From UR Calendar, UltraRunning Magazine, December 2005 issue:
Yukon Arctic Ultra Races
Whitehorse, Yukon
Saturday, February 11, 2006
6 a.m.
Follows the Yukon Quest trail in Canada's Yukon Territory. Considered one of the coldest and most difficult winter ultra events; competitors have a choice of covering the 100, 320 or 470-mile distances on foot, mountain bike or X-C skis. Three-day limit for 100 miles; eight day time limit for 320 miles; 13-day time limit for 470 miles. Expect arctic temperatures and strong winds. Mandatory gear is best transported in Pulk Sleds. Food and hot drinks provided at checkpoints. 100 miles: $800; 320 miles: $1,350; 470 miles: $2,150 before September 30, 2005.
Jay and Lisa Batchen, RDs
PO Box 921
Victor, ID 83455
(218) 787-2077
info@dreamchaserevents.com
http://www.arcticultra.de
Brooks in Like a Lion 24/12 Hour Races
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Saturday, March 11, 2006
11:00 a.m.
Newly built, indoor, 400-meter Mondo track. 1st annual. Fee-pre $145 to 155; Fee-post $170 after February 16. Brooks long-sleeve technical shirt, overall and age-group awards, draw prizes, post-race dinner, two aid stations, shower/change facilities, free parking.
Paula Burchat, RD
1334 Larose Ave.
Ottawa, ON Canada K 1Z 7X5
(613) 301-3131
paula@montgomerymassage.com
http://www.ncra-ottawa.com
--Constance Karras
Friday, January 06, 2006
Wisconsin TP Fat Ass Race Report & Results - 12/31/05
Originally posted to the Dartmouth Ultra List
by Mary Gorski
January 3, 2006
The following is a race report by Mary Gorski, an accomplished, veteran ultrarunner and member of one of the largest running clubs in the United States, the Badgerland Striders of Wisconsin, http://www.badgerlandstriders.org, several of whom get together annually for their "Wisconsin TP FA Run" that takes place in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, and is an informal, fun event to ring in the new year.
Mary and several fellow "Trail People" had a blast New Year's Eve, as she recalls:
The Wisconsin TPs (For those of you not in the know, "TP" in this case stands not just for toilet paper - a well-loved bathroom accessory - but for the "Trail People," an informal bunch of trail runners in southeastern Wisconsin)...
Anyhow, the TPs held their annual Fat Ass run on Saturday, December 31. For those whose bums were not in need of so much trimming, there was also a kinder, gentler, Fluffy Butt option. The FA was a 50K on snow-covered snowmobile trails in the Kettle Moraine State Forest and the FB was anything less than 50K in the same general vicinity.
Although there had been a lot of snow in December - at least in comparsion to our recent whimpy winters - the week between Christmas and New Year's saw Mother Nature suffering through another one of her hot flashes. Course planner Tom Bunk reported that the snowmobile trails were in great running condition and that it would be much easier going than last year, when a snowstorm littered the course with the white stuff the night before.
This year, we had "snow storm lite" - snow had fallen Friday night, but since it was teetering on the freezing mark, there wasn't nearly as much on the ground as expected. Skiers were still happy on their trails, runners were still happy on the snowmobilers' trails.
By 7 a.m., the warming house was filled with runners and their donated treats (it is tradition to bring enough food for after the run so that you can maintain your fat ass or fluffy butt). Off we headed down the road to the trail head. Predominately downhill, most runners at the beginning think it is only about a quarter to a half-mile until you are on the snow. Coming back, it's obvious that it is over a mile, uphill, and uphill again, until you come to a whimpering, exhausted halt back at the warming hut...or maybe that was just me.
Anyhow, we departed in small bunches, chatting with visitors. A couple of aliens from Illinois joined the TP ranks for the days, as well as some other Milwaukee-area runners who were new to the group. Thanks to the work of Tom and Lorraine Bunk, the trail was well marked with blaze-orange arrows in the snow. Lorraine is a fashion goddess who insists on good accessory coordination and she knew that most of us would be clad in blaze orange since we were traipsing through deer hunting territory. Normally the season is over by now, but there was a special hunt going on to trim the herd. We saw a few hunters, but not too many.
The fast kids out front included Craig Bunk, son of Tom and Lorraine. Craig is coming back aftter a nasty ankle sprain that kept him out of his running shoes for a month. Also blazing the trail for those of us in slower packs were Robert Wehner, Scott Meyers, Larry Hall, Ann Heaslett, Parker Rios, Tom Bunk and Ken Plumb. Christine Crawford was setting a tough pace as well, but her plan called for a 20-mile Fluffy Butt option, so we saw her head back to the cookies a little earlier than the rest of the front gang.
The Bunks, Beth Simpson and sidekick Larry Hall, were kind enough to stash supplies at two spots on the trail. My little group missed the first one, but on the way back we made up for it, digging into the junk food like a pack of alley dogs that hadn't seen food in days.
No one seemed to get lost, no one came back too bloodied and no one twisted or broke anything of significance. In the same areas as the Ice Age and Kettle Moraine courses, the snowmobile trails are kinder and gentler, and even with the snow, in most spots the footing was good. A few of us had traction devices with us, but they were rarely worn. The toughest sections were on the way back when temps warmed and snow in some areas turned brown and slippery.
Although it was informal, no shirts (as souvenirs - most of us did wear shirts), no awards fun run, Robert Wehner was kind enough to serve as time-keeper so that we could have results. The poor fellow had to run fast enough to come in ahead of the rest of us, allowing himself enough time to find a paper and pen. Well, faster than all but one - Craig Bunk, who blew through the course in 4:24. But he also had a task to get back for - setting up the goodie table. Those of us without such assignments could relax and take our time.
Overall, we had 25 Fat Ass finishers, along with a quite a few unrecorded Fluffy Butt runners. This is our highest finish rate in recent memory, which isn't saying much because few of us have much of a memory. But we all knew that it was a lot more than last year. John Rodee gets the prize for most miles run - not only did he do a full 50K (often dragging my sorry bum along the way) but then went out and ran the last finisher in, adding another hour-and-a-half on his feet before hitting the snack table.
