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Barkley Marathons Finishers 2024

JASMIN PARIS 1st Woman to Ever Finish Barkley Marathons

JASMIN PARIS BECOMES THE FIRST WOMAN TO EVER FINISH THE BARKLEY MARATHONS in 59:58:21….by just 99 seconds before the 60 hour cutoff. HISTORY MADE!!

She is the first woman in the race’s 40 year old history to complete all 5 loops for 100 miles in under 60 hours.

Lazarus Lake, race creator, famously said over and over that no woman could ever finish the course. Of course he hoped it would happen and has a way of motivating people.

2024 Barkley Marathons Results

  1. Ihor Verys – 58:44:59
  2. John Kelly – 59:15:38 (his 3rd finish)
  3. Jared Campbell – 59:30:32 (his 4th finish)
  4. Greig Hamilton – 59: 38:42
  5. Jasmin Paris – 59:58:21

It should be noted and applauded as well that the great Beverly Abbs was the first woman every to complete a Barkley ‘Fun Run’ (3 loops) a few years back.

2024 Barkley Finisher’s Photo posted by Keith Dunn

Greig Hamilton, Jared Campbell, Ihor Verys, Jasmin Paris, and John Kelly. – 2024 Barkley Marathons Finishers

Major congrats to Jasmin and all of this year’s finishers.

Big thanks to Keith Dunn for his amazing tweets and updates throughout.

#RunItFast #BM100

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Ihor Verys Barkley

Ihor Verys Wins 2024 Barkley Marathons, Full Results

Ukranian Ihor Verys won the 2024 Barkley Marathons on Friday afternoon in 58:44:59 to become just the 18th person in the race’s grizzled history to finish the event.

John Kelly finished about 30 minutes after Verys for his 3rd Barkley finish.

Then a few moments later Jared Campbell finished for his 4th Barkley finish.

Greig Hamilton becomes a first time finish, the 19th in race history reaching the yellow gate in 59:38:42.

AND JASMIN PARIS BECOMES THE FIRST WOMAN TO EVER FINISH THE BARKLEY MARATHONS in 59:58:21….by just 99 seconds before the 60 hour cutoff. HISTORY MADE!! Click HERE to read more about her finish!

2024 Barkley Marathons Results

  1. Ihor Verys – 58:44:59
  2. John Kelly – 59:15:38 (his 3rd finish)
  3. Jared Campbell – 59:30:32 (his 4th finish)
  4. Greig Hamilton – 59: 38:42
  5. Jasmin Paris – 59:58:21

Damian Hall and Sebastien Raichon did not finish loop 5.

Congrats to everyone!

Big thanks to Keith Dunn for his amazing tweets and updates throughout.

#RunItFast #BM100

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RIFRAUSA BIB Jeffrey Corrected

Day 22: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Hope Arrives to NYC

Run It Fast’s ‘Race Across the USA‘ saw it’s last team on the course, the Hope Shull Team, reach the finish earlier this evening. Randy ‘Ran them in to’ Broadway got them over the line, as the pride of Bells, Tennessee ran the last 17.86 miles to bring Hope to New York City.

A massive 3-day surge from The Hopes got them to NYC well ahead of their projected mid-May arrival date. Randy was joined today with big miles from team captain Marylou Corino (25.40 mi), Cathy Downes (22.15), and Kit Brazier (18.32).

The team might have finished well behind the leaders, but they were having such a good time they didn’t want the race to come to an end. However, their tired legs will welcome a few days of rest and relaxation the big city before they have to disperse back home. They finished the race in 21 Days, 19 Hours, 30 Minutes.

Day 22 Mileage Results of the Race Across the USA

  • Hope Shull Team – 124.48 miles

Top 5 HST Runners (Day 22)

  1. Marylou Corino (HST) – 25.40
  2. Cathy Downes (HST) – 22.15
  3. Kit Brazier (HST) – 18.32
  4. Randy Broadway (HST) – 17.86
  5. Rachael Anderson (HST) – 11.60

RIF’s Race Across the USA Overall Standings 

  1. Suzy Michelson Team – 2,907.00 miles, FINISHED – 14 Days, 21 Hours, 10 Minutes
  2. Jeffrey Price Team – 2,907.00  miles, FINISHED – 17 Days, 15 Hours, 28 Minutes
  3. Charlie Taylor Team – 2,907.00 miles, FINISHED – 18 Days, 17 Hours, 33 Minutes
  4. Hope Shull Team – 2,907.00 miles, FINISHED – 21 Days, 19 Hours, 30 Minutes 

Hope Shull Team
Place: 4th
Time: 21 days, 19 hours, 30 minutes
Averaged: 132.14 miles/day
Total Miles: 2,907.00 – Run It Fast – Race Across the USA Champions

The Hope Shull Team (Marylou Corino, captain)

  • Marylou Corino – 424.09
  • Kit Brazier – 374.95
  • Cathy Downes – 337.74
  • Randy Broadway – 323.87
  • Sherry Meador 221.60
  • Ben Herron – 220.29
  • Lori Robinson – 164.98
  • Houston Wolf – 161.72
  • Megan Chiu – 160.72
  • Juleann Roberts – 115.31
  • Chuck Roberts – 115.05
  • Rachael Anderson – 112.98
  • Scott Kufferath – 72.19
  • Jimmy Girten – 69.87

Team Mileage Leader of the Day

  • Suzy Michelson Team – FINISHED – Champions
  • Jeffrey Price Team – FINISHED – 2nd Place
  • Charlie Taylor Team – FINISHED – 3rd Place
  • Hope Shull Team –  Marylou Corino (25.40)

