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Average better than a 11 minute miles for 24 hours is a feat in itself, add heat over 105^+, it's a death sentence for almost everyone....these folks are an elite group......gator
Pete Kostelnick won the men's division for the second year in a row, the first repeat winner in a decade. He set a course record of 21 hours, 56 minutes and 32 seconds.
The women's division was won by Alyson Venti in 25 hours and 53 minutes and 0 seconds, also a record. It was also her second win, the first coming two years ago.
Quote:
Originally Posted by N.Cal
No, it's invite only.
No, it's not. It is not true that you only get to participate if you're invited.
There's an application on the website. You apply. But that's only if you're not an automatic qualifier. For example, winners of the most recent Badwater Salton Sea or Badwater Cape Fear, or several other ultramarathons, don't even have to apply - they just register and pay their fees, because they automatically qualify.
The types of people who run events like this are probably professional runners who have sponsorships and an income from running. I know a pro runner who makes about 50k a year through sponsorships and getting paid to run at certain events. So, they have the time to train because that's basically their job.
Scott Jurkek as a "pro" went into high levels of debt to enjoy his sport. Most Pros in running aren't paid enough, not to have some sort of other job. He is probably doing fine now with his books and speaking, but most runners don't make it to that level.
As a "regular joe" training for an "extreme" event, I do it primarily because the challenge and training keep me active. Without a goal, it is quite difficult to stay motivated enough to keep up with the work-outs. I do enjoy testing the limits of my physical and mental strength. And as others noted, I would rather die doing something I love then wasting away on a couch, but...
My current "extreme" event is a Spartan Ultra Beast (26+ miles, 70+ obstacles), certainly not the most extreme in any fashion and not a huge chance of death. I do often wonder about Wing suit jumpers and the like, especially when they have families. I believe you can test the limits of yourself without putting yourself in extreme danger but of course everyone has different levels of thinking on what those levels are.
I am hoping to train for an Ultra Marathon next year (35 - 50-miles) and I guess we'll have to see where that goes as to whether I pursue more of them or longer ones. To be fair, my wife is not thrilled that I am taking on this task.
As a "regular joe" it is difficult to get in the training time, but I do try to make sure it is during times that don't take away too much from the family.
No, it's not. It is not true that you only get to participate if you're invited.
There's an application on the website. You apply. But that's only if you're not an automatic qualifier. For example, winners of the most recent Badwater Salton Sea or Badwater Cape Fear, or several other ultramarathons, don't even have to apply - they just register and pay their fees, because they automatically qualify.
Semantics. This is directly from their website:
The STYR Labs Badwater 135 is, and always has been, an invitational race. Applicants will be considered purely upon their race application and its specific written merits.
Having worked in the industry for so many years (bike/run), you'd be amazed what kind of people come out for events.
I think someone doing 135 on a whim deserves a special Darwin award. Bucket list though - I can totally see that happening. Kind of like the people who climb Whiteface Mountain in heels, or the ones that will climb up Seneca Rocks (the hiking trail) and have to rest every .10 miles (I kid you not). The ones that feel they don't take the first spot in the parking lot so they must be in shape.
Its hard to do on a fly because there is experience/skill involved. A lot of ultra are trail runners which require how to run on trail. Then a runner needs to know about their own bodies....eating, hydration, cramping up, etc etc.....it takes a bit of trial & error to figure how to finish the long races in one piece.
A lot of these races have hard cut off times at each spot which makes it a bit challenging for novices. 30 hour time limit is pretty common for a 100 miler. Most of the better runners usually attempt a sub 24
Its hard to do on a fly because there is experience/skill involved. A lot of ultra are trail runners which require how to run on trail. Then a runner needs to know about their own bodies....eating, hydration, cramping up, etc etc.....it takes a bit of trial & error to figure how to finish the long races in one piece.
A lot of these races have hard cut off times at each spot which makes it a bit challenging for novices. 30 hour time limit is pretty common for a 100 miler. Most of the better runners usually attempt a sub 24
I know that. You know that. Some of the entitled do not know that. There are time limits for marathons and IM as well. Yet people still complain they weren't "allowed" to finish, or that everything was packed up when they came in 2 hours after the course limit.
If entry wasn't heavily restricted, people who have no business in a 5K would put it on their "list".
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