The results from the Annual TP Fat Ass 50K:
Craig Bunk, 4:24 - OAW
Robert Wehner, 4:45
Scott Meyers, 5:00
Parker Rios, 5:08
Larry Hall, 5:28
Anne Heaslett, 5:30 - OAF
Tom Bunk, 5:30
Ken Plumb, 5:30
Lisa Conover, 5:55
Kathryn Dunn, 6:10
Mary Gorski, 6:10
John Rodee, 6:10
Gardar Middleton, 6:11
Matt Eberle, 6:32
Elizabeth Nachtwey, 6:32
Rick George, 6:37
Lorraine Bunk, 6:47
Steve Lynn, 6:53
Beth Simpson, 6:55
Ken Turek, 6:55
Brad Drake, 6:55
Carol Schelling, 6:57
Susan Canavello, 7:25
Lynn Karner, 7:25
Kris Hinrichs, 7:40
HAPPY NEW YEAR from Wisconsin!
Mary Gorski
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
--Constance Karras
by Mary Gorski
January 3, 2006
The following is a race report by Mary Gorski, an accomplished, veteran ultrarunner and member of one of the largest running clubs in the United States, the Badgerland Striders of Wisconsin, http://www.badgerlandstriders.org, several of whom get together annually for their "Wisconsin TP FA Run" that takes place in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, and is an informal, fun event to ring in the new year.
Mary and several fellow "Trail People" had a blast New Year's Eve, as she recalls:
The Wisconsin TPs (For those of you not in the know, "TP" in this case stands not just for toilet paper - a well-loved bathroom accessory - but for the "Trail People," an informal bunch of trail runners in southeastern Wisconsin)...
Anyhow, the TPs held their annual Fat Ass run on Saturday, December 31. For those whose bums were not in need of so much trimming, there was also a kinder, gentler, Fluffy Butt option. The FA was a 50K on snow-covered snowmobile trails in the Kettle Moraine State Forest and the FB was anything less than 50K in the same general vicinity.
Although there had been a lot of snow in December - at least in comparsion to our recent whimpy winters - the week between Christmas and New Year's saw Mother Nature suffering through another one of her hot flashes. Course planner Tom Bunk reported that the snowmobile trails were in great running condition and that it would be much easier going than last year, when a snowstorm littered the course with the white stuff the night before.
This year, we had "snow storm lite" - snow had fallen Friday night, but since it was teetering on the freezing mark, there wasn't nearly as much on the ground as expected. Skiers were still happy on their trails, runners were still happy on the snowmobilers' trails.
By 7 a.m., the warming house was filled with runners and their donated treats (it is tradition to bring enough food for after the run so that you can maintain your fat ass or fluffy butt). Off we headed down the road to the trail head. Predominately downhill, most runners at the beginning think it is only about a quarter to a half-mile until you are on the snow. Coming back, it's obvious that it is over a mile, uphill, and uphill again, until you come to a whimpering, exhausted halt back at the warming hut...or maybe that was just me.
Anyhow, we departed in small bunches, chatting with visitors. A couple of aliens from Illinois joined the TP ranks for the days, as well as some other Milwaukee-area runners who were new to the group. Thanks to the work of Tom and Lorraine Bunk, the trail was well marked with blaze-orange arrows in the snow. Lorraine is a fashion goddess who insists on good accessory coordination and she knew that most of us would be clad in blaze orange since we were traipsing through deer hunting territory. Normally the season is over by now, but there was a special hunt going on to trim the herd. We saw a few hunters, but not too many.
The fast kids out front included Craig Bunk, son of Tom and Lorraine. Craig is coming back aftter a nasty ankle sprain that kept him out of his running shoes for a month. Also blazing the trail for those of us in slower packs were Robert Wehner, Scott Meyers, Larry Hall, Ann Heaslett, Parker Rios, Tom Bunk and Ken Plumb. Christine Crawford was setting a tough pace as well, but her plan called for a 20-mile Fluffy Butt option, so we saw her head back to the cookies a little earlier than the rest of the front gang.
The Bunks, Beth Simpson and sidekick Larry Hall, were kind enough to stash supplies at two spots on the trail. My little group missed the first one, but on the way back we made up for it, digging into the junk food like a pack of alley dogs that hadn't seen food in days.
No one seemed to get lost, no one came back too bloodied and no one twisted or broke anything of significance. In the same areas as the Ice Age and Kettle Moraine courses, the snowmobile trails are kinder and gentler, and even with the snow, in most spots the footing was good. A few of us had traction devices with us, but they were rarely worn. The toughest sections were on the way back when temps warmed and snow in some areas turned brown and slippery.
Although it was informal, no shirts (as souvenirs - most of us did wear shirts), no awards fun run, Robert Wehner was kind enough to serve as time-keeper so that we could have results. The poor fellow had to run fast enough to come in ahead of the rest of us, allowing himself enough time to find a paper and pen. Well, faster than all but one - Craig Bunk, who blew through the course in 4:24. But he also had a task to get back for - setting up the goodie table. Those of us without such assignments could relax and take our time.
Overall, we had 25 Fat Ass finishers, along with a quite a few unrecorded Fluffy Butt runners. This is our highest finish rate in recent memory, which isn't saying much because few of us have much of a memory. But we all knew that it was a lot more than last year. John Rodee gets the prize for most miles run - not only did he do a full 50K (often dragging my sorry bum along the way) but then went out and ran the last finisher in, adding another hour-and-a-half on his feet before hitting the snack table.
The results from the Annual TP Fat Ass 50K:
Craig Bunk, 4:24 - OAW
Robert Wehner, 4:45
Scott Meyers, 5:00
Parker Rios, 5:08
Larry Hall, 5:28
Anne Heaslett, 5:30 - OAF
Tom Bunk, 5:30
Ken Plumb, 5:30
Lisa Conover, 5:55
Kathryn Dunn, 6:10
Mary Gorski, 6:10
John Rodee, 6:10
Gardar Middleton, 6:11
Matt Eberle, 6:32
Elizabeth Nachtwey, 6:32
Rick George, 6:37
Lorraine Bunk, 6:47
Steve Lynn, 6:53
Beth Simpson, 6:55
Ken Turek, 6:55
Brad Drake, 6:55
Carol Schelling, 6:57
Susan Canavello, 7:25
Lynn Karner, 7:25
Kris Hinrichs, 7:40
HAPPY NEW YEAR from Wisconsin!
