3 Kelvin Marshall 39:07; 4 Jan Hermann 41:22; 5 Brendan Mason 41:47.

Colac report by Lindsay Phillips

I broke a 14-year drought last month, by running my 1st 6 day race since Campbelltown '91, when I ran 509 km. at Colac. I enjoyed the experience immensely (just to confirm my extremely questionable sanity levels), & my "Colac '06 assault" can't come soon enough!!!

The 1st highlight of the week would undoubtably be the very high levels of professionalism & friendliness of all the race officials & voluntary helpers. I can't speak highly enough of these extremely dedicated & helpful people. In saying this I'm including; Bill & Bev, Glen & Emma, Les, Phil, Pat, Helene, other food van helpers, and of course all the lap counters and IT. people. I hope they enjoyed themselves even 1/2 as much as I did. - And if they didn't, I guess I may understand that too!! (My humblest apologies to anyone I may have accidentally over-looked here.)

The 2nd highlight of the week was undoubtably the last day or so, when I was fortunate enough to witness what I believe to be one of the greatest athletic achievements of all-time. I speak of course of Yiannis breaking his own 21-year old!! 'men's 6 day track world record' by running 1036.850 km. (Having also been at Sandy Barwick's breaking of the women's 'women's 6 day track world record' in '90, and thus possibly being the only person to have witnessed both, I feel very lucky & proud to say I've been there to see both such great athletic
feats!!!)

The final highlight of the week was the total & utter medical back-up of one of my fellow competitors. I'm referring of course to the 'inimitable and irrepressible' Dr Andy Lovy. As I've already said, I'm looking forward to running this race again next year, and I am quite perturbed by the possibility that Andy may not attend the '06 race. As a result (those present at the finish ceremony will know) I've donated $100 to the race committe to 'kick-start' a fund to help subsidise Andy's air fare to the '06 race.

Any intended Colac '06 competitors (or runners from the past few years to have benefitted from Andy's extensive experience)...Could you please give this issue serious consideration & possibly donate $20 or $50 to this extremely worthy cause.

Thanks for your interest,
Regards & yours in running,
Lindsay Phillips.

Blog Procedures

We shall post any ultra information on the web site relating to race results, previews, event stories, runners profiles and stories. If the information has been given to us first hand by the author we shall post it direct on the net. If we have recieved the information second hand we shall send an email to the author and ascertain permission rights to run with the story. We shall attribute the original source in each story that we run.

We shall not directly copy information from another web site. We shall post a link to that story on the Blog.

Phil Essam
11 Dec 05

Online coverage of the 2005 Coast to Kosi

http://www.coolrunning.com.au/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=000361;p=1

Final Thoughts about the 2005 Aust 6-day race

It's now two weeks since the race and it's still hard to comprehend what happened during the week of the race. My pre-race advertising included a release titled "World Records to go". In my wildest dreams, I didnt really believe that they would! But boy did they tumble. I would say there was over a dozen world, age world, Australian, age Aust and other National records fell during the week! Can't be a bad track for those many records to fall.

Only time will tell, if this goes down in history as the World Greatest ever 6-day race. It has to be close though!

The constant improvement once again made by the Colac Race committee. They continue to listen, learn and improve from year to year. Well done to the Committee
The great performances shown by all of the Australians. Peter Hoskinson breaking 700km and David Billett breaking 600km. The amazing first up performance by Garry Wise in running over 600kms. The great first 6-day race by Lindsay Phillips for a few years. I think Lindsay has dispelled the "Westfield" monkey from his back and I think we will see great things from him in years to come.

The battle between Ken Matchett and Stan Miskin in the Over 80 category.
The sportsmanship shown by so many competitors in the event.

It was an emotional experience which made me proud to be the Vice President of the Aust Ultra Runners Association.

It was great to see so many international competitors in the event, especially my friend Arun from India who has improved in leaps and bounds in the last three years. I would have loved to have spent more time getting to know the other International runners during the week.

The way crews helped one another and other runners without thinking twice.

The Great food prepared by Helene, Alana and the other ladies.

The Great atmosphere at the Square.

It's the best venue in Australia.

Catching up with old friends and making new ones during the week.

I hope the people of Colac will continue to get behind the race and support it. They should be proud of their race. It's the BEST. The committee is doing a fantastic job, but they desperately need fresh people to help them.

I am looking forward to hopefully qualifying for the race in two years time and taking part myself.

Phil Essam
10 Dec 05

San Diego One Day Race Results - November 12-13, 2005

San Diego One Day Race Results
Hospitality Point
San Diego, CA
November 12-13, 2005

For full results, go to Matt Mahoney's: http://www.sandiego1dayrace.com/results2005_results.html or the International Association of Ultrarunners website: http://www.iau.org.tw

As reported at the IAU website by RD John Metz:

24-Hour

Steve Peterson, 43,M,Lafayette, CO, USA 148.13 miles - OAW
Sumie Inaguki, 39,F,Kasagai, AI, JAPAN 136.69 miles - OAF

12-Hour

Akihiro Inoue, M,40, Kokobunji, Tokyo, JAPAN 70.0 miles - OAW
Michelle Barton, F,34, Laguna Nigel, CA, USA 69.0 miles - OAF

24-Hour Relay Team

The Trotters 178.01 miles - OAW

--Constance Karras

Worldrunner Rosie Swalepope: An Update

A few months ago I posted a story about Rosie Swalepope, the Welsh woman currently attempting to run around the world.

At Rosie's website, Rosie's son James keeps us posted on his mother's progress. Go to: http://www.rosiearoundtheworld.co.uk

According to James' post dated 12/13/05, his mother arrived in Golovin, Alaska, USA this past weekend after leaving the friendly town of White Mountain, Alaska on Friday 12/7/05. She had a warm welcome awaiting her from the schoolchildren in White Mountain. James states:

"Hi everybody,

I am delighted to report that Rosie has made it to White Mountain at 2:05pm on December the 5th, 2005. She was met down on the river, by the school children, who made a banner to greet her, I would like to thank everyone involved for this wonderful welcome, particularly Andrew Haviland the school principal in White Mountain and also Fred Ross and Dean Rushruk who went out to meet Rosie twice to deliver her new sledge and again to bring out some hot foot. Regards, James"

So what's next for Rosie as she makes her way through Alaska?

"My dearest wish anyway, is just to do a complete circle of the earth, planned to keep me on as much land mass as possible, This is the coldest, hardest, most fascinating way, and involves almost 7,000 miles of Russia and Siberia. I shall go across Europe through Holland, Germany, Poland and Moscow before hitting the Trans Siberian Railway route. Then go to the Bering Straits, Alaska, America, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Scotland and England, before returning to the start and finishing line at Tenby, my home in Wales. It will be my world voyage on two feet."

Why is Rosie running around the world?

"The death of my husband Clive from prostate cancer last year, taught me more than anything about how precious life is, How short it can be, that you HAVE to grab life, do what you can while you can, and try to give something back. I'll be trying to raise awareness of the following very special small charities - to represent the world:-

The Prostate Cancer Charity
The Siberian Railway Cancer Hospital in OMSK
The Kitezh Community for Orphan Children Orphanage, the hope of the future of European Russia through its children
The Nepal Trust that achieves so much with almost no money, in the Hidden Himalayas.
I am extremely grateful for the generosity of my family and friends, without their help and faith I could not succeed."