Top 10 Mega-Miles of the Day

  1. Marylou Corino (HST) – 25.40
  2. Cathy Downes (HST) – 22.15
  3. Kit Brazier (HST) – 18.32
  4. Randy Broadway (HST) – 17.86
  5. Rachael Anderson (HST) – 11.60
  6. Ben Herron (HST) – 8.41
  7. Megan Chiu (HST) – 8.06
  8. Lori Robinson (HST) – 7.58
  9. Sherry Meador (HST) – 7.02
  10. Jimmy Girten (HST) – 3.00

Top 25 Race Mile Leaders

  1. Marylou Corino – (HST) – 424.09 (22 days/finished)
  2. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 393.33 (15 days/finished)
  3. Heather McComb (JPT) – 380.42 (18 days/finished)
  4. Kit Brazier (HST) – 374.95 (22 days/finished)
  5. Tom Orr (JPT) – 371.61 (18 days/finished)
  6. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 349.15 (18 days/finished)
  7. Cathy Downes (HST) – 337.74 (22 days/finished)
  8. Seth Crowe (CTT) – 331.44 (19 days/finished)
  9. Joshua Holmes (CTT) – 331.43 (19 days/finished)
  10. Randy Broadway (HST) – 323.87 (22 days/finished)
  11. Steve Acciarito (CTT) – 323.54 (19 days/finished)
  12. Jeremy Reed (CTT) – 312.62 (19 days/finished)
  13. Barry Reece  (SMT) – 309.54 (15 days/finished)
  14. David Nichols (SMT) – 293.63 (15 days/finished)
  15. Elva Matamoros (CTT) – 287.64 (19 days/finished)
  16. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 286.87 (15 days/finished)
  17. Tiffani Glass (CTT) – 281.17 (19 days/finished)
  18. Alfa Severino (JPT) – 271.84 (18 days/finished)
  19. Melissa Price (JPT) – 260.84 (18 days/finished)
  20. Kimberly Atkins (SMT) – 248.63 (15 days/finished)
  21. Thomas Fowler (SMT) – 230.10 (15 days/finished)
  22. Karla Kent (JPT) – 224.27 (18 days/finished)
  23. Sherry Meador (HST) – 221.60 (22 days/finished)
  24. Ben Herron (HST) – 220.29 (22 days/finished)
  25. Jen Metcalf (CTT) – 216.78 (19 days/finished)

Suzy Michelson Team
Place: 1st
Time: 14 days, 21 hours, 10 minutes
Averaged: 193.80 miles/day
Total Miles: 2,907.00 – Run It Fast – Race Across the USA Champions

The Suzy Michelson Team (Shane Tucker, captain)

  • Chris Clemens – 393.33
  • Barry Reece – 309.54
  • David Nichols – 293.63
  • Alex Barrientos – 286.87
  • Kimberly Atkins – 248.63
  • Thomas Fowler – 230.10
  • JR Reynolds – 203.67
  • Shane Tucker – 181.93
  • Leslie Studtmann – 168.60
  • Violeta Heisler – 127.05
  • Eryn Tyner – 114.81
  • Kim Crowe – 108.41
  • Anthony Ohrey – 99.35 (so, Anthony!)
  • Jeff Lea – 83.32
  • Trent Rosenbloom – 65.29

Jeffrey Team Data at a Glance 
Place: 2nd
Time: 17 Days, 15 Hours, 28 Minutes
Averaged: 161.51 miles/day
Total Miles: 2,907.00 – Run It Fast – Race Across the USA, Runner-Up

The Jeffrey Price Team (Melissa Price, captain)

  • Heather McComb – 380.42
  • Tom Orr – 371.61
  • Karl Studtmann – 349.15
  • Alfa Severino – 271.84
  • Melissa Price – 260.84
  • Karla Kent – 224.27
  • John Leighton – 196.79
  • Sofie Romero – 154.19
  • Lance Forest – 140.46
  • Darrell Richardson – 137.19
  • Donna Burns – 119.17
  • Alicja G Miles – 112.13
  • Eric Spencer – 107.34
  • Aaron Braunstein – 76.73
  • David Oglesby – 40.93

Charlie Team Data at a Glance 
Place: 3rd
Time: 18 Days, 17 Hours, 33 Minutes
Averaged: 153.01 miles/day
Total Miles: 2,907.00 – Run It Fast – Race Across the USA, 3rd Place

The Charlie Taylor Team (Joshua Holmes, captain)

  • Seth Crowe – 331.44
  • Joshua Holmes – 331.43
  • Steve Acciarito – 323.54
  • Jeremy Reed – 312.62
  • Elva Matamoros – 287.64
  • Tiffani Glass – 281.17
  • Jen Metcalf – 216.78
  • Robin Robbins – 151.81
  • Marj Mitchell – 132.46
  • Greta Reed – 125.77
  • Jemal Swoboda – 107.74
  • Aimee Shilling – 101.51
  • Renée Holcomb – 88.43
  • Sharon Carver – 79.17
  • Jill Williams – 77.70

Congrats to all these amazing runners!

Daily Updates and Standings Archive

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Steve Acciarito Day 8 Peak Performer Run It Fast Race Across the USA

Day 8: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Lt. Dan Taylor

Run It Fast’s ‘Race Across the USA‘ entered week two with all four teams pushing their limits just as they have for eight days now. Week 2 started, like week 1, did with the Suzy Michelson Team putting down a very strong day, almost an exact replica of their day 1. A week ago they started the race with 188.97 miles and today landed on 188.23. That’s impressive! Our middle two teams, Jeffrey Price Team and Charlie Taylor Team, had nearly identical performances today. JPT maintains a healthy lead over 3rd and a good ways behind the SMT for first. The Hope Shull Team fell back asleep today failing to break 100 mi/day with just 96.90

Day 8 Mileage Results of the Race Across the USA

  • Suzy Michelson Team – 188.23 miles (12.55 mi/runner)
  • Jeffrey Price Team – 147.82 miles (9.85 mi/runner)
  • Charlie Taylor Team – 145.32 miles (9.69 mi/runner)
  • Hope Shull Team – 96.90 miles (6.46 mi/runner)