Mary Gorski
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
--Constance Karras
2006 Carl Touchstone Mississippi 50 Trail Run Cancelled
Originally posted to the Dartmouth Ultra List
by Dennis Risnette, RD
January 2, 2006
It is with regret that we find it necessary to cancel this year's Carl Touchstone Mississippi 50 Trail Run. We have been in constant contact with the United States Forst Service in our area regarding the trail since Hurricane Katrina. The Desoto National Forest trail on which the run is conducted suffered extensive damage and has not openend to this date. Despite great effort by Rangers in our area and those from many other areas they can not predict a date when the trail may open, at this time. Many trees are down and will be removed by contractors ASAP. Other overhanging dead limbs represent falling hazard which will only be removed by time and mother nature.
With the lag time of organizing the run, acquiring shirts, trophies and all of the supplies necessary to give all participants the event they have come to expect from the Mississippi 50 we simply can not put this event on until we are assured the trail will be open. Unfortunately, like most damage from this Hurricane, timing is not in anyone's control.
To give those of you who have no idea what happened, except in New Orleans, roofers are backlogged 5 years. Desoto Forest lost 50 to 60% of trees in some areas and everything within about 1/2 mile of the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Harrison and Hancock counties is simply gone.
We will return on the second Saturday of March 2007 and have our best event ever.
Those who have registered will receive a full refund including any fees Active.com charged.
Check http://www.webpages.charter.net/jnparker/om50.html for a good race in March in Birmingham.
Regretfully, for our entire Race Committee,
Dennis Bisnette
Race Director
--Constance Karras
by Dennis Risnette, RD
January 2, 2006
It is with regret that we find it necessary to cancel this year's Carl Touchstone Mississippi 50 Trail Run. We have been in constant contact with the United States Forst Service in our area regarding the trail since Hurricane Katrina. The Desoto National Forest trail on which the run is conducted suffered extensive damage and has not openend to this date. Despite great effort by Rangers in our area and those from many other areas they can not predict a date when the trail may open, at this time. Many trees are down and will be removed by contractors ASAP. Other overhanging dead limbs represent falling hazard which will only be removed by time and mother nature.
With the lag time of organizing the run, acquiring shirts, trophies and all of the supplies necessary to give all participants the event they have come to expect from the Mississippi 50 we simply can not put this event on until we are assured the trail will be open. Unfortunately, like most damage from this Hurricane, timing is not in anyone's control.
To give those of you who have no idea what happened, except in New Orleans, roofers are backlogged 5 years. Desoto Forest lost 50 to 60% of trees in some areas and everything within about 1/2 mile of the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Harrison and Hancock counties is simply gone.
We will return on the second Saturday of March 2007 and have our best event ever.
Those who have registered will receive a full refund including any fees Active.com charged.
Check http://www.webpages.charter.net/jnparker/om50.html for a good race in March in Birmingham.
Regretfully, for our entire Race Committee,
Dennis Bisnette
Race Director
--Constance Karras
Team Slug International Fattest Butt 50K 2006 Results
The 16th Annual Team Slug International Fattest Butt 50K+, held on New Year's Day on some of the finest trails in Central Delaware, kicked off the TSI season.
From the TSI website:
"Fattest Butt 2006 Runs off course: Gloria repeats, Da Mudd-Stomper lays back for Crazy Horse; and Koch + Bursler run rampant! It was a Very Good Day in the Slug-World!"
Winners:
Rainer Koch, DeHelboch, Germany 4:48 - tied for 1st
Dave Bursler, Bear, DE 4:48 - tied for 1st
Gloria Callahan, Alexandria, VA 7:15 - OAF
For full results and a race report on this exciting event:
http://www.teamslug.com
--Constance Karras
From the TSI website:
"Fattest Butt 2006 Runs off course: Gloria repeats, Da Mudd-Stomper lays back for Crazy Horse; and Koch + Bursler run rampant! It was a Very Good Day in the Slug-World!"
Winners:
Rainer Koch, DeHelboch, Germany 4:48 - tied for 1st
Dave Bursler, Bear, DE 4:48 - tied for 1st
Gloria Callahan, Alexandria, VA 7:15 - OAF
For full results and a race report on this exciting event:
http://www.teamslug.com
--Constance Karras
Buffalo run 50km
Just a reminder that the Antelope Island Buffalo Run 50k is on March 18th. So far I have 24 entries and they continue to steadily come in. The limit is 150, and I'm hoping to either come close or fill it.
We are going to be one of the first races on the 2006 TrailRunner Trophy Series, so this is a good way to get started on building those points.
We're providing men's AND women's style technical shirts for entries and 50k finishers.
If it's too early in the season to run a 50k, we also have a 25k race at the same time.
Camping is available for $2 on Friday night or there's plenty of hotels within 10 miles of the island.
Check out the website at www.buffalorun.org. It has a few pretty pictures, the entry form, and other pertinent info.
Thanks, and hope to see you here.
--
Jim Skaggs
Layton, UT
RD Antelope Island Buffalo Run
We are going to be one of the first races on the 2006 TrailRunner Trophy Series, so this is a good way to get started on building those points.
We're providing men's AND women's style technical shirts for entries and 50k finishers.
If it's too early in the season to run a 50k, we also have a 25k race at the same time.
Camping is available for $2 on Friday night or there's plenty of hotels within 10 miles of the island.
Check out the website at www.buffalorun.org. It has a few pretty pictures, the entry form, and other pertinent info.
Thanks, and hope to see you here.