I'll be thinking of you as I am surrounded by my loved ones this holiday season, Rosie.

(all quotes by Rosie from her website)

--Constance Karras
Cedar Lake, USA

Badwater: Apps Accepted in January for World's Toughest Foot Race

AdventureCORPS Presents News & Views From Death Valley and Beyond
12/05/05

For Immediate Release

Badwater Ultramarathon 135 mile running race

Applications Accepted in January for World's Toughest Foot Race

Globally recognized as the toughest race of its kind, the July 24-26, 2006 Badwater Ultramarathon is a pure athletic challenge of athlete, shoes, and support crew versus a brutal 135 mile stretch of highway, a hellish environment of up to 130 degrees, and a sixty hour time limit. From the start line in the bowels of Death Valley to the finish line high on Mt. Whitney, this one-of-a-kind foot race offers the promise of a supremely personal achievement along with international accolades for those who rise to the occasion.

A true "challenge of the champions," the Badwater Ultramarathon pits up to 90 of the world's toughest athletes, runners, triathletes, adventure racers, and mountaineers against one another and the elements. For those whose finish in less than forty-eight hours, their reward is the coveted Badwater belt buckle.

The 29th Anniversary Badwater Ultramarathon is, and always has been, an invitational race. Applicants will be considered purely upon their race application and its specific written merits. The selection process for the next edition takes place January 3-24, 2006.
It is anticipated that the 2006 race field will include women and men from a dozen or more countries and at least two dozen American states, veterans and rookies, as well as physically challenged athletes. All applicants must meet the minimum qualifying standards prior to submitting an application.

The official charity of the race is Challenged Athletes Foundation. Sponsors include Kiehl's since 1851, Injinji, E-CAPS, and Hammer Nutrition.

Visit http://www.badwater.com for all the info and to apply to the race.

--Constance Karras

Zane Grey - The "Toughest " 50 Mile Trail Race Apps

Applications are now being taken online for The Zane Grey 50 Mile Trail Race, which takes place along Arizona's Highline Trail on April 29, 2006, and is considered by ultramarathoners to be the toughest of its kind. For race app, photos of last year's race, and other information, go to: http://www.zanegrey50.com/

Here's what two elite ultramarathoners had to say about their finishes in last year's race (read their full race reports at the website listed above):

"I was less than two miles into the Zane Grey Highline 50 mile Trail Race and had already traveled off the trail a half dozen times, twisted my ankle and was breathing way too hard." --Ian Torrence

"Going into this race I figured I would finish in 13:30, no problem...LOL, WRONG!!!"--Catra Corbett, aka "Dirt Diva"

And if that's not enough, an excerpt from the Zane Grey website chronicling the history of the Highline Trail states:

"An article in the July 1989 issue of Arizona Highways suggested that it would take four to seven days to hike the trail from end to end."

Step by Step,

Constance Karras :)

Tough but Ultra-Rewarding

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/sports/13348549.htm

New Webmaster needed for 6-day race website

WEF 1st Jan 06, the Cliff Young Australian 6-day race website at www.sixdayrace.org.au will require a new Webmaster to continue operating the site. It's not a paid position, but the new webmaster can gain the satisfaction that he is helping to promote the premier multi-day race in Australia.

Criteria

* Web authoring knowledge and previous experience in operating a "file manager" system.
* Knowledge and appreciation of Ultrarunning (or ability to learn)
* Ability to be able to be at Memorial Square, Colac for the week of the race or to be close to email/fax for the duration of the race and put race updates up in a timely manner.
* Knowledge of and ability with image reduction software
* Ability to be able to work with Committee Members (Publicity Officer) in putting press releases and other information on the web site in a timely manner

The web site is a 12 month of the year concern. It has the ability (as proven in 2005) to be a GREAT publicity vehicle for the 6-day race and for Colac in general. It could be a wonderful opportunity for someone trying to build their work resume up with proven web site experience. If you are interested, please email Phil Essam on pessam@bigpond.net.au

MOUNT FEATHERTOP SKYRUN 50KM

VICTORIAN ALPS 3-12-2005

The drive up to Mt Hotham at 20km an hour in thick fog, stopping frequently to see which way the road was turning should have been an indication of what the weather held in store for the inaugural Mt Feathertop Skyrun, a 50 km circuit for the tough men and a leisurely jaunt for those only tuff enough for the 30km out and back course in one of the best Alpine running areas in Australia.

15 runners started on Saturday 3rd December with four completing the 50 km course in horrendous conditions which included temperatures at 4C, strong winds, poor visibility, rain and snow ,while 10 runners completed the 30 Km run to the summit of Feathertop and back to the snug warmth of the Trapdoor Ski Lodge and its warm roaring fire.

Prior to the run, the briefing covered off a range of safety issues but deliberately omitted to warn about the dangers of snakes - it was to cold for them to be out.

Runners set off at a brisk pace along the road for 5 km from Hotham Heights to the start of the Razorback. Then it was into single track running with stupendous views of the clouds - this was a real sky run - visibility was all of 20 metres. Runners quickly settled into their stride and spread out over the length of the Razorback with the front runners meeting the slower runners on their descent from the summit of Mt Feathertop. It was great to see the tough men speed down the steep descent before disappearing into the mist. Of the front runners, two - Brett Worley and Ross Litherland, continued on the 50 km loop down Swindlers Spur to Dibbins hut, across Cobungra Gap for a slow and torturous ascent of Machinery Spur. Brett Worley completing the course in an amazing 6.23, as Brett later said, if he'd known where he was going, and hadn't had to check the map so often he could have shaved off 10 minutes - Next year!! Andrew Baker and Nick Thompson also completed the 50 km in 8.12 and 9 hours respectively. Such were the conditions that a "go see if Nick is OK" party refused to get out of the car at Mt Loch carpark, waiting while the wind and snow buffeted the car until Nick finally can into view chirpy as a butterfly on a spring day - it must have been his English blood!!

Dan Kirby was the first back to the lodge on the 30km loop in an amazing 3.16.28!!!, followed closely by Jules Crawshaw 3.23 and Grant Dewar 3.25. At the back of the field were Julie Flynn and Paul Ashton in 4.30.

Not to be outdone, the semi tough runners of Robyn Fletcher, Julie Flynn and Paul Ashton, worked out a novel approach to completing the 50km run - they would do it over two days. And so these intrepid heroes set off in brilliant sunshine, albeit with strong winds for a scenic run down Swindlers Spur and back up Machinery Spur accompanied by stupendous views of Mt Feathertop and the Razorback. The wildflowers were out, the bees were buzzing and you could almost forget the horrendous conditions of the day before. Needless to say they couldn't just do the standard run and as a penalty did an extra 6 km up and back along the road, creating another leg for the run.

Saturday night was a pizza and pasta pig out as runners talked about the days events and their travels - with runners from Pakistan, Nepal, South Africa, UK and Australia it was a truly international affair.