RIF’s Race Across the USA Overall Standings 

  1. Suzy Michelson Team – 1,520.36 miles (190.05/day, 52.3% completed)
  2. Jeffrey Price Team – 1,329.30  miles (166.16 mi/day, 45.7% completed)
  3. Charlie Taylor Team – 1,157.99 miles (144.75 mi/day, 39.8% completed)
  4. Hope Shull Team – 1,011.23 miles (126.40 mi/day, 34.8% completed)

The four teams are nearly residing in four separate states. The Suzy Michelson Team, currently in 1st place, is literally a few hundred feet from crossing into Arkansas. They likely would have if the Cherokee Casino had not been directly on their route. Anthony Ohrey and Leslie Studtmann talked team captain Shane Tucker into stopping for some Blackjack. Their next runner to take the baton will run them into the Razorback State.

The Jeffrey Price Team is in Yukon, Oklahoma, just short of Oklahoma City, currently in 2nd place. The third place Charlie Taylor Team is currently in McLean, Texas in hope of that ‘American Pie,’ but all they’ve found there is Devil’s Rope Musuem. The Hope Shull Team is still in New Mexico, only two states behind The Suzys, are holed up at the Russell’s Truck Stop. They should finally cross into Texas tomorrow morning.


Click HERE to view where the teams are on the Google Map

Suzy Michelson Team: Sound n’ Pound, big talking and even bigger miles, returned today with strong, long miles from so many on the Suzys. The team pounded the asphalt non-stop today stopping for nothing. They were truly 2 Legit 2 Sh!t.

They were led by Texan Alex Barrientos with 27.50 miles, Chris Clemens 24.51 miles, and David Nichols 21.28 miles. Leslie Studtmann had 18.27 miles (57.56 over the last 3 days). Barry Reece was strong once again with 17.02 miles and Kimberly Atkins with 15.02 miles.

SMT will step foot into Arkansas in the morning. It will be their 6th state the team has reached in 9 days.

Suzy Team Data at a Glance
Place: 1st
Day 8 Miles: 188.23 (1st)
Total Miles: 1,520.36
Top 5 SMT Runners (Day 8)

  1. Alex Barrientos – 27.50
  2. Chris Clemens – 24.51
  3. David Nichols – 21.28
  4. Leslie Studtmann – 18.27
  5. Barry Reece – 17.02

Jeffrey Price Team: After winning their first day yesterday with the most miles, the JPT took a bit of a step back today with four members taking the day off after a smashing weekend. However they still wound up with 147.82 miles that was good enough for the second most miles of the day. JPT was fueled once again by their tri-cycle of excellence from Karl Studtmann, Heather McComb, and Tom Orr. Karl had the second most miles of any runner on Monday with 30.49 miles, giving him 108.22 miles over the last three days. Heather completed her 8th consecutive day of 20+ miles with 20.33. Orr added 16.1. Sofie Romero had her biggest day so far with 18.58 miles.

Jeffrey Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 2nd
Day 8 Miles: 147.82 (2nd)
Total Miles: 1,329.30
Miles Back: -191.06
Top 5 JPT Runners (Day 8)

  1. Karl Studtmann – 30.49
  2. Heather McComb – 20.33
  3. Sofie Romero – 18.58
  4. Tom Orr – 16.1
  5. Karla Kent – 12.07

Charlie Taylor Team: Steve Acciarito has gutted out strong miles every day of the race, but on Monday he ramped it up to a level very few in the race have so far. Steve, over the course of five segments, pumped out the most miles of any runner today with 32.78 miles. Steve is battling bad knees, a bum foot, yet keeps trying and doing all he can for the Chucks. Tiffani Glass eclipsed her third 20+ mile performance of the race. Seth Crowe contributed 14.12 miles along with Jeremy Reed (12.39 miles).

Everyone on the team contributed for the eighth consecutive day including Sharon Carver who is battling a couple of injuries.

Charlie Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 3rd
Day 8 Miles: 145.32 (3rd)
Total Miles: 1,157.99
Miles Back: -362.37
Top 5 CTT Runners (Day 8)

  1. Steve Acciarito – 32.78
  2. Tiffani Glass – 20.37
  3. Joshua Holmes – 15.45
  4. Seth Crowe – 14.12
  5. Jeremy Reed – 12.39

Hope Shull Team: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Hope Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 4th
Day 8 Miles: 96.9 (4th)
Total Miles: 1,011.23
Miles Back: -509.13
Top 5 HST Runners (Day 8)

  1. Kit Brazier – 21.46
  2. Marylou Corino – 20.00
  3. Scott Kufferath – 14.03
  4. Cathy Downes – 12.54
  5. Megan Chiu – 6.27

Team Mileage Leader of the Day

  • Suzy Michelson Team – Alex Barrientos (27.50 mi)
  • Jeffrey Price Team – Karl Studtmann (30.49 mi)
  • Charlie Taylor Team – Steve Acciarito (32.78 mi)
  • Hope Shull Team – Kit Brazier (21.46 mi)

Top 10 Mega-Miles of the Day

  1. Steve Acciarito (CTT) – 32.78
  2. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 30.49
  3. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 27.50
  4. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 24.51
  5. Kit Brazier (HST) – 21.46
  6. David Nichols (SMT) – 21.28
  7. Tiffani Glass (CTT) – 20.37
  8. Heather McComb (JPT) – 20.33
  9. Marylou Corino (HST) – 20.00
  10. Sofie Romero (JPT) – 18.58

Top 10 Race Mile Leaders

  1. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 197.37
  2. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 184.36
  3. Heather McComb (JPT) – 168.41
  4. Tom Orr (JPT) – 157.80
  5. Barry Reece  (SMT) – 157.42
  6. David Nichols (SMT) – 152.43
  7. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 148.28
  8. Marylou Corino – (HST) – 145.60
  9. Seth Crowe (CTT) – 145.22
  10. Kimberly Atkins (SMT) – 130.28


Steve Acciarito is the ‘Race Across the USA’ –  Peak Performer of the Day for Day 8.