--
Jim Skaggs
Layton, UT
RD Antelope Island Buffalo Run
Black Warrior 50km
Black Warrior 50K
February 25, 2006 @ 7:00am
Starting at the Brushy Creek Campground in Bankhead National Forrest,
Moulton, AL
Mainly single track horse trails with about 4 miles of gravel road. No
major hills. Very scenic. Nine hour time limit.
webpage-www.firstplaceathletics.com/blackwarrior50k.htm
Keith Hallmark - email-kch@calhoun.edu
Steve Cipelle - 256-412-4689, Jay Baxter - 256-303-1948 Thanks, Keith
Hallmark
February 25, 2006 @ 7:00am
Starting at the Brushy Creek Campground in Bankhead National Forrest,
Moulton, AL
Mainly single track horse trails with about 4 miles of gravel road. No
major hills. Very scenic. Nine hour time limit.
webpage-www.firstplaceathletics.com/blackwarrior50k.htm
Keith Hallmark - email-kch@calhoun.edu
Steve Cipelle - 256-412-4689, Jay Baxter - 256-303-1948 Thanks, Keith
Hallmark
Thursday, January 05, 2006
RECORD FIELD TO TACKLE BOGONG TO HOTHAM
MEDIA RELEASE
A record field of more than 50 runners will line up this Sunday to compete in
one of Australia’s toughest endurance events – the Bogong to Hotham trail
run.
The gruelling 64km event, otherwise known as the ‘Rooftop Run’, traverses
some of the steepest and most rugged terrain in Victoria.
From the start at the base of Mt Bogong, across the Bogong High Plains to
the finish at the summit of Mt Hotham, the course gains about 3000m in
altitude and loses 2000m.
The route normally takes bushwalkers up to a week to walk, but the leading
runners will complete the course in less than 8 hours.
The race record of 6 hours 41 minutes could be under threat this year, with
former national representative Magnus Michelsson competing in the event.
Michelsson is coy about his chances, saying he is only about a 30% chance
of competing the full distance, but the former Australian Marathon Champion
is a good chance if he goes the distance.
The 2006 race will be the 21st running of the Rooftop Run, which was started
in 1984.
It is made possible with the generous support of volunteers from the Twin
Cities Radio & Electronics Club.
For further information, contact John Lindsay on 0419 103 928
A record field of more than 50 runners will line up this Sunday to compete in
one of Australia’s toughest endurance events – the Bogong to Hotham trail
run.
The gruelling 64km event, otherwise known as the ‘Rooftop Run’, traverses
some of the steepest and most rugged terrain in Victoria.
From the start at the base of Mt Bogong, across the Bogong High Plains to
the finish at the summit of Mt Hotham, the course gains about 3000m in
altitude and loses 2000m.
The route normally takes bushwalkers up to a week to walk, but the leading
runners will complete the course in less than 8 hours.
The race record of 6 hours 41 minutes could be under threat this year, with
former national representative Magnus Michelsson competing in the event.
Michelsson is coy about his chances, saying he is only about a 30% chance
of competing the full distance, but the former Australian Marathon Champion
is a good chance if he goes the distance.
The 2006 race will be the 21st running of the Rooftop Run, which was started
in 1984.
It is made possible with the generous support of volunteers from the Twin
Cities Radio & Electronics Club.
For further information, contact John Lindsay on 0419 103 928
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Crewing article
CREWING AND PREPARITION – VITAL INGREDIANTS FOR EVER ULTRA TRACK RUNNER
“Prior Preparation prevents poor performance” – This quote has been bandied around in work cultures and environments for the twenty-six years of my working life. The Five P’s can also be applied to ultra running in all contexts and types.
Over the last few years I have seen quite a few ultra runners not perform at their BEST because they have not had a crew to assist them and they have not planned on how to run their race prior to the Starters Gun going off. This is a shame as they are only cheating themselves. On the other side of the coin – I have seen many competitors perform at their best because they did have a crew and they did plan prior to the start.
I do not claim to know everything about crewing and planning, but I would like to share some of the things that I have learnt over the years with the wider Ultra community. The ideas may not work for everyone. These ideas may lead to the exchange of other crewing and planning ideas. This can only be good for the sport. I invite others to publish their ideas in writing for others to read.
Any reference to males in this article also refers to females.
CREWING AT TRACK RACES
By track races I refer to any Ultra races held on a certified 400-metre track. These can range from 50 kilometres through to 1000 miles.
Most races in this day and age will provide a water drinks table by the track. Unfortunately there is more to crewing than providing water for the runner every fifteen minutes. Here are some areas that I feel need to be considered. Whilst preparing yourself for crewing at a track race.
· What does the runner want to achieve? What is his plan for various stages of the race and what’s the alternative plans if the race doesn’t go to plan. (Discuss this with your runner prior to race day)
· What does your runner like to eat and drink during a race? Remember if this is your runner’s first ultra he might have to educated in the “little and often” principle
· Time and location of the race
· Any specific rules for the race? The crew can get the runner into trouble by not compiling with the rules
· The crew should be aware that the weather can change several times during a race and take extra clothes to be ready for a weather change
· Can the crew get something to eat during the race?
· If the runner is running to a strict plan and wants his crew keeping an eye on the lap times, you might want to consider getting a second crew member. It is impossible to feed, drink, motivate your runner and record their lap times at the same time.
· Shelter for the crew during a race. Consider taking a tent. It helps to keep the crew warm, keeps the runners spare clothing dry, food and drink dry and the runner can have a rest if necessary.
· Has the runner got a basic first aid kit to bring? Even if there is First Aid at the race, the runner should consider bringing his own supplies. These supplies include Vaseline, sports tape, icepacks, sunburn cream etc
· Get to the race at least an hour before it is due to start. This helps to have the crew area and runner organised before the start. Everything in the crew area should have a place. Two minutes isn’t long to prepare a half strength drink, get half a dozen jellybeans and get the favourite Nike shirt for the runner.
· Consider hygiene. Have something in place to keep bowls and bottles clean during the race.
· Consider other runners when passing food and drink to your runner. Causing accidents on the track is not a good move.
· Talk to the crews that are close to you on the track. Track ultras can be a very sociable occasion
· If you have to leave the track for any reason let your runner know where you will be and how long you will be. If necessary leave some drinks and food out on the table for him
· If your runner comes off for any breaks it is imperative that you keep him warm. Body heat can be lost very quickly – especially of a nighttime! Make sure that the runner layers with extra clothing as well during the night.