Watch for the Mt Feathrtop Skyrun coming soon in December 2006.

Special thanks to all those who participated and for AURA for supporting the event with insurance .

2005 BRUNY ISLAND 64km ULTRA AND RELAY

SOLO RESULTS

1 AUB HENDRICKS (TAS) 5.27.14
2 DOUGLAS GRUBERT (TAS) 5.53.23
3 JAMES CROTTY (TAS) 8.02.33
4 LINDSAY TOFFIN (TAS) 8.37.01
5 DEBORAH DEWILLIAMS (VIC) 8.49.16
6 PETER ANDERSON (QLD) 9.57.10

TEAM RESULTS

1 ISLAND STATE 3.43.04
2 RARE FIND DESIGN 4.17.00
3 EDDIES HEROES 4.26.08
4 COOL RUNNINGS 4.30.02
5 BARNES BAY BOMBERS 4.39.38
6 CHARDONNAY HASH HARRIERS 4.43.55
7 HOEY’S HEROES 4.55.24
8 SULTANS OF BRUN-Y 4.58.08
9 THE GENTLEMEN 4.58.43
10 PIGS CAN FLY 5.07.45
11 VEGEMITES 5.26.08
12 WATERVIEW # 1 5.44.09
13 THE LIABILITIES 5.57.06
14 THREESOME 6.03.04
15 HASHED OVERS 6.05.09

UltraMan World Championships 2005 Results

From the UltraMan website:

"The UltraMan World Championships are an athletic odyssey of personal rediscovery, as such they are the first step in the endurance challenge of being human.

Covering a total distance of 320 miles (515 kilometers) on the big island of Hawaii, they require that each participant complete a 6.2 mile (10k) open ocean swim, a 261.4 mile (421k) bike ride, and a 52.4 mile (84k) ultra-marathon run."

Winners:

Alexandro Ribeiro, 40, Brazil ~24:32:28 (OAW)

Shannon Armstrong, 31, USA ~28:03:34 (OAF)

Team Bourne, USA ~27:19:13 (Relay)

For full results go to: http://www.ultramanlive.com

--Constance Karras :)

Big Dog 50k Trail Run Results - 11/29/05

Final results of the Big Dog 50k Trail Run in Ruston, LA held on November 29, 2005:

NAME, SEX, AGE, STATE, FINISHING TIME

1. Anthony Martin, M, 36, LA, 4:53:08 - OAW
2. Kyle Klipping, M, 42, LA, 4:57:01
3. Herb Jarrel, M, 61, TX, 5:23:12
4. Danny Foster, M, 36, TX, 5:37:00
5. Fay Mendoza, F, 39, TX, 5:41:58 - OAF
6. Rob Glaze, M, 40, LA, 6:21:48
7. Lee Topham, M, 64, TX, 6:27:47
8. Malissa Tremont, F, 39, TX, 6:30:41
9. Duane Lewis, M, 50, LA, 6:56:58
10.Jon Tremont, M, 41, TX, 7:34:58
11.Paul Christopher, M, 46, LA, 7:38:17
12.Kerri Christopher, F, 49, LA, 7:38:18
13.Kristina Vaska-Haas, F, 45, LA, 7:44:31
14.Adrienne Gabriel, F, 50, LA 7:44:32
15.Eugene DeFronzo, M, 69, CT 8:45:00

18 starters 15 finishers

--Constance Karras :)

Stu Sherman: Making Lemonade out of Lemons

What makes a "champion?" Exceptional physical performance? Mental toughness? Or does it have something to do with a lack of self-pity and deciding to view experiences as positive, especially when they don't go as planned?

Enter Stu Sherman. Despite suffering a terrible fall and breaking his leg while running on pace for a top ten finish in this year's Santa Barbera 9 Trails 35 Mile Endurance Run on November 26, 2005, he decided to make lemonade out of lemons.

From Luis Escobar's website:

"Over the years, Stu has finished the Santa Barbera 9 Trails 35 Mile Endurance several times. Like all of us Stu has encountered good days and not so good days. But like a true ultra distance runner Stu is never discouraged, always optimistic, ready for the next adventure, ready to take responsbility for this own actions and decisions. This year Stu was positioned for a top ten finish when disaster struck him down. On Saturday during the race, Stu fell off the Cold Springs Trail, he cut his knee open and broke his leg! Stu did not look to place blame, Stu did not cry about the race he was about to lose. Like a true distance athlete (with the help of his fellow competitors who unselfishly gave their race time) Stu scrambled back on to the trail, bloody and in pain he limped back up the Cold Springs Trail to the Gibraltar Aid Station. From there he was transported to the hospital where after a couple of hours he was treated. After the hospital Stu found his way back to the Cater Start/Finish area. He did not come back to complain about the hazardous trail or the trail markings. He came back to turn in his bib number and DNF as requested.
He came back to encourage his fellow runners. He came back to support the race. They say that "competing does not build character, it reveals it." (my emphasis) On Saturday, Stu Sherman was revealed for what he really is. Stu Sherman is a genuine ultra distance athlete. Stu represents what it means to be an ultra runner. We can all learn a lesson from Stu Sherman."


To see Stu's comments to his coach, Lisa Smith, go to Luis Escobar's website: http://www.allwedoisrun.com/stu_sherman.htm

For full race results, go to: http://www.allwedoisrun.com/results.htm

Know someone who makes lemonade out of lemons? Send your story to Phil Essam at pessam@bigpond.net.au

Constance Karras :)

Two Bays Trail Run - 27th Nov

by Kevin Cassidy

“A Ten Year Wait”

Few would be aware that a Two Bays Trail Ultra was originally planned for February 1996 as a result of some exploratory running from John Harper, a keen ultra runner at the time. Deciding that an out and back crossing of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula would make an ideal course, John set about organising an official race. Sadly, a paltry three entries [which included Kelvin Marshall and I] was insufficient for anything to get off the ground.

It’s now barely three years since my first visit to the trails of the Mornington Peninsula National Park that have captivated me beyond description. For as long as time has existed, Melbourne’s runners have been heading east to the Dandenong Ranges oblivious to the insurmountable beauty that lies just an 80 minute drive south of the CBD.

Running the trail in August with Brendan Mason was the catalyst that reignited the idea of a race. We had barely cooled down at Cape Schanck when the November date was decided upon and word spread rapidly via the “coolrunning” website. A “reconnaissance” run across the course with Sydney visitor, Sean Greenhill, took place just three weeks prior and all was ready for the first ever “Fat Ass” style Two Bays Trail Ultra.

A good sized field looked to be on the cards as I headed down the Peninsula Freeway passing a couple of temporary road signs advertising the Australian Open Golf Tournament and a local “Pet and Pony” show. It was great to see so many faces, both old and new. A total of 27 runners had gathered at the Dromana boat ramp on the Nepean Highway at the 32km mark of the Frankston to Portsea course, but their was to be no running down the highway to Portsea today. After a group photo, our intrepid and outstanding gathering vanished into the bush, picking up the trail that rises up the highly prominent mountain known as Arthurs Seat. On the other side of the Peninsula, 28 kilometres away, Cape Schanck lay in wait as the final destination for 18 runners while the other nine remained determined to complete the double crossing.