Daily Updates and Standings Archive

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Ben Herron Race Across the USA Peak Performer

Day 7: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Ben Hur-on

Run It Fast’s ‘Race Across the USA‘ has moved into it’s seventh day. No one on any of these teams rested though, even after yesterday’s record setting day by all four teams.

The weekend was won by the Jeffrey Price Team. For the second day in a row they made up ground on the first place Suzy Michelson Team. The Jeffs compiled 461.61 miles over the two days with 190.95 coming today after their race high of 270.66 miles on Saturday. With this strong push they’ve gained 24 miles on The Suzys.

The Suzy’s still hold a comfortable overall lead of 150.65 miles. However, after smashing the first five days with the most daily miles every day, they’ve been beaten the last two days, and today two teams finished with more miles than they did. The resurgent Hope Shull Team tallied 178.74 miles today just edging the Suzys. The Suzys ended up with 175.03.

The Charlie Taylor Team had what they thought was a strong day, with 157.03, until they heard what the other three teams recorded for the day. They had the fourth most miles for the day, but they remain a strong hold of third place over the fourth place team.

Day 7 Mileage Results of the Race Across the USA

  • Suzy Michelson Team – 175.03 miles (11.67 mi/runner)
  • Jeffrey Price Team – 190.95 miles (12.73 mi/runner)
  • Charlie Taylor Team – 157.03 miles (10.47 mi/runner)
  • Hope Shull Team – 178.74 miles (11.92 mi/runner)

RIF’s Race Across the USA Overall Standings 

  1. Suzy Michelson Team – 1,332.13 miles (192.85/day, 45.8% completed)
  2. Jeffrey Price Team – 1,181.48  miles (165.09 mi/day, 40.6% completed)
  3. Charlie Taylor Team – 1,012.67 miles (142.61 mi/day, 34.8% completed)
  4. Hope Shull Team – 914.33 miles (122.6 mi/day, 31.5% completed)

Click HERE to view where the teams are on the Google Map

The four teams currently are split into three states. The Suzy Michelson Team, currently in 1st place, is already in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Jeffrey Price Team is in Shamrock, Texas and getting very close to the ‘Sooner State.’ Our third and fourth place teams, the Charlie Taylor Team and the Hope Shull Team, are still in New Mexico with the Chucks practically nestled up on the barbed wire of the Texas border.

Suzy Michelson Team: Any true criticism of this team would be nitpicking. They dominated this week with 1,332.13 miles over seven days. They have a 150 mile lead, and they have heavy hitters that would make the 1932 New York Yankees envious.

Today they had the third most miles with 175.03 but were just 15 miles off the top team of the day. They were led once again by the ‘Tullahoma Tornado’ Chris Clemens with 24.1 miles. He’s had a remarkable 172.86 miles since the start of the race a week ago, the most of any runner on any team. His main support today came from JR Reynolds with 20.41 miles, his third 20 mile day of the week.

Other strong efforts for the race leaders today came from Barry Reece (17.01 mi), Leslie Studtmann (15.25), and Kimberly Atkins (15.14).

Violeta Heisler, who has been burning the candle at both ends while working herself back into shape from an injury, rocked out with 29.09 miles for the weekend. So many stories like Violeta’s have uplifted and inspired so many people this week.

Suzy Team Data at a Glance
Place: 1st
Day 7 Miles: 175.03 (3rd)
Total Miles: 1,332.13
Top 5 SMT Runners (Day 7)

  1. Chris Clemens – 24.1
  2. JR Reynolds – 20.41
  3. Barry Reece – 17.01
  4. Leslie Studtmann – 15.25
  5. Kimberly Atkins – 15.14

Jeffrey Price Team: The Jeffs shoot 20-mile bombs out of a cannon day in and day out. Heather McComb finished her week of 20+’s with 21.04 miles. She had an astounding 148.08 miles this week. She has set the early tone, day in and day out. Tom ‘Stairway’ Orr took a step down today, but he still knocked out 20.37 miles. He finished the week with 141.7 miles, the biggest mileage week of his life. Heather and Tom have provided a consistent base every day that the team built on this weekend that led this team to the most miles of the weekend.

Karl Studtmann had a cool 20.53 miles after his 57.2 megatron bomb yesterday that reset the narrative of the race between the Jeffs and Suzys. Alfa Severino also contributed 20.01 miles.

Team captain Melissa Price finished the week with 15.01 miles topping off with the week with 102.96 miles. A epic week from this entire team, top to bottom. Can they keep it up and catch the leaders? Week two will tell a lot.

Jeffrey Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 2nd
Day 7 Miles: 190.95 (1st)
Total Miles: 1,181.48
Miles Back: -150.65
Top 5 JPT Runners (Day 7)

  1. Heather McComb – 21.04
  2. Karl Studtmann – 20.53
  3. Tom Orr – 20.37
  4. Alfa Severino – 20.01
  5. Alicja Miles – 16.30

Charlie Taylor Team: Today the CTT team got a major performance from Elva Matamoros with 32.02 miles. Those big miles gave her 90.53 miles for the week. Her miles were a major boost to the Chucks today after many members of this team were sore and hobbled today. The team also got help from Seth Crowe  with 29.25 miles. Seth’s 131.1 miles easily made him the team’s MVP of the Week. Team captain Joshua Holmes rounded out his week with 21.7 miles.

The Chucks once again had everyone contribute and finished the week a perfect 105 for 105.