CREWING AT MULTI DAY TRACK RACES
Along with the above information the following should be considered for a Multi-day race:
Planning is even more important in a multi-day race. The runner should have several plans and the crew should know them and have access to them as well.
The ideal crew size in a multi-day is at least two or three people. A single person crew for a multi-day Ultra is only going to be able to function properly for 18 hours a day at the most. A single crew will start to make mistakes after 2/3 days which can effect the runner. It was two years ago at Colac when I was crewing for a Journeyman who was struggling to make the cut-off for the day. I made some calculations and told him what his target was. One hour later I rechecked my calculations and realised that he had another nine laps to complete his target. I was very lucky that the runner concerned took the “bad news” in his stride and got on with the job!
Your runner will have sleep breaks in his plan. Make sure he takes them and make sure that he doesn’t sleep in past the allowed breaks off the track. This could mean that the runner is disqualified from the race.
The race will probably provide some food and drink. This along with the food and drink that the runner brings should provide for his dietary needs. But be prepared at nine o clock at night when your runner runs past and asks for fish and chips along with a double malt milkshake. This is when you need to know the location of every fast food shop in the town before the race starts. It’s also a good idea to know the location of the supermarkets and laundrette in the town.
Look after your own health and welfare during the race. Apart from sleep, make sure that you have regular meals, some clean clothes and look after your feet as well. A crew person with blisters wont be any good to anyone!
TACTICS AND PSYCHOLOGY
Tactics and psychology are a very important part of ultra running. The successful ultra runner must have a good grasp on successful tactics and a good crewmember must be able to use tactics at the same time. The crew person must know when to use a tactical ploy to motivate his runner out of the doldrums or into a winning position. A word of warning though – the crewmember must know the runner he is looking after.
I don’t think that ultra tactics can be listed in an article as such. They have to be witnessed at an ultra first hand. Ultras have often been described as a human chess match with the placegetters battling it out, every runner pushing towards a personal best and even the last two places battling it out so they don’t get last in the event. One of the best ways to pick up on tactics is to go to and watch a couple of track ultras from start to finish and watch the battles and tactics that are employed throughout the race.
SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
This list can be endless. Here are a few of my suggestions:
Tent
Table
Chairs
Drink esky and food esky. More eskies the better for multi day events
Ice packs and ice
Food and drink for runner
Food and drink for crew
Camping stove and gas bottle (if no cooking or hot drink facilities at race)
Clothes and shoes for runner
Spare clothes for crew
Sleeping bag and blankets (crew and runner)
Basic first aid kit (blister treatment, headaches, multi vitamins, sunburn treatment)
Bucket for cleaning
Bucket for ice treatment
Towels
Cutlery and crockery
Music for runner and crew
Torch for night time
Hammock and bed for resting
Clipboard, pens and calculator
Shade cloth for food and drink if no protection in heat of day
Pegs to hang wet clothes up to dry
Favourite book for the crew
Plastic water bottles for drinks. (The tomato sauce squeezy bottles are my favourite)
Spray bottle for hot days.
Big alarm clock for multi day races
As I said the list is endless and I’m sure people will suggest plenty of other necessary items for Track ultras.
CONCLUSION
No one has all the answers in ultra running. This article certainly won’t provide all the answers to the crewing aspect of ultra track races. But I hope that it is used as a springboard for future discussion on the subject or it is used by a runner making his debut into ultra running. We might not be a professional sport as such, but we can still approach our sport in a professional manner and make sure that we all do the best we can at each race. If the crew side of the house can be organised and prepared properly prior to the race it will go along way to ensuring a successful race for the runner.
Phil Essam
February 2005
“Prior Preparation prevents poor performance” – This quote has been bandied around in work cultures and environments for the twenty-six years of my working life. The Five P’s can also be applied to ultra running in all contexts and types.
Over the last few years I have seen quite a few ultra runners not perform at their BEST because they have not had a crew to assist them and they have not planned on how to run their race prior to the Starters Gun going off. This is a shame as they are only cheating themselves. On the other side of the coin – I have seen many competitors perform at their best because they did have a crew and they did plan prior to the start.
I do not claim to know everything about crewing and planning, but I would like to share some of the things that I have learnt over the years with the wider Ultra community. The ideas may not work for everyone. These ideas may lead to the exchange of other crewing and planning ideas. This can only be good for the sport. I invite others to publish their ideas in writing for others to read.
Any reference to males in this article also refers to females.
CREWING AT TRACK RACES
By track races I refer to any Ultra races held on a certified 400-metre track. These can range from 50 kilometres through to 1000 miles.
Most races in this day and age will provide a water drinks table by the track. Unfortunately there is more to crewing than providing water for the runner every fifteen minutes. Here are some areas that I feel need to be considered. Whilst preparing yourself for crewing at a track race.
· What does the runner want to achieve? What is his plan for various stages of the race and what’s the alternative plans if the race doesn’t go to plan. (Discuss this with your runner prior to race day)
· What does your runner like to eat and drink during a race? Remember if this is your runner’s first ultra he might have to educated in the “little and often” principle
· Time and location of the race
· Any specific rules for the race? The crew can get the runner into trouble by not compiling with the rules
· The crew should be aware that the weather can change several times during a race and take extra clothes to be ready for a weather change
· Can the crew get something to eat during the race?
· If the runner is running to a strict plan and wants his crew keeping an eye on the lap times, you might want to consider getting a second crew member. It is impossible to feed, drink, motivate your runner and record their lap times at the same time.
· Shelter for the crew during a race. Consider taking a tent. It helps to keep the crew warm, keeps the runners spare clothing dry, food and drink dry and the runner can have a rest if necessary.
· Has the runner got a basic first aid kit to bring? Even if there is First Aid at the race, the runner should consider bringing his own supplies. These supplies include Vaseline, sports tape, icepacks, sunburn cream etc
· Get to the race at least an hour before it is due to start. This helps to have the crew area and runner organised before the start. Everything in the crew area should have a place. Two minutes isn’t long to prepare a half strength drink, get half a dozen jellybeans and get the favourite Nike shirt for the runner.