Kelvin Marshall soon bolted to the lead in an action that had Peter Bignell quietly asking “What are the chances of Kelvin getting lost today?” An expectant smile was all I mustered in reply. The ascent quickly afforded the spectacular view of the Southern Peninsula and Port Phillip Bay before the rapid descent down to McClarens Dam and the small negotiation of some of Rosebud’s back streets. It was at this point that Kelvin came charging up behind me complaining of having already taken two wrong turns!

The course then took in a few kilometres of an agreeable dirt road before leading into the lush green forest that is home to much wildlife, twisting trails and numerous creeks and waterways. I had been running for about two hours when the sound of approaching feet had me glancing back in surprise. Yes indeed, it was Kelvin again after a third wrong turn!

Approaching the Boneo Road crossing at 22km, the first sight of Bass Strait greets your line of vision and what an arresting sight it is. The six kilometre stretch to Cape Schanck twists along the cliff tops providing spectacular and rugged views of Bushrangers Bay and the prominent rocky outcrop that is the cape. Reaching Cape Schanck is a sense of accomplishment all on its own and I arrived to the greeting of several 28km runners enjoying a form of post run relaxation! Over the years, I have become accustomed to the sight of ugly sweaty bodies around the ultrarunning scene, so imagine my delight to be greeted by the family of Race Director, Brendan Mason. Brendan’s lovely wife and two young children were tirelessly serving up fruit cake and drinks in the most welcoming of manners.

Knowing that Robert Boyce was only minutes ahead of me, I attacked the return journey with haste and pushed solidly, constantly thinking that he may appear around the “next” corner. Running out of the bush and onto Hyslops road, I had a clear view of over a kilometre yet still no sight of Robert, I appeared to have the trail all to myself. With barely 10 kilometres remaining, I basically gave up trying to reel him in. I struggled on back to McClarens Dam and slowed to a walk up the treacherously long climb over Arthurs Seat. The slower pace was to prove irritating as it allowed numerous flies to settle on my face, neck and a variety of other places. One even wished to crawl up my nose. I quickly sank into that annoyed state that comes with a prolonged encounter with flies. In tired frustration, I doggedly swiped and swatted only to have them move casually out of arms reach, wait patiently until I stopped my ridiculous thrashing, then land back in the exact same positions. One particularly persistent little fly decided to explore my right ear. I took a huge swing at him in a manoeuvre that wasn’t particularly clever on my part for two reasons. Firstly, I almost gave myself a severe form of concussion. Secondly, the fly managed to escape harm by taking refuge deep into the ear canal! I freaked out in an increasingly hopeless manner as my ear buzzed furiously while trying desperately but unsuccessfully to remove it with my little finger. Eventually, a small stick proved useful in the completion of the surgical removal.

With freshly cleared ears, I descended down the final kilometres without missing the opportunity to take in the glorious birds eye view of the rich blue waters of the bay. With a summer of swimming events almost upon us, I looked forward with relish to reacquainting myself with this desirable aquatic resource.

The big surprise as I finished was that my attempt to catch Robert Boyce proved completely futile as he still hadn’t arrived. Later, he appeared from the south coming up the highway, an obvious wrong turn being the culprit. Although tired, his spirits soon sparked up when his car radio delivered the Cricket score. Apparently, the Australian team had scored three googlies and a duck since the last meal break and the excitement was at fever pitch.

The success of the inaugural Two Bays Trail Run was a credit to the unwavering efforts of Brendan Mason. He produced course instructions, delivered water drops to various points and had chalk marks on all the corners.

Despite a lengthy wait that consumed a large chunk of my adult life, the fishburger from the local takeaway barely hit the sides of my stomach as I meandered home.

Western States 2006 Lottery Results

http://www.ws100.com/lotteryresults.htm

--Constance Karras

Addison UltraCentric 24/48Hr Run 2005 Results/Photos

48 Hour
Mark Henderson, TX - 136.29 - OAW

24 Hour

Mark Syrine, MN - 121.01 - OAW
Barbara Hitzfeld, TX - 111.30 - OAF

Full race results:http://www.multidays.com/html/results/ultracentric_results_05.htm

Race photos: http:www.team-danger.com/RacePhotos/Ultracentric%202005/UltraCentric%202005.htm

--Constance Karras :)

Stan Miskin article - Herald Sun - 4th Dec 05

Two chances to represent Australia on World Stage

Australian runners now have two opportunities to represent their country on a yearly basis. This is at the 100km level and 24hr level. A check of the IAU website at http://www.iau.org.tw/ will reveal more details. We already have a good team of runners at the 100km level who are more than capable of mixing it on the World stage but our stocks at the 24hr are very low.

Unfortunately we have a handful of runners in the past 2 years that have run 200km plus in a 24hr event. This is barely enough to make our presence felt on the world stage at 24hr races. I believe though this could change. I know there are over a dozen runners in Aust at the moment that would be capable of doing over 200km and I know a couple of those runners could do over 250km if they only believed in themselves. 100 miles in 24hrs should not be the benchmark for good Ultra runners competing in 24hr Events.

This also extends to the 6 day events as well. Our multi day runners have improved in leaps and bounds in the last few years. There are now a few of the multi day runners that are capable of doing over 700km and being competitive around the world and at our own 6-day race in Colac.

So how about it ultra runners of Australia? We now have some GOALS to aim for. Let's show the world what we are made of!

Phil
This was a personal comment only

BARBARA SZLACHETKA 1956 - 2005

Barbara Szlachetka has passed away. She died, in her home in Hamburg in the circle of her most beloved ones around 11:41 a.m. on November 24th, 2005, exactly the way she had prayed and wanted.


The German International 24-Hour Ultramarathon Champion of the year 2003 (211.990 km) and European Record Holder 48 H Road (348.915 kms, Cologne 2003) started to run in the fall of 1997 because of her love for me. Only four weeks after her first marathon in Dorsten-Lembeck, she entered her first race beyond the marathon distance at Georgsmarienh FCttener Null (50 K trail).

Also in her rookie year in June 1998, she became the German Champion in the 24-hour event in the 40-44 age group.



Barbara Szlachetka set her first Polish Record at her first 48-hour race in Cologne in 1999 (251kms). Later on, she established two Polish records in 12 hours, the latest in 2004 (118.089 kms). Altogether she set 3 Polish National Records in 24 Hours, two of them on the road, the latest being 211.990 kms (2003). Her 24-Hour Polish National Track Record (2001) stands at 203.403 kms. Furthermore she set 6 Polish National Records in 48 Hours, 3 times on the road (PB 348.915 kms),
twice indoors (PB 315.948 kms) and once on the track (PB 304.000 kms Course Record Dallas Ultracentric). The 72-Hour National Record set by Basia is 404.576 kms. She is the owner of all those records even today.


Beginning in October 2000, in her third year of ultramarathon running, up to the time of her cancer she was a member of the official Polish National 24-Hour Ultramarathon Team under the patronage of the Polish Athletic Federation (PZLA) and represented Poland at the European Championships in Uden (2000), Apeldoorn (2001, 5th place), Uden (2003), and at the World Championships in Verona (Track, 2001, 11th place) and in Uden (2003).