Charlie Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 3rd
Day 7 Miles: 157.03 (4th)
Total Miles: 1,012.67
Miles Back: -319.46
Top 5 CTT Runners (Day 7)

  1. Elva Matamoros – 32.02
  2. Seth Crowe – 29.25
  3. Joshua Holmes – 21.70
  4. Steve Acciarito – 13.13
  5. Aimee Shilling – 12.04

Hope Shull Team: Ultra veteran Ben Herron led a multi-faceted attack today for Hope’s team. He rolled off 32.42 miles, by far his most miles of the race to this point. He was joined by team captain Marylou Corino who nailed 25.0 miles, her third 25+ mile performance of the week. More help came from Cathy Downes with 20.16 miles which gave her an impressive 51.51 miles for the weekend. Arizona native Lori Robinson was also superb today with 20.22 miles making a strong two day contribution of 38.36 miles. Sherry Meador’s 15.08 miles topped off a nice weekend for her, and Jimmy Girten ran 10.07 miles today. His longest run since the inception of the iPhone.

The Hopes had 380.06 miles over the two day weekend. They have a lot of momentum going into the new week as they try to chase down the Charlie Taylor Team that is in front of them.

Hope Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 4th
Day 7 Miles: 178.74 (2nd)
Total Miles: 914.33
Miles Back: -417.8
Top 5 HST Runners (Day 7)

  1. Ben Herron – 32.42
  2. Marylou Corino – 25.00
  3. Lori Robinson – 20.22
  4. Cathy Downes – 20.16
  5. Sherry Meador – 15.08


Team Mileage Leader of the Day

  • Suzy Michelson Team – Chris Clemens (24.10 mi)
  • Jeffrey Price Team – Heather McComb (21.04 mi)
  • Charlie Taylor Team – Elva Matamoros (32.02 mi)
  • Hope Shull Team – Ben Herron (32.42 mi)

Top 10 Mega-Miles of the Day

  1. Ben Herron (HST) – 32.42
  2. Elva Matamoros – (CTT) – 32.02
  3. Seth Crowe (CTT) – 29.25
  4. Marylou Corino (HST) – 25.00
  5. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 24.1
  6. Joshua Holmes (CTT) – 21.7
  7. Heather McComb (JPT) – 21.04
  8. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 20.53
  9. JR Reynolds (SMT) – 20.41
  10. Tom Orr (JPT) – 20.37

Top 10 Race Mile Leaders

  1. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 172.86
  2. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 153.87
  3. Heather McComb (JPT) – 148.08
  4. Tom Orr (JPT) – 141.70
  5. Barry Reece  (SMT) – 140.40
  6. David Nichols (SMT) – 131.15
  7. Seth Crowe (CTT) – 131.10
  8. Marylou Corino – (HST) – 125.60
  9. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 120.78
  10. Thomas Fowler (SMT) – 120.02

Ben Herron (HST) is the ‘Race Across the USA’ –  Peak Performer of the Day with his 32.42 miles.

Honorable Mention: Elva Matamoros (CTT) with 32.02 miles.

Daily Updates and Standings Archive

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RIFRAUSA Day 2 Map

Day 2: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Showdown in the Desert

The Run It FastRace Across the USA‘ relay continued to move eastward on Day 2 with the Suzy Michelson Team starting the day with a comfortable lead over the Jeffrey Price Team. But is that how the day ended? Who made it to Arizona and who didn’t? Who was the star performer of the day? All those answers await you below!

Day 2 saw 56 of the 60 runners put down a total of 596.0 miles. Amazingly that is 30 miles more than these four teams aggressively, on fresh legs, put down yesterday on Day 1. Every runner on the Charlie Taylor Team and Suzy Michelson Team once again put down miles today maintaining ‘perfect attendance’ of their team members over the first 48 hours of the race.

The Charlie Taylor Team’s Seth Crowe left the Crowe’s Nest late, last night for a run, only to return home, and leave it for four more runs today. Amidst cold temps and rain, Seth kept Crowe, Crowe, Crowe’ing his leggy-boat aggressively down the street. A throw-back Flintstonian who easily averaged more miles with his legs today than his beat-up Chevy pickup can garner coasting downhill with a full load.

A man on a mission with five runs of of 10.07, 10.31, 12.0, 3.0, and 2.01 for a total of 37.39 miles. Seth is the Race Across the USA Performance of the Day.

Kimberly Atkins impressed her team (SMT) and competition by walking 26.22 miles today in the brrr, brrr, bodiddley, frigid cold. An impressive feat for sure.

While Georgia native Heather McComb (JPT) knocked our her second consecutive 20+ mile day with 24.12 miles for a total of 44.14 miles over the first 2 days. Barry Reece (SMT) did the same as well with 22.0 miles (49.02/2 day total).

Other big mile stars from Day 2 included Chris Clemens (SMT) 25.55 mi, Randy Broadway (HST) 21.0 mi, and 8x Badwater 135 veteran, Karla Kent (JPT) 22.58 mi.

Day 2 Mileage Results of the Race Across the USA

  • Suzy Michelson Team – 184.84 miles (12.32mi/runner)
  • Jeffrey Price Team – 162.9 miles (10.86mi/runner)
  • Charlie Taylor Team – 153.47 miles (10.23mi/runner)
  • Hope Shull Team – 94.79 miles (6.32mi/runner)

RIF’s Race Across the USA Overall Standings (thru Day 2)

  1. Suzy Michelson Team – 373.81 miles (186.91mi/day, 12.8% completed)
  2. Jeffrey Price Team – 305.19 miles (152.60mi/day, 10.5% completed)
  3. Charlie Taylor Team – 280.4 miles (140.20mi/day, 9.7% completed)
  4. Hope Shull Team – 202.84 miles (101.42mi/day, 7.0% completed)

The Suzy Michelson Team kept unleashing big run after big run and made it to Needles, AZ before midday. They kept the pedal down with three team members going for 20+ miles and a total of seven in double digits. They gathered 184.84 miles on Day 2, almost matching their impressive Day 1 total of 188.97. The Suzy’s have now set their sight on making it to Flagstaff, AZ tomorrow. If the lactic acid in their legs and the high altitude getting to Flagstaff doesn’t slow them tomorrow then nothing might.