· Consider hygiene. Have something in place to keep bowls and bottles clean during the race.
· Consider other runners when passing food and drink to your runner. Causing accidents on the track is not a good move.
· Talk to the crews that are close to you on the track. Track ultras can be a very sociable occasion
· If you have to leave the track for any reason let your runner know where you will be and how long you will be. If necessary leave some drinks and food out on the table for him
· If your runner comes off for any breaks it is imperative that you keep him warm. Body heat can be lost very quickly – especially of a nighttime! Make sure that the runner layers with extra clothing as well during the night.
CREWING AT MULTI DAY TRACK RACES
Along with the above information the following should be considered for a Multi-day race:
Planning is even more important in a multi-day race. The runner should have several plans and the crew should know them and have access to them as well.
The ideal crew size in a multi-day is at least two or three people. A single person crew for a multi-day Ultra is only going to be able to function properly for 18 hours a day at the most. A single crew will start to make mistakes after 2/3 days which can effect the runner. It was two years ago at Colac when I was crewing for a Journeyman who was struggling to make the cut-off for the day. I made some calculations and told him what his target was. One hour later I rechecked my calculations and realised that he had another nine laps to complete his target. I was very lucky that the runner concerned took the “bad news” in his stride and got on with the job!
Your runner will have sleep breaks in his plan. Make sure he takes them and make sure that he doesn’t sleep in past the allowed breaks off the track. This could mean that the runner is disqualified from the race.
The race will probably provide some food and drink. This along with the food and drink that the runner brings should provide for his dietary needs. But be prepared at nine o clock at night when your runner runs past and asks for fish and chips along with a double malt milkshake. This is when you need to know the location of every fast food shop in the town before the race starts. It’s also a good idea to know the location of the supermarkets and laundrette in the town.
Look after your own health and welfare during the race. Apart from sleep, make sure that you have regular meals, some clean clothes and look after your feet as well. A crew person with blisters wont be any good to anyone!
TACTICS AND PSYCHOLOGY
Tactics and psychology are a very important part of ultra running. The successful ultra runner must have a good grasp on successful tactics and a good crewmember must be able to use tactics at the same time. The crew person must know when to use a tactical ploy to motivate his runner out of the doldrums or into a winning position. A word of warning though – the crewmember must know the runner he is looking after.
I don’t think that ultra tactics can be listed in an article as such. They have to be witnessed at an ultra first hand. Ultras have often been described as a human chess match with the placegetters battling it out, every runner pushing towards a personal best and even the last two places battling it out so they don’t get last in the event. One of the best ways to pick up on tactics is to go to and watch a couple of track ultras from start to finish and watch the battles and tactics that are employed throughout the race.
SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
This list can be endless. Here are a few of my suggestions:
Tent
Table
Chairs
Drink esky and food esky. More eskies the better for multi day events
Ice packs and ice
Food and drink for runner
Food and drink for crew
Camping stove and gas bottle (if no cooking or hot drink facilities at race)
Clothes and shoes for runner
Spare clothes for crew
Sleeping bag and blankets (crew and runner)
Basic first aid kit (blister treatment, headaches, multi vitamins, sunburn treatment)
Bucket for cleaning
Bucket for ice treatment
Towels
Cutlery and crockery
Music for runner and crew
Torch for night time
Hammock and bed for resting
Clipboard, pens and calculator
Shade cloth for food and drink if no protection in heat of day
Pegs to hang wet clothes up to dry
Favourite book for the crew
Plastic water bottles for drinks. (The tomato sauce squeezy bottles are my favourite)
Spray bottle for hot days.
Big alarm clock for multi day races
As I said the list is endless and I’m sure people will suggest plenty of other necessary items for Track ultras.
CONCLUSION
No one has all the answers in ultra running. This article certainly won’t provide all the answers to the crewing aspect of ultra track races. But I hope that it is used as a springboard for future discussion on the subject or it is used by a runner making his debut into ultra running. We might not be a professional sport as such, but we can still approach our sport in a professional manner and make sure that we all do the best we can at each race. If the crew side of the house can be organised and prepared properly prior to the race it will go along way to ensuring a successful race for the runner.
Phil Essam
February 2005
Across the Years - Postive Feedback
I, as lots of other people in the ultra world have been following the progress of the Across the Years race that recently completed in Arizona. As an ex-webmaster of another multi-day race, I would like to congratulate them all on the Great standard of the website. Im in awe of how they managed to achieve the results every hour, keeping the webcam up and running and getting the photos up. (Im still trying to download the Colac photos!). I think whilst races like Arizona push the boundaries with the website development it will only lead to more people following the sport and more people taking part in the sport. Well done to the ATY team.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Hyponatremia Study
A free-access, online study published by The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) is available at:
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/102/51/18550
and is entitled, ""Three Independent Biological Mechanisms Cause Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia: Evidence from 2,135 Weighed Competitive Athletic Performances," T.D., Noakes, K. Sharwood, D. Speedy, T. Hew, S. Reid, J. Dugas, C. Almond, P. Wharam, and L. Weschler, PNAS, December 20, 2005, vol. 102, no. 51, 18550-18555.
Exercise-associated hyponatremia, which results when the serum concentration of sodium (Na+) is abnormally low, has been the topic of heated discussions in recent years, since prior to the early 1980s, the phenomenon was virtually non-existent.
What accounts for this? The study states, "There are no reports of EAH before 1981 when athletes were advised to avoid drinking during exercise." Incidentally, I remember being told by Marine Corps drill instructors in the late 80s to drink to the point of nausea to prevent dehydration. My platoon still suffered casualties during extremely long forced marches, even in mild temperatures. Dehydration? Or hyponatremia? We'll probably never know.
Not only has the U.S. Military repositioned its stance on the efficacy of drinking while exercising, this PNAS study makes the same recommendation.
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with this study? Let us know at World Ultra News. We'd love to hear your comments.
(The World Ultra News Team takes no position with respect to this study's results and posts study links for the sole purpose of informing the public and hearing your opinions).