In addition, Barbara Szlachetka won the bronze medal at the IAU 48-Hour Indoor Championship in Brno in 2000. Her 284.053 kms was recorded as an Age Group Indoor World Record. She took third, also at the IAU 48 Hours World Cup Indoor 2001 (with 315.948 kms).



In 2003, Barbara finished the Spartathlon on 3rd as best European woman in 31:50:23 behind two Japanese runners.



In July 2004, a few days before the 48-hour race in Cologne, she was taken to the hospital with acute abdominal pain and was diagnosed withadvanced colon cancer in Hamburg, Germany.



In spite of the 50 chemotherapy treatments and other interventions (like portal vein embolisation in October 2004), up to July 2005 she completed 24 marathons and three ultramarathons on a noncompetitive basis, "just for fun", which meant marathons 1-2 hours longer than before her cancer diagnosis.



Running meant LIFE for Barbara. During her runs she was invigorated and forgot about her illness for hours.


She ran her last ultramarathon (51.4 kms) at Au=DFenalster, in Hamburg on July 10, 2005, which she enjoyed up to the last step. It was her 336th "marathon +", namely her 57th ultramarathon in addition to her 279marathons.



Basia completed her last running steps of about four kilometers at Kaltenkirchen Marathon on August 14th, 2005 while accompanying me to the finish line of my 1000th marathon. She did these final steps with the same motivation as the first in 1997 - her love for me and desire to be together.



Unfortunately, her wish to run with me the whole distance was not possible at that point any more.



One day, before that, she was awarded the honorary membership in the 100 Marathon Club of Germany. Additional information on Barbara Szlachetka, "our running blondie", can be found at her trilingual German-Polish-English) website www.szlachetka.de (not updated) or at www.hottas.de (daily updated since August 2005).


The funeral took place on Thursday, December 1st, in Czernica, 20kms south of Wroclaw, Poland. Barbara's wish to have as many of her peers from the running community present as possible to send her on her way to her final resting place had become reality: There had been more than 400 people: her family and most beloved friends, her neighbors and finally her running-friends from all over Poland, Germany and Czech Republic.



Dear Basia, you now have finished your longest race with all your grace and charisma. Thank you for all the experiences and the endless love you
have shared with your running friends and me.



Christian Hottas

chhottas@compuserve.de=20



P.S. This text has been published at http://www.steppenhahn.de/ and http://www.maratonypolskie.pl/



P.P.S. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions for the tuitions of
Barbara's children, Kasia and Krzysiu.

Australian Ultra's - Dec 05 - Jan 06

Sat 3 Dec BRUNY ISLAND JETTY TO LIGHTHOUSE, (TAS)
64km. Enjoy the ferry trip to the start, then the fantastic ocean and rural scenery as you run along nice quiet roads. A weekend away for family and friends. An event for solos and teams. contact: Paul Risley via phone 0438-296-283. email: riz5@bigpond.com. Visit the website for more details.

Sat 3 Dec KEPLER CHALLENGE MOUNTAIN RUN ()
67km off-road mountain run. Starts Te Anau, New Zealand. contact: Kepler Challenge Organising Committee, PO Box 11, Te Anau, NEW ZEALAND or Fax (03) 249-9596. email: keplerchallenge@yahoo.com. Visit the website for more details.

Sat 3 Dec MT FEATHERTOP SKYRUN (VIC)
30km or 50km. Take part in one of the most amazing high altitude runs that Australia has too offer. The inaugural short course 50 KM ultra at Mount Hotham in the heart of Victoria’s high country. Experience the thrill of running the famous Razorback ridge to the summit of Mt Feathertop, Victoria’s second highest peak and Australia’s only real mountain, enjoy stunning views from Swindlers Spur and the upper reaches of machinery Spur and enjoy the stunning views from the Alpine Way – all weather permitting. The Mt Feathertop Sky run will be a totally self supported run, it is not a race. Runners are fully responsible for their own safety and assume full liability for their participation. Participants should offer assistance to other runners in distress and must give way to walkers, especially on the Razorback track. NB. A limit of 35 participants is in place. No support personnel or equipment is available other than at the accommodation at Mt Hotham. This is an arduous course with 2 major climbs (one short and steep and the other long and steep but both are runable) that take a cumulative toll. The run has been scheduled for Saturday 03 December with the pre-race briefing taking place immediately prior to the run at the Mt Hotham accommodation (the start of the run). contact: Paul Ashton by phone: 03 9885 8415 (h) or 0418 136 070 (m). email: paul.ashton56@bigpond.com. Visit the website for more details.

Fri-Sun 9-11 Dec COAST TO KOSCIUSZKO (NSW)
A 236km run from sea level (Boydtown Beach, near Eden) to the highest point in Australia (Mt Kosciuszko, 2229m above sea level). Timelimit of 48hrs applies. Need to supply own crew. email: bigmig@tig.com.au. Visit the website for more details.

Sun 11 Dec KURRAWA SURF CLUB [BROADBEACH] TO DURANBAH AND RETURN (QLD)
50km Solo and 2 person relay of 25km each. Flat course along roads and paths adjoining the Gold Coast beachfront. Start time 5am from Kurrawa Park, 200 metres north of Kurrawa Surf Lifesaving Club carpark. Broadbeach QLD. contact: Ian Cornelius box 282 Runaway Bay Qld 4216 07 5537 8873 mob. 0408 527 391. email: info@goldcoast100.com. Visit the website for more details.


Jan 2006
Sat-Sun 7-8 Jan COASTAL CLASSIC 12 HOUR TRACK RUN & WALK (NSW)
7.30pm start. Adcock Park, Pacific Highway West Gosford, NSW. Our track is grass and is 400 metres fully surveyed. The facility has men's & women's toilets and showers. Random lucky draw prizes. Trophies to Male & Female winners. Certificates & results sheets to every participant. All proceeds to go to Victor Chang Heart Institute & Gosford Athletics Inc. fostering athletics. contact: Frank Overton (02) 4323-1710 (ah) or Paul Thompson (02) 9686-9200 (ah) or mobile 0412-250-995. email: thomo@zeta.org.au. Click here for an entryform.

Sun 8 Jan AURA BOGONG TO MT HOTHAM (VIC)
60km mountain trail run, a tough event with 3,000m of climb. Not for the faint hearted. 34 km and 26 km options also available. 6:15am start at Mountain Creek Picnic Ground near Mt Beauty. Entry for AURA members is $60, non members $65, transport shuttle back to the start is $10. Entries close on 24 December. Contact: Race Director Michael Grayling, phone 0433 420 530, address 14 Banksia Court, Heathmont, VIC 3135; Communications Officer John Lindsay, phone 0419 103 928. email: jlindsa1@bigpond.net.au. Visit the website for more details.

Sun 22 Jan AURA MANSFIELD TO MOUNT BULLER 50KM ROAD RACE (VIC)
7am Start. $20 entry fee. Race Director is Peter Armistead 26 Williams St. Frankston , Vic 3199 contact: Peter Armistead 03 9781 4305. Visit the website for more details.