A member of another team was peddling a rumor around that Chris Clemens was trying to talk his team into a ‘quick’ detour north of Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon for a quick R2R2R out and back. Whether true or fake news, SMT captain Shane Tucker will use his school room laser focus and discipline to keep his team on track.

The Jeffrey Price Team was one of two teams to put down more miles on Day 2. JPT ended the day with 162.9 miles, which topped their Day 1 total by over 20 miles. They kept thinking they could see the SMT far in the distance, and it kept them a churning. However, that dry arid air, and desert landscape was likely creating a mirage that didn’t match reality, because they finished the day in a strong second place with 305.19 miles but a big 68.62 mile gulp behind the SMT.  They did increase their lead over the third place team by +9 miles.

Team Note: Aaron Braunstein has been placed on the Disabled List with a calf issue. His status is Day-to-Day.

The Charlie Taylor Team spent most of the day with bedazzled eyes after Seth Crowe put down his 5-run performance of 37.39 miles. But later in the afternoon, the team kicked into gear as every member once again put down miles including strong double digits from Steve Acciarito, Tiffani Glass, Jeremy Reed, Elva Matamoros, and Joshua Holmes. The team’s strength so far has been it’s consistency and snacks. Steve has taken it upon himself after his morning runs to make sure everyone’s nutrition is on point. He has dubbed himself the ‘Snack Coach.’ Say what you will but multiple cups of chocolate pudding has kept this team from boinking and also from putting down more miles than they need to this early. Luckily the team RV is always nearby as the desert is barren and mostly treeless during this stage of the race. They finished the day with 153.47 miles, a +26 mile jump over yesterday. This gives them a total of 280.4 miles solidly ahead of the HST and still within reach of the JPT.

That leaves the Hope Shull Team. Let’s just say the Cracker Barrel hangover is not a myth. The HST was sluggish from the start today. Some pundits worried HST would come out too aggressive today trying to chase down the other teams to try to erase the early deficit they amassed yesterday. By 10am, no one had that worry any more. By noon, team captain Marylou Corino said something that we can’t repeat here. But she theorized that if they stopped for lunch at the Cracker Barrel, in Needles, Arizona, that it would somehow reverse the curse, hangover, or whatever. She was probably just hungry. The team did bond over lunch, soothed some egos, and put down respectable miles in the afternoon. This included double digits from Ben Herron, Rachael Anderson, Randy Broadway, and Marylou. They only ran with 12 runners today and that for sure played a factor. They finished the day with 94.79 miles and are a good bit back of the pack, but there is thousands of miles of race to go. Their stated goal is to make it to Kingman, AZ tomorrow night.

Team Mileage Leader of the Day

  • Suzy Michelson Team – Kimberly Atkins (26.22 mi)
  • Jeffrey Price Team – Heather McComb (24.12 mi)
  • Charlie Taylor Team – Seth Crowe (37.39 mi)
  • Hope Shull Team – Randy Broadway (21.0 mi)

Top 10 Mega-Miles of the Day

  1. Seth Crowe (CMT) – 37.39
  2. Kimberly Atkins (SMT) – 26.22
  3. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 25.55
  4. Heather McComb (JPT) – 24.12
  5. Karla Kent (JPT) – 22.58
  6. Barry Reece (SMT) – 22.00
  7. Randy Broadway (HST) – 21.0
  8. Tom Orr (JPT) – 18.39
  9. David Nichols (SMT) – 17.75
  10. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 16.35

Top 10 Race Mile Leaders

  1. Barry Reece  (SMT) – 49.2
  2. Thomas Fowler  (SMT) – 46.2
  3. Heather McComb (JPT) – 44.14
  4. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 40.55
  5. Seth Crowe (CTT) – 39.46
  6. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 36.62
  7. Jeremy Reed (CTT) – 36.31
  8. Kimberly Atkins (SMT) – 36.25
  9. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 35.33
  10. Randy Broadway (HST) – 35.0

Daily Updates and Standings Archive

Posted in Race Across the USA, Results, THE CLUB, Ultra Marathon0 Comments

Run It Fast Race Across the USA Rosters – April 13 2020

Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA Team Relay

Run It Fast’s ‘Race Across the USA’ kicks off at midnight on April 13, 2020. It will pit four teams comprised of 60 Run It Fast members racing each other across the United States. The race starts on the Santa Monica Pier in California, just outside of Los Angeles, and will go all the way to New York City.

The teams will cover the 2,907 miles by team members submitting their day running/walking/hiking miles to their team captain daily. This will be done via screenshots of their Strava/Garmin/GPS from an outside run or via a photo of their treadmill displaying the appropriate data.

The four teams are named after Run It Fast members that passed on from us way too soon. It’s a simple way we can help remember them and keep their legacy close to us.

Race Across the USA Team Names

  • Charlie Taylor Team
  • Hope Shull Team
  • Suzy Michelson Team
  • Jeffrey Price Team

Team Rosters for the Run It Fast’s ‘Race Across the USA’

Participant Rules:

  • Can start Monday 4/13/2020 at 12:00 A.M. of the time zone you are currently residing in.
  • No less than 1.0 mile for any outing. You can submit as many runs/walks/hikes you want a day that you do. Each one just must be at least 1.0 miles.
  • You MUST have GPS (prefer Strava/Garmin) and send a snapshot of each run/walk/hike to your team captain within 24 hrs. If you happen to forget to turn in your miles you have 48 hrs to get them in before those particular miles expire. Treadmill miles count too and just need a snapshot sent as well. 
  • Map will be updated 1x per day with all team progress.