--Constance Karras
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/102/51/18550
and is entitled, ""Three Independent Biological Mechanisms Cause Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia: Evidence from 2,135 Weighed Competitive Athletic Performances," T.D., Noakes, K. Sharwood, D. Speedy, T. Hew, S. Reid, J. Dugas, C. Almond, P. Wharam, and L. Weschler, PNAS, December 20, 2005, vol. 102, no. 51, 18550-18555.
Exercise-associated hyponatremia, which results when the serum concentration of sodium (Na+) is abnormally low, has been the topic of heated discussions in recent years, since prior to the early 1980s, the phenomenon was virtually non-existent.
What accounts for this? The study states, "There are no reports of EAH before 1981 when athletes were advised to avoid drinking during exercise." Incidentally, I remember being told by Marine Corps drill instructors in the late 80s to drink to the point of nausea to prevent dehydration. My platoon still suffered casualties during extremely long forced marches, even in mild temperatures. Dehydration? Or hyponatremia? We'll probably never know.
Not only has the U.S. Military repositioned its stance on the efficacy of drinking while exercising, this PNAS study makes the same recommendation.
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with this study? Let us know at World Ultra News. We'd love to hear your comments.
(The World Ultra News Team takes no position with respect to this study's results and posts study links for the sole purpose of informing the public and hearing your opinions).
--Constance Karras
Badwater Apps Acccepted January 5 - 24, 2006
Applications for the 29th Annual Kiehl's 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon will be accepted January 5 - 24, 2006.
Entrants aren't informed of the entry fee, which is $395, until they submit the online application.
For details, go to http:www.badwater.org
--Constance Karras
Entrants aren't informed of the entry fee, which is $395, until they submit the online application.
For details, go to http:www.badwater.org
--Constance Karras
Monday, January 02, 2006
14 Day race in South Africa
We would like to hold a 14 day race at the Randburg Sports Stadium from 25 March to 1 April 2006. The last six days will coincide with the annual Six Day Race held in Randburg every year.
The planned entry fee is R1000 and we would need a minimum of 10 entries to cover costs. This would include a special trophy for all competitors.
There would probably be recognition for different distances. 750 km for Bronze, 1000 kms for Silver and 1250 kms for Gold for Runners. For Walkers 500, 750 and 1000 kms. We would need a commitment from at least 10 competitors by the middle of January to continue with this event. We do not expect the full payment by then.
If you, or anybody you know, is interested in this event please let us know. We would also be interested if you can help with the event in any way including financial.
You can contact me, Brian Collings, My email address is ultrarunner@mindless.com
The planned entry fee is R1000 and we would need a minimum of 10 entries to cover costs. This would include a special trophy for all competitors.
There would probably be recognition for different distances. 750 km for Bronze, 1000 kms for Silver and 1250 kms for Gold for Runners. For Walkers 500, 750 and 1000 kms. We would need a commitment from at least 10 competitors by the middle of January to continue with this event. We do not expect the full payment by then.
If you, or anybody you know, is interested in this event please let us know. We would also be interested if you can help with the event in any way including financial.
You can contact me, Brian Collings, My email address is ultrarunner@mindless.com
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Mansfield to Mt Buller 50km
Just a quick reminder of the upcoming Mansfield to Mount Buller summit 50km road race on january 22nd.One of the true classics since 1991, this course has numerous undulations with the final 16km climb up the mountain being a test and a half. Plent yof aid and assitance is provided on the course, so all you need to do is bring yourself and a pair of running shoes.An excellent day is always had by all so check out the website at www.ultraoz.com/mtbuller [although it is a bit outdated!!].Race organiser is Peter Armistead on 03 9781 4305
Further information on Dead Sea Ultramarathon and other Events
Greeting Phil,
I would like to thank for your fast reply, your support and generous offer, what u have offered us is great and wonderful, our race will take place on Friday April the 7th 2006
48.7 km, 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 4.2 km. Our run is national and international, we welcome every one that likes to join us, and it is one of its kind (unique), adding our marathon website will be great www.deadseamarathon.com.
Happy blessed holiday
Thank you
Maryana Abbasi
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.see-jordan.com
I would like to thank for your fast reply, your support and generous offer, what u have offered us is great and wonderful, our race will take place on Friday April the 7th 2006
48.7 km, 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 4.2 km. Our run is national and international, we welcome every one that likes to join us, and it is one of its kind (unique), adding our marathon website will be great www.deadseamarathon.com.
Happy blessed holiday
Thank you
Maryana Abbasi
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.see-jordan.com
Some Coming up races in the US
Sat, Mar 25, 2006
Oak Mountain 50K
Birmingham, AL 7:00 a.m.
Rugged single track trail with no repeats, aid at 4-6 mile intervals,
about 4,000 ft. elevation change. Time limit: 9 hr. Field limit: 150.
7th Annual. Fee-pre $30 with shirt, $22 without; Fee-post $No entry
after 3/21/06. Amenities: Finisher awards and post-race cookout. Scott
Parker, 671 Summit Point, Hoover AL 35226. Phone: h (205) 403-3234.
Email: sdparker@uab.edu; Web:
http://webpages.charter.net/jnparker/om50.html
Sat, Feb 18, 2006
Louisville's Love'n the Hills 50K Trail Run
Louisville, KY 8:00a.m.
Challenging, scenic, late-winter, mostly single-track coarse with 2
views of distant Louisville skyline. Two different loops, then an out
& back in the Jefferson Memorial Forest. Numerous climbs of 250-300
feet. Time limit: 10 hours. Field limit: 100. 3rd Annual. Fee-pre $40;
Fee-post $40/no shirt after Feb 1. Amenities: Technical long-sleeve
shirt, unique finisher awards, post-race food. Joan Wood, 2606 Wendell
Ave., Lou. KY 40205. Phone: 502-452-6623 (h). Email: jwoodzz@aol.com;
Web: http://www.cherokeeroadrunners.org/llth/index.html
Sat, Mar 11, 2006
Land Between the Lakes 60K and 24K Trail Runs
Grand Rivers, KY 6:00 a.m.