How "On Earth" Did He Do It? Jesper Olsen Tells His Story

On October 23, 2005 Dane Jesper Kenn Olsen, 34, became the first person to successfully run, in daily increments ranging from 14 - 93km, the circumference of the Earth's land masses, setting a Guinness Book of World Records record.

What began from the Old Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, ENGLAND on January 1, 2004 ended there 26,232km later - ONE LAP AROUND THE WORLD - on October 23, 2005.

How "on Earth" did he do it? During his World Run Project Lecture Series, you will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from Jesper himself how the impossible became reality, not only from the perspective of a runner, but from a University of Copenhagen scholar of international politics.

For more information, contact Jesper Olsen directly:

Email: jesper@worldrun.org

Cell: (+45) 306 376 88 and go to the World Run Project website: http://www.worldrun.org and click on one of the "lecture series" links.

I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to crew Jesper through portions of IN, OH and PA through the USA, and I'm sure I speak on behalf of the many others who helped this man on his journey when I say he had a profound effect on me. Naturally, the incomprehensible physical and mental endurance that it must have taken Jesper to complete his world run stands alone, but what will particularly stand out for me is his demeanor: when extremely fatigued, instead of focusing on the negative, he would smile and say something nice about someone...THAT is a true champion.

Thank you, Jesper, for touching our lives, and proving the impossible really isn't that impossible.

Step by step,

Constance Karras
Cedar Lake, IN, USA

10th Annual Sagebrush Stride 8 Hour Run - December 11, 2005

Originally posted to the Dartmouth Ultra List
Thursday, December 1, 2005
Mark Dorion

The 10th Annual Sagebrush Stride 8 Hour Run takes place Sunday, December 11, 2005 near Mesquite, NM (just north of El Paso, TX).

Extremely scenic 7+ mile loop north on old jeep roads and single-track trails around Three Mile Mountain then looping south 5 miles over the rolling foothills of the Rockies. Repeat to 25 mile point, then move to shorter 3 mile loop (each 1/4 mile loop marked) until time expires.

Red rock canyons, giant barrel cactus, rare tiny hedgehog cactus, jackrabbits and cottontails, abundant drinking water (from jugs/bottles) along course.

Elev. = 4,310' - 4,990' Normal weather - 29F low, 61F high

CRs = 39.8 mi., Doug Matney, 2004
28.0 mi., Karen Zoller, 2003

A fun end-of-year and pre-holiday run. Come join us for a "Magical Mystery Tour" of the high desert.

Further info.> markd@utep.edu

Mark Dorion, RD
915-581-9541

Happy Feet to Head,

Constance Karras :)

Antelope Island Buffalo Run 25/50k - March 18, 2006

For race app and info, go to:

http://www.buffalorun.org

Jim Skaggs, RD
Antelope Island Buffalo Run
ultrajim@charter.net

Happy Feet to Head,

Constance Karras :)

Yiannis Kouros To Compete At "Across The Years"

Greek Yiannis Kouros, 48, who on November 26, 2005 set a world record of 1,036.80km at the Cliff Young Australian Six-Day Race (Colac) in Australia, has announced he will be competing in the 72-Hour event at "Across the Years" Ultramarathon Races on December 29, 2005 in Litchfield, Arizona.

For those of you who can't be there to watch Kouros perhaps set another record, monitor the action at http:www.acrosstheyears.com

To learn more about arguably the best ultrarunner in history, go to:

http://www.yianniskouros.com/index.htm

Happy Feet to Head,

Constance Karras :)

Thompson Congratulates Keizer: From One Dog to Another

Originally posted to the Dartmouth Ultra List
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Andrew Thompson, a.k.a "Traildog"

Congrats to Cave Dog!

I met Teddy in Vermont while scouting for my southbound AT hike & he was scouting for his LT southbound. I stumbled upon him above Clarendon gorge - the best swhimhole on the long Trail (near Killington peak). We became instant friends and I helped him a month later on his long Trail speed record - hiking with him about 75 of the last ninety miles. The section he traversed in Vermont on his 50-state challenge passed the place where the cop was $#c#%! his girl friend in the cruiser, which I posted on the list years ago.

Teddy's hiking/life philosophy has made a permanent mark on my own. We have different approaches to our individual challenges in terms of media and crews, but I believe he is the toughest hiker in the country - easily.

Traildog, NH

Happy Feet to Head,

Constance Karras :)

Ted Keizer Successfully Completes the "DuoFold 50 Challenge"

On Tuesday, November 29, 2005, Ted Keizer, 34, known to ultramarathoners, adventurehikers, and endurance athletes as "CaveDog," successfully completed a series of hikes across all fifty U.S. states in under three months.

Read all about Ted's "Duofold 50 Challenge" and much more about this remarkable, young man at his website:

http://www.thedogteam.com

Happy Feet to Head,

Constance Karras :)

Tell Us What You Hear...

Originally posted to the Dartmouth Ultra List
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Garett Graubins, Senior Editor
TrailRunner Magazine

Hello from the snowy Colorado high country -

Wherever you are, I hope you're running on dirt for me. It will be several months before my shoe treds hit dry ground.

I'm working on the next few "Overheard" sections from TrailRunner Magazine, and I figured there must be some doozy quotes out there. So let me throw this out there...what's the funniest or even most profound thing you've overheard on the trails, at an aid station, or at the finish/starting line, in the running stor[e], or even in the bedroom as you lace up your shoes in the early dawn darkness?

(If I use your quote, there could be a little schwag in it for ya!)

Thanks and enjoy the day!

Garett Graubins, Senior Editor
TrailRunner Magazine
ggraubins@bigstonepub.com
http://www.trailrunnermag.com

--Constance Karras :)

Colac's Field of Dreams

Colac’s Field of Dreams

20th Cliff Young Australian Six Day Race

20-26 November 2005

By Phil Essam


If ever a race committee were going to adopt a motto from a film for their particular race, the motto for the 2005 Cliff Young Australian Six Day Race would have to be taken from the immortal American Classic, “Field of Dreams” – “If you build it they will come”. This line was to become increasingly poignant as the drama of the race unfolded.

In the months and weeks leading up to this year’s race, the interest from prospective entrants was phenomenal with up to 39 runners indicating that they wanted to start the race. It was about three weeks prior that the great Greek-Australian Ultra runner, Yiannis Kouros indicated that he could attend and start the race. Yiannis is the Greatest Ultra runner to have ever lived and this changed the prospect of the race being a good event to being one of the greatest of all time. He was not to disappoint.

Race eve saw a majority of the runners in Colac and attending the reception that was put on by the Colac Otway Shire. Guest Speaker on the night was Tony Rafferty who enthralled the audience with some great and funny stories about previous races at Colac and around the world. Peter Gray, George Audley, Shaun Scanlon and Tony Rafferty all received certificates for their special contribution over the years in competing in ten or more Colac races. As this year’s Commentator/ Publicity Officer, it was good to have a personal chat with Tony, who related to me some of the previous publicity attracting occurrences that had occurred over the years.