Any other rules that need to be created or issues that arise will be decided and agreed upon by the four captains.

A big thanks to all these runners taking part, and a special big thanks to the captains:  Shane Tucker, Marylou Corino, Melissa Price, Joshua Holmes, and Jill Williams, who is our Mission Control helping keep us straight with all the numbers and logistics.

Posted in Relay, THE CLUB, Ultra Marathon0 Comments

Screenshot Quarntine Backyard Ultra Radek and Laz

Michael Wardian Wins Controversial Quarantine Backyard Ultra

American ultra-legend Michael Wardian has been declared the winner of the Quarantine Backyard Ultra after finishing the 63rd lap of 4.1667 miles by himself for a total of 262.52 miles. One more official lap than the Czech Republic’s Radek Brunner.

The event was hosted online by Canadian coaching group, Personal Peak. The Quarantine Backyard Ultra had about 2,500 starters from all over the globe.

The concept of the race is that runners have 60 minutes to finish running 4.1667 miles. With the world on lockdown, this virtual event allowed runners to do it from the comfort of their own home on a treadmill or doing it outside. They were asked to verify their results on Strava and/or on Zoom that connected all the runners participating in the race. The event was comprised almost evenly of some runners on treadmills in their homes, others running outside in their neighborhoods, along with one Russian man running laps around his living room, and another man in Canada running laps around an empty coffee shop in his socks.

The original race format was created by ultra race mastermind Lazarus Lake in 2012. His Big’s Backyard Ultra has become a hot destination in Bell Buckle, Tennessee where the best runners from around the world descend every October to see how long they can go before they time out or quit.

The final four was comprised of two Americans and two Europeans. Wardian and Brunner had been battling it out for round after round after American Greg Armstrong bowed out after his 43rd lap (179.17 miles), and Sweden’s Anna Carlsson quit after 46 laps (187 miles). Anna was the last female in the field and an inspiration to many as she ran her laps on the snow and ice in extremely frigid temps.

The finale of the event was not without controversy though. Radek and Wardian both finished the 62nd lap (258.4 miles). Moments before the round 63 bell was to ring, Radek climbed back onto his stationary treadmill and finished his drink, as could be seen on the live feed. As the bell rang to start round 63, he handed the discarded cup to his wife, who then exited the frame. She returned a few seconds later to deliver an iPad. Under normal Backyard rules any aid after a round started would be considered a DQ. However, the Personal Peak rules for the event clearly stated that this was not a rule for this event.

Click HERE to Watch the Zoom Feed as It Unfolded Live (Fast Fwd to the 4 hour 54 min mark)

Radek stood on his treadmill for a minute in place, and then almost two minutes as he positioned his book/papers and his iPad. He was in no rush and going through his usual routine. He seemed very alert and mentally ready to go. The Personal Peak RD, Travis, along with Laz, on the Zoom feed tried to tell Radek that he needed to get going. During this time, he stood on the treadmill oblivious to their comments as he couldn’t hear them. I’m not sure if his Zoom feed was on mute on his end, muted by Peak Performance, or if there was a delay in the internet/Zoom connection over to Czech Republic at his home.

Finally, after about 104 seconds into the 60 minute countdown clock, Laz could be heard on the Zoom feed saying, “It’s over,” and walked away at literally the very moment Radek’s treadmill started moving with him running at

58:15 remaining on the clock. Personal Peak ruled that Radek had not started the loop promptly enough and he was DQ’d out of the race although he kept running (at least until 20 min left on the clock when the feed went dead again)

As stated on the Personal Peak website: “you must be back on your treadmill when the bell rings to start the next lap.” Radek was clearly on the treadmill.

Elsewhere on the site it states: “Participants must be in their starting corral at the bell, and must leave immediately to start their loop.”

Did Radek know the the bell had rang and the clock started? He clearly couldn’t hear on his end what was going on or what the RD was trying to tell him. He for sure had not quit the race. He was on his treadmill going through his routine to start round 63 and running by 58:15 on the PP countdown clock that was displayed.

Is there a vast looseness of the rules from an official Backyard Ultra to this Virtual event? Yes, of course. Many runners, even finalists couldn’t even be seen to see if they started some of their loops or not. Radek had his entire show live for the world to see the entire time.

Radek, per the Zoom feed started with 58:15 remaining in the 63rd round and kept running until the feed went out with about 20 minutes left on the clock. He never timed out on any of the loops, and he never quit. In the spirit of the Virtual Challenge’s popular appeal, and it’s loosely interpreted rules (until round 63), he should have been allowed to continue in our opinion.

Did Laz’s words at the time carry weight with the Personal Peak RD and his decision? That’s very possible for sure. Laz is the Backyard godfather.

It was Personal Peak’s event, and ultimately their call for sure. They confirmed this as well in a tweet:

Were the RD’s tired, exhausted, and infuriated with the YouTube and technical issues? Without a doubt, any RD would be, much less one manning multiple days. thousands of runners from all over the globe while trying to wrestle all the technology and headaches that came with it.

Laz upon after a few minutes reflection on how it ended posted on his Facebook page the following about how it unfolded:

“maybe i am the only person who is glad not to be in charge.
not this time.
people tend to see the world in black and white,
and with the screen of not having to make decisions when things go grey
deal in absolutes.

being here in quarantine in the house on the hill,
and handcuffed by a near total absence of technological skill,
i dont know how many people saw the events that unfolded at the start of hour 63.
but here is what i saw….

with the caveat that i had finally gotten to sleep for a couple of hours…..
i did not realize it at the time,
thinking i had just taken a nap between the start of hour 61 and the start of 62
i actually slept thru hour 62 and it was time for 63.
i got to the computer during the countdown.

as the final minute counted down i just saw radek’s treadmill standing alone.
it got under 30 seconds and still no radek.
i thought he must have quit.

then with just seconds left here is radek.
he gets on his treadmill and is just standing there.
i am yelling at him,
which is useless because he cant hear me.
by a minute after the start i think he is done..
almost 2 minutes in, he starts running.

the race management disqualified him.

maybe in the world of people who are absolutely certain they know the right answer i am the only one
who is glad to not be in charge today.

mike did his 63rd hour,
and now he is the winner.
radek was left with the taste of ashes.”