Mostly single-track dirt trail loop with several short, challenging
hills. First and last 1.5 miles on asphalt. Time limit: 10 hrs. Field
limit: 150. 3rd Annual. Fee-pre $55; Fee-post $70 after Feb 18.
Amenities: L/S Cool Max shirts; custom belt buckles. Aid stations
every 3 miles. Second leg of the Kentucky Triple Crown Series. Steve
Durbin, P.O. Box 1136. Phone: 314 378-7488 . Email:
sdurbin@marquettetrans.com; Web: http://www.wkrc.org
Sat, Mar 25, 2006
Kentucky Ultra Trail Sojourn 50K/50M
Farmers, KY 7:00 a.m.
Rocky, rooted, muddy trails, stream crossings, hills, and fire tower
climb. Time limit: 12 hr. Field limit: 100. 10th Annual. Fee-pre $50.
Amenities: Shirt, Friday buffet, mug, door prizes, post-race soup and
sandwiches. Herb Hedgecock, 210 Leasure Ln, Morehead KY 40351. Phone:
606-780-1392(h). Email: ultrachemist@yesconnect.net; Web:
http://people.moreheadstate.edu/fs/h.hedgec/kyultra10.html
Sat, Mar 4, 2006
Lone Star Trail Run 50k/25k/5k/Kid\'s 1k
Coldspring, TX 8:00 a.m.
Out and back trail run through Double Lake Recreation Area (1 hour
north of Houston). 1st Annual. Fee-pre $45; Fee-post $45 after .
Amenities: T-shirt and finishers medal to all finishers; age group
awards (10-year age groups) for each distance; awards to top male,
female, male masters (40+) and female masters for each distance. All
kids will receive medals and t-shirts. Charles, 19503 Oak Station,
Humble, Texas 77346. Phone: 713-240-3814 (cell). Email:
charles@runbikepaddle.com; Web: http://www.runbikepaddle.com/lonestartrail
Oak Mountain 50K
Birmingham, AL 7:00 a.m.
Rugged single track trail with no repeats, aid at 4-6 mile intervals,
about 4,000 ft. elevation change. Time limit: 9 hr. Field limit: 150.
7th Annual. Fee-pre $30 with shirt, $22 without; Fee-post $No entry
after 3/21/06. Amenities: Finisher awards and post-race cookout. Scott
Parker, 671 Summit Point, Hoover AL 35226. Phone: h (205) 403-3234.
Email: sdparker@uab.edu; Web:
http://webpages.charter.net/jnparker/om50.html
Sat, Feb 18, 2006
Louisville's Love'n the Hills 50K Trail Run
Louisville, KY 8:00a.m.
Challenging, scenic, late-winter, mostly single-track coarse with 2
views of distant Louisville skyline. Two different loops, then an out
& back in the Jefferson Memorial Forest. Numerous climbs of 250-300
feet. Time limit: 10 hours. Field limit: 100. 3rd Annual. Fee-pre $40;
Fee-post $40/no shirt after Feb 1. Amenities: Technical long-sleeve
shirt, unique finisher awards, post-race food. Joan Wood, 2606 Wendell
Ave., Lou. KY 40205. Phone: 502-452-6623 (h). Email: jwoodzz@aol.com;
Web: http://www.cherokeeroadrunners.org/llth/index.html
Sat, Mar 11, 2006
Land Between the Lakes 60K and 24K Trail Runs
Grand Rivers, KY 6:00 a.m.
Mostly single-track dirt trail loop with several short, challenging
hills. First and last 1.5 miles on asphalt. Time limit: 10 hrs. Field
limit: 150. 3rd Annual. Fee-pre $55; Fee-post $70 after Feb 18.
Amenities: L/S Cool Max shirts; custom belt buckles. Aid stations
every 3 miles. Second leg of the Kentucky Triple Crown Series. Steve
Durbin, P.O. Box 1136. Phone: 314 378-7488 . Email:
sdurbin@marquettetrans.com; Web: http://www.wkrc.org
Sat, Mar 25, 2006
Kentucky Ultra Trail Sojourn 50K/50M
Farmers, KY 7:00 a.m.
Rocky, rooted, muddy trails, stream crossings, hills, and fire tower
climb. Time limit: 12 hr. Field limit: 100. 10th Annual. Fee-pre $50.
Amenities: Shirt, Friday buffet, mug, door prizes, post-race soup and
sandwiches. Herb Hedgecock, 210 Leasure Ln, Morehead KY 40351. Phone:
606-780-1392(h). Email: ultrachemist@yesconnect.net; Web:
http://people.moreheadstate.edu/fs/h.hedgec/kyultra10.html
Sat, Mar 4, 2006
Lone Star Trail Run 50k/25k/5k/Kid\'s 1k
Coldspring, TX 8:00 a.m.
Out and back trail run through Double Lake Recreation Area (1 hour
north of Houston). 1st Annual. Fee-pre $45; Fee-post $45 after .
Amenities: T-shirt and finishers medal to all finishers; age group
awards (10-year age groups) for each distance; awards to top male,
female, male masters (40+) and female masters for each distance. All
kids will receive medals and t-shirts. Charles, 19503 Oak Station,
Humble, Texas 77346. Phone: 713-240-3814 (cell). Email:
charles@runbikepaddle.com; Web: http://www.runbikepaddle.com/lonestartrail
Orcas Island Fat Ass 50km
I'd like to announce the latest run from capitol peak ultras:
the orcas island fat ass 50 and 25k
sunday feb 19 2006 (presidents day weekend)
the trails of moran state park are incredible and the views are outstanding! this park was made for ultrarunning!
check out the website for more info: www.capitolpeakultras.com/orcas50k.htm
the orcas island fat ass 50 and 25k
sunday feb 19 2006 (presidents day weekend)
the trails of moran state park are incredible and the views are outstanding! this park was made for ultrarunning!
check out the website for more info: www.capitolpeakultras.com/orcas50k.htm
Happy 2006
Happy 2006 to Everyone in the Ultrarunning and Ultrawalking community aound the Globe. May this year be a Great One.
From Phil, Connie and Tony
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