Race day dawned and the track was ready to go. The race is held at Memorial Square in the township of Colac. It has to be one of the most picturesque venues in Australia with elm trees surrounding the track and a War Memorial in the middle. It was a beautiful blue skied day with slight cloud cover and southerly breeze, ideal for ultra running in every way possible. Thirty four runners started with Robyn Davies pulling out on the morning with a reoccurrence of heart/nerve problems and Carlos Machado from Brazil, missing in action!

It wasn’t long before Kouros, Hardel (France) and Okiyama (Japan) were racing together. Hardel had completed 900 plus kms earlier this year and Okiyama had recently run 400 plus kms over 48 hours. It appeared that the three form runners were testing and probing each other in the early stages. After four hours, it was still very close and Kouros only had a two lap lead on Hardel and Okiyama. Kouros had covered 48km in that time.

The first casualty was Deb DeWilliams having to withdraw when her crew’s father took seriously ill. Her crew, Alistair had helped Deb during her history making Round Australia Walk and it’s understandable that Alistair had become part of the family in that time.

All of the runners kept going through the Sunday night without much of a break. At 21 hours , Kouros had run 224km for an incredible 46km lead over Hardel and Dvoracek who were in the high 170’s. Garry Wise was the leading Australian with 149.2km and Dawn Parris was leading the women’s race with 118km. Jevvan McPhee had become the second scratching of the race having completed over 100km before deciding that multi-day racing wasn’t for him

At the end of the first day there was no doubt in anyone’s mind who was going to win, it was just a question of how far would he run and the winning margin. The person I am talking about is Yiannis Kouros. He had covered 254.4km, which was 9km further than he had done on the same track twenty one years ago when he set the World track record for six days. I believe this was the first indicator that a great event was unfolding. Dvoracek had moved into second place with over 200km on the first day and Hardel wasn’t much further back having also covered 200km. Kouros had done his job and broken any potential challengers.

The ever popular crowd favourite, Elvira Janosi from Hungary was the next withdrawal suffering a stomach upset in a reoccurrence of a complaint a few months earlier. It was a shame to see Elvira forced to stop.

Don McKechnie withdrew next with a shoulder injury. Don had developed a rather extreme lean after about 18 hours and it was sad to see him withdraw. Don came along to the race two years ago on a Saturday shopping trip from Camperdown. He stayed at the Square and helped crew for some runners. He was back the following year crewing for George Audley. Don decided that in 2005 he would have a go himself. He showed pure courage in the short time he was on the track and there were certainly a few wet eyes when he retired.

Late Monday evening saw another retirement. George Audley decided to call it a day realising that he had had enough and had nothing to prove any more. Is this George’s last Ultra race? He has certainly had a great career and we salute you for your contribution to the sport.

At 34 hours, Kouros had covered 323.6km and was on course to beat his own World 48hr age record of approximately 444km. Garry Wise had completed over 200km. The first indigenous Australian to compete in a six day race was also running an excellent race and pacing himself very well.

Tuesday morning dawned and it was certainly an eventful morning. Kouros at 42 hours had covered 384.8km. Second was Vlastimil Dvoracek with 289.2km. Vlastimil, from the Czech Republic, was having the race of his life. He doesn’t speak any English and three years earlier had struggled to get any help or assistance when he covered 630km. We were delighted when Ian McNamara (‘ABC Australia All Over’ fame) paid us a visit and showed interest in the race and it’s history.

Peter Gray was to become the first person to run 10,000km and was immediately bestowed with the unofficial title of “Mayor of Memorial Square”. This is a fantastic achievement for anyone.

The 48th hour saw World and Australian Records tumble like flies. Ken Matchett beat the previous World/Australian M80 record. He was also to demolish the 100 mile and 200km records held by the late Drew Kettle . Vlastik Skavril set a new World Record for the M65 48hrs when he added 7 kilometres to George Audley’s previous best. Dawn Parris set an Australian record in the W50 48hrs. Yiannis Kouros had a 48 hour total of 432.4km. Anything is possible!

Tuesday evening saw more records fall. Kouros beat Bryan Smith’s Australian M45 record for 500km. Bryan is the only other person to run 1000km here at Colac! Another omen, Kouros also exceeded his existing 500km World record by approximately two and a half hours. At half way Yiannis Kouros had covered 590.8km. The world record was definitely up for grabs.

David Jones retired on the Wednesday afternoon with a reoccurance of shin soreness. Although disappointed, David was pleased with his performance during the week.

At 78hr, Kouros was leading with 630.4km with Dvoracek second on 511.6km Katsuhiro Tanaka was 48 kilometres further back third with 463.6km. Dawn Parris was the leading woman with 376.4km. This stage of the race saw the “Battle of the Tasmanians”. Peter Hoskinson had 399.2km to Vlastik Skavril’s 393.2km.

One of the requirements is to complete a minimum distance for each 24 hour period. The two runners aged over 80 had to do a marathon each day, the 70 year olds had to do 50km and the remainder of the field, 65km. This alleviates people detracting from the races standard by entering and just doing 20kms a day. This makes for some interesting running in the hours before midday as some runners have to make an effort to reach their daily requirements. The closest runner was John Reidy on day four who made it with eight minutes to spare.

Just before midday on Thursday, Kouros had completed 732.4km with Dvoracek on 604.4km .

At approximately 2.30pm, the race stopped for seven minutes after a gas bottle caught fire in one of the tents. Quick thinking by a crew member prevented a major disaster as the bottle was kicked out onto the track. Committee members were soon on hand and runners were halted. The local Fire Brigade were soon on hand and the gas bottle was taken care of. Three runners became impatient and took a route off the track and then double backed. All in all the race suffered a seven minute delay. The three runners were later penalised a lap for disobeying the referee’s orders. Tempers frayed briefly before the matter was soon resolved.

Things were soon back in full swing and the committee had to consider what to do with the lost seven minutes. A check of the AURA and IAU rule books was undertaken and it was ascertained that there were no rules to cover such a contingency. Emails and phone calls were sent to all parts of Australia and the globe. Emailing IAU members in Europe during the day proved troublesome as it was, the middle of the night in Europe. We had to wait several hours for the responses to start coming in.

Kouros brought up 800km close to the 104th hour. His last 100km was two hours faster than the previous 100km. This is quite unusual.

The second last day dawned and it looked like being a warm one. During the day, Kouros started to look as though he was suffering, but was soon being helped by Tasmanian runner, Vlastik Skavril. Vlastik had suffered during the week with bronchitis but battled on relentlessly. Vlastik could see that Yiannis was having problems with the heat and soon gave up his ice vest for Yiannis to use. He was also running with Yiannis in a bid to keep him on track. It is sporting performances like these that makes our sport truly GREAT. Vlastik’s excellent sportsmanship, along with others such as Lindsay Phillips, was regularly witnessed over the next 36 hours.

We had several replies about the “seven minute” issue. The first two were from members of the IAU Arbitration Panel saying that we could extend the race by seven minutes. We went ahead and announced that the race would be extended. About two/three hours later we received another email from the IAU Chairman saying the race could not be extended under any circumstances. This email was sat on for a few hours as the Committee and myself all hoped that the seven minutes would not be crucial!