It should be noted how immensely popular this ultra baby Laz birthed in 2012 has become all over the world even before this Quarantine Backyard Ultra. There are now Backyard Ultras all over the world that serve as qualifying events where the winner often wins a coveted golden ticket to Big’s Backyard Ultra.

I have hosted last runner standing events for eight years, including the longest, continuous running one in the world, the Trail of Fears, since 2012, along with The Cannonball, both in Tennessee. I know the Backyard rules, and the spirit of the rules fairly well at this point. I know and have had to interpret some of these gray area issues before, and I usually decide them with one simple question, “Was there an unfair advantage gained?”

I don’t believe an advantage was gained here, and believe this fell well into the gray area that Laz mentions in his Facebook comments above.  If between a rock and a hard spot, or delving in between the black and white, deep within the grays, the tie should go to the runner…quite literally.

This would for sure have been a tough decision for a Race Director at a real, in-person event where all the variants were more equal and both were on the same course and starting in the same corral. But with the setup of this Quarantine Backyard Ultra for a fun escape from what’s happening in the world, and the massive large following it had going for days, I would have erred on the side of letting it continue on and play out. I don’t envy the decision Personal Peak had to make. I have no doubt it was a tough one.

It would have been fun to see Radek and Michael duke it out until one quit or timed out. Without a doubt it was disappointing that the event ended on a technicality of a loosely interpreted rule in the event (up until that point). But that doesn’t take away from an amazing 63 hours that enthralled the endurance community in a time when we have no other sports to watch or entertain us.

Mike and Radek both put down two epic performances when considering not just the total distance, but the varying difficulties each were facing. Radek on a treadmill in his home in the Czech Republic for the duration of his run, and Wardian out in the conditions near his home in Virginia which were very wet and cold at times.

Mike messaged me after the race and simply stated, “That was incredible. Would have loved to keep pushing each other. What a champion,” referring to Radek.

All of late drama aside, Personal Peak did an amazing job putting together this widely popular Quarantine Backyard Ultra. It was extremely professionally done. They put this together very quickly with nearly 2,500 runners from all over the world. The dynamics of that many runners and trying to connect them all with technology, on many levels with the social component of the live Zoom feeds broadcast to YouTube was simply amazing. The hourly Twitter updates were almost on the hour and made the race easy to track. Personal Peak managed the issues that arose as well as anyone could, and they always had a backup or end around to keep the live video feed and updates for the masses to watch on YouTube and then Facebook after they were booted off YouTube.

Congrats to Mike on the win, Radek on an amazing performance, all the finalists, and everyone who participated over the course of three days. A big thank you to Personal Peak on an amazing production that entertained so many of us when we all needed this fun distraction to follow and root for our favorite runners.

 

Posted in Results, Ultra Marathon0 Comments

IMG_6754

Steve Troxel Sets American AG Record Running 220 Miles in 48 Hours

Steve Troxel set the American 60-64 age group record for 48 hours by running 220.1647 miles at the Six Days in the Dome race in Milwaukee, Wisconsin over the August 23-24, 2019 weekend. Steve is a Jackson, Tennessee native and 60-years old.

Troxel trained months for the event with the intent of breaking the record. His practice ‘run’ with the 48 hour race at 3 Days at the Fair went poorly by Troxel’s standards and expectations (read about it HERE) back in May, but provided valuable lessons and experience that primed him to make the essential corrections to achieve his goal and break the record at The Dome.

The previous American age group (60-64) record was held by John Brown with 183.99 miles. Troxel bested that mark by over 36 miles. Steve was also wanting to break the world record that he thought to be 218 miles, and it was, but the IAU recently updated their site that a European gentleman ran 235 miles last year. Steve finished second overall at the race to Olivier Leblond who finished with 228.7067 miles.

His distance automatically qualified him for the historic Spartathlon 153 mile race in Greece.

Steve was crewed by his wife Sherry Troxel and training partner Arthur Priddy. The race was hosted by Steve Durbin of Durbin Race Management. All members of Run It Fast.

Congrats to Steve, aka Professor Fartlek, on his amazing record setting performance.

Click to join Run It Fast – The Club

 

Posted in THE CLUB, Ultra Marathon0 Comments

Greg Armstrong LAVS 2019

Greg Armstrong Wins The Last Annual Vol State 500K

Photo by Shelley Armstrong

Run It Fast member, Greg Armstrong, has been crowed the new ‘King of the Road’ after being the first runner to ‘The Rock’ to finish the historic Last Annual Vol State 500K for 2019. This is Greg’s fourth time running the race as well as his fourth time winning it.

Greg finished the multi-day race of 314 miles in a time of 3 days 14 hours 11 minutes and 31 seconds. His time is the 4th fastest time in race history and set a new uncrewed course record.

Photo by Sandra Cantrell

Greg Armstrong’s Vol State Check-In by Check-In:
12 hour – 62 (1st)
24 hour – 113 (1st)
36 hour – 145 (2nd)
48 hour – 184 (2nd)
60 hour – 223 (1st)
72 hour – 262 (1st)
84 hour – 305 (1st)
Finish Time: 3:14:11:31

All four of Greg’s finishes are in the All Time Top 10 Finishes of the race’s history and he now holds both the crewed and uncrewed course records.

Congratulations Greg!

Posted in Running, Ultra Marathon, Vol State0 Comments


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