The battle of the Oldies was continuing with only 6km separating Stan Miskin from Ken Matchett in the M80 age group. Who would be on top at the end?

One runner who gave tirelessly to his fellow competitors was American, Andy Lovy. Andy is a qualified Osteopathic Surgeon and will always help any runners who need his assistance. This generous spirit helped quite a few get back onto the track.

Two areas that continue to shine through at each multi-day race that I am able to witness, is the importance of crewing and prior preparation before getting to the track. There are still quite a few runners that turn up at without any crew. Some of them seem to get by ok, whilst I’m sure others would be able to maximise their performance if they had a crew with them.. There was also a team of runners from overseas that only brought shoes with them that were half a size too big for the race. This was a correct strategy for when the feet swelled after a couple of days, but was to present all sorts of problems with the feet early on.

Three crew people that were able to help were “Mr Motivator” Mark Griffiths, “The Blister Gal”, Sandra Howorth and “The Stat’s Man”, Rudi Skrucany. They were crewing for Heather Kick , Andrew Lovy and Yiannis Kouros respectively but were to help many others during the course of the week.

The cool change arrived about 6.00pm on the Friday and it was appreciated by all the runners. Drama was to once again hit at 7.30pm that when a massive storm arrived. It started with the wind and rain taking out some of the available power and lifting the carpeted section on the main straight clear off the track. I stood on the carpet trying to keep it from blowing away and trying hard to prevent the barriers from falling on the runners and guiding the runners through without hurting themselves. Thanks to the people visiting that came and helped me out!

The rain and wind continued for a few minutes and then I heard a crack. I looked down and saw one of the huge Elm trees fall and land on the track. At the same time, I saw one of the tents go sailing into the middle of the Square. I couldn’t see anyone at that part of the course, but raced down and shouted to see if there was anyone there. At the same time the remaining power seemed to go off. I established that no one was hurt before a runner came around, I guided him to the outside and then back onto the track. For the next few minutes I kept on guiding the runners around the fallen tree.

I was joined by some others who proceeded to start clearing the tree off the track. These helpers weren’t just Committee members. Crew people turned up to help along with members of the public. After an hour’s hard work the track was open again and runners were back doing the 400m course. We were just so lucky that no one had been injured. It was then I remembered the famous 1985 New York race when Yiannis kept running during the tornado and set the six day road race record. This race was certainly going to have parallels with New York and the other great multi-day races of our time.

There was one injury during the storm. Peter Gray’s Mum, Norma was hit by some flying debris during the storm and required three stitches in the leg. She was found by GarryWwise who then bandaged her up before Peter appeared and helped. Norma was taken to hospital but was back at the track about three hours later.

The next few hours saw Yiannis continue his race towards perfection. Several runners were helping him, all sportsman of the highest calibre.

Kouros’s distances during the night:

Hour 130 – 954.8km
Hour 133 – 966.8km
Hour 134 – 974km
Hour 135 – 980.4km
Hour 136 – 988.8km
Hour 137 – 995.2km

It was about 6:20am when Yiannis brought up 1000km establishing a new World Age Record for M45 with a time of 5D 17:41:57. I was unsure wether he would have the fire to go for the overall World Six Day Record or be happy with the World Track Record. (I was also debating how to try and entice the Melbourne media as well – but as it turned out there aren’t many Melbourne journalists awake at six in the morning – Their Loss!) By nine o clock that morning, Yiannis had covered 1,016.0km.

The other runners were trying anything possible and legal to pick Kouros up. Andy Lovy was given a bright red and orange flame hat to wear around the track. Kouros went past him and Andy was believed to have said in a rather cheeky voice “Come on Yiannis, light my fire” Yiannis appreciated the moment greatly and picked up his pace even more. It was about this time that I was starting to worry about the lack of support at the Square. Was Yiannis going to create history in front of an empty Stadium? We weren’t to be disappointed!

It was shortly after 10am when two or three bus loads of the Greek community arrived and we knew that history was to be made. The atmosphere became electric as Yiannis first beat his World six day track record and pushed even more to the overall World Record. The other runners starting pushing their pace as well, especially Peter Hoskinson, Garry Wise, David Billett and Lindsay Phillips who were running with Yiannis. Hoskinson went through 700km and then Billett and Wise went through 600km.

At 5D 23:43, Yiannis broke the existing six day overall record. He didn’t stop though, but kept on going. A huge crowd had built up and TV cameras from WinNews had turned up to film this historic moment. The crowd were chanting “Kouros, Kouros, Kouros” each time the Legend came past.

Then before we knew it the count down to the end of was happening. It was 144 hours and history had been made at Memorial Square, Colac. 1,036.8km of pure history! Kouros was mobbed by some onlookers but order was soon restored. The crowd was to stay for the presentations which added to the atmosphere. Two hours later, the Square resembled a ghost town as runners and crews packed up to leave. I think everyone was in a state of shock. I still am and it’s six days since the race finished! I had been fortunate enough to witness two world record performances by the Greatest Ultra runner of our time.

Stan Miskin was to set a New World M80 six day record and may even take Ken Matchett’s 48hr/ 100 mile records set during the first two days (This will depend on a ruling from the IAU) Other national records were also broken during. Kjell-Ove Skogland set a new Swedish six day and 500km records along with Arun Bhardwaij with a new Indian six day mark. A full list of records will be calculated later and published once they have been ratified by AURA and the IAU.

All runners and walkers performed magnificently during the week and many achieved personal bests at various distances. They should all be congratulated. Australian Ultrarunning is alive and well. It’s going to go from strength to strength over the coming years.


OVERALL PROVISIONAL RESULTS



Place Name Total Km
1 KOUROS Yiannis 1036.80
2 DVORACEK Vlastimil 822.80
3 TANAKA Katsuhiro 814.40
4 OKIYAMA Kenji 708.00
5 HOSKINSON Peter 704.00
6 SKVARIL Vlastik 678.00
7 SKOGLUND Kjell-Ove 653.60
8 PARRIS Dawn (F) 640.00
9 BILLETT David 602.40
10 WISE Garry 600.40
11 KURODA Muneharu 589.20
12 BARNETT Sarah (F) 572.40
13 WRIGHT Eric 572.40
14 BHARDWAIJ Arun 556.40
15 PHILLIPS Lindsay 509.60
16 McKINLAY Brock 481.20
17 BEST Graeme 474.80
18 REIDY John 469.60
19 KICK Heather (F) 458.80
20 BLOOMER Brian 456.80
21 HARDEL Claude 454.80 -DNF
22 GRAY Peter 444.80
23 MISKIN Stan 429.60
24 MATCHETT ken 422.80
25 LOVY Andy 370.40
26 CLARKE Albert 344.80
27 JONES David 325.20 - DNF
28 SCANLON Shaun 324.40 -DNF
29 McGREGOR Ron 306.00 - DNF
30 AUDLEY George 150.80 - DNF
31 McPHEE Jevvan 104.00 -DNF
32 JANOSI Elvira (F) 100.80 -DNF
33 MACKECHNIE Don 90.40 - DNF
34 DeWILLIAMS Deborah (F) 24.00 -DNF


“People will come Ray, People will definitely come” – Field of Dreams.