Run It Fast®

Day 7: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)

Before the clock struck 6 completed days three more Vol State 500K runners reached the rock. Congrats to Jeremy Ebel, who got lost at one point and added 20 miles to his race, Andrea Stewart, who is the 3rd woman to finish and 1st uncrewed woman to reach The Rock this year, and Jay Dobrowalski on his 2nd Vol State 500K finish.

Richard Westbook called it at mile 257 becoming the 20th DNF of the race.

144 Hour Vol State 500K Standings 7:30am Wednesday, July 15th (7 Finishers, 53 Running, 20 DNFs)

1. Greg Armstrong – 3 days 22 hours 5 minutes 23 seconds (King of the Road)
2. Johan Steene – 3 days 23 hours 15 minutes 52 seconds (uncrewed course record)
3. John Fegyveresi – 4 days 19 hours 28 minutes 54 seconds (uncrewed)
4. Steven Smith – 4 days 20 hours 3 minutes 48 seconds
5. Lisa Van Wolde – 5 days 8 hours 6 minutes 47 seconds (1st Female)
6. Marylou Corino – 5 days 8 hours 6 minutes 52 seconds (T-1st/2nd Female)
7. Jeremy Ebel – 5 days 16 hours 42 minutes 30 seconds (uncrewed)
8. Andrea Stewart – 5 days 21 hours 33 minutes 59 seconds (3rd female, uncrewed)
9. Jay Dobrowalski – 5 days 23 hours 34 minutes 38 seconds (uncrewed)
10. James Adams – 300 miles
11. Sal Coll – 297 miles
12. Bo Millwood – 289 miles
13. Karen Jackson – 289 miles
14. Michael Callans – 283 miles
15. Thomas Alm – 280 miles
16. Timothy Daily – 280 miles
17. David Lettieri – 274 miles
18. Lisa Hazlett – 273 miles
19. Rick Gray – 273 miles
20. Ben Herron – 262 miles
21. Thomas Skinner – 262 miles
22. Edward Masuoka – 260 miles
23. Jeffrey Stephens – 256 miles
24. Tim Purol – 256 miles
25. Joshua Swink – 253 miles
26. Tom Dekornfield – 252 miles
27. Scott Krouse – 251 miles
28. Caleb Nolen – 251 miles
29. Sherry Meador – 250 miles
30. Christian McMahon – 249 miles
31. Allen Wrinkle – 245 miles
32. Gina Chupka – 245 miles
33. John Sharp – 245 miles
34. Christopher Knight – 243 miles
35. Shane Tucker – 242 miles
36. Richard McKnight – 242 miles
37. Shelly Mack – 240 miles
38. Fred Davis III – 235 miles
39. Ally Gregory – 235 miles
40. Dallas Smith – 229 miles
41. Lynda Webber – 225 miles
42. Sergio Bianchini – 225 miles
43. Gregg Ellis – 224 miles
44. Don Winkley – 220 miles
45. Tim Loudermilk – 219 miles
46. Jameelah Abdul-Rahim – 218 miles
47. Gilbert Gray – 218 miles
48. Remy Brandefalk – 218 miles
49. Johnny Adams – 215 miles
50. John Price – 214 miles
51. Garry Price – 207 miles
52. Joseph Kowalski – 206 miles
53. Troy Johnson – 202 miles
54. Cathie Johnson – 202 miles
55. Terrie Wurzbacher – 195 miles
56. Paul Heckert – 194 miles
57. Bill Haecker – 193 miles
58. Jay Hamilton – 188 miles
59. Diane Taylor – 188 miles
60. Ben Pennington – 188 miles

DID NOT FINISH (20): Richard Westbook 257 miles, Sandy Geisel 189 miles, Francesca Muccini 188 miles, Jeff McGonnell 165 miles, Nathan Dewall 145 miles, Johnny Adams 145 miles, Joe Ninke 145 miles, Mike Delang mile 135, Curt Chambers mile 130, Dale Rucker mile 125, Marcia Rasmussen mile 125, Ronald Trignano 109 miles, Sue Scholl mile 107, John Rasmussen mile 92, Ann Kerkman 83 miles, Troy Varney 83 miles, Brian Pickett mile 78, Betty Holder 56 miles, Michael Melton mile 54, Amanda McMahon mile 45, Larry Phillips mile 39

*bold = Run It Fast Club members

Day 7 Vol State 500K News & Notes

Yesterday and last night were brutal, our roughest day yet. We got some good sleep this morning to try and let our bodies recover some. We were two pitiful souls coming into Shelbyville.
We are 90 miles from the Rock. Trying to get it together….somehow someway. Time to Soldier on

Jeremy Ebel’s Vol State 500k race report:
Hot
Long
Humid
Traffic
Dogs
Confederate flags
Lost
Hot

James Adams (above) has reached Kimball, TN and is a little over a half marathon from  The Rock.

Projected Finishers Today (before 7:30am Thur): James Adams, Coll, Millwood, Jackson, Callans, Alm, Daily, Lettieri, Hazlett, Gray

“Another vol state in the books. Much more difficult this year. Partly due to lower fitness, but mostly due to 95+ degree temps everyday. Have some incredible stories from this year…many quite bizarre. Even had my first real vol state dog attack. (Trekking poles worked great for this btw). It will take a few days and a 10 hour drive back from tn to really process the experience. Thanks to all the kind strangers that offered me water and to all this with whom I ran. Jeremy, the beer in parsons was killer.” – John Fegyveresi (3rd place finisher)

Lax’s Morning Update

stories

the stories that everyone will hear

have mostly been written.

the winners have won,

and the world class runners have gone home…

but the worthy tales have not all been spun.

the most dramatic dramas have not yet played out.

while the fleet of foot have returned to the “real” world,

the majority of the vol staters

still occupy that other real world.

the world where all that matters is food and drink.

where sleeping indoors is the height of luxury.

a world where the barest of essential possessions

have been parsed over,

and most of the trappings of modern day life

have been deemed extraneous.

every runner still on the road has a story.

and every story is worthy of telling.

some of the stories I know,

most, I do not,

and many I will never know.

no one came here from a vacuum.

they did not spontaneously generate on the ferry.

these are real people

with real lives;

regular, ordinary people

the sort we see around us every day.

but something inside them

drove them to move out of the comfort zone;

to try things that no one would think reasonable,

or even possible.

those who could be broken are gone,

and those who remain are the select.

they have paid a price in pain and fatigue.

they have watched the residue of civilized life

wash away,

leaving only the most basic essentials of existence…

and a quest.

the arduous journey to the rock.

without any of the things we think are essential to modern life,

they have lived more life in the past 6 days,

than many will live in a lifetime.

they have seen despair

and hopelessness

and have heard the clarion call of surrender…

but they have persevered.

those few,

those hardy few who remain,

can only be stopped now by injury.

they will not give up.

the ones with surrender in their hearts are gone.

and oh, the stories they have to tell.

the stories of life on the open road.

with oprah at their heels

and the rock beyond the reach of their imagination.

there are stories of drama,

of challenges,

of the surprises that wait around every bend.

stories of the kindness of strangers

and the impersonal cruelty of the beating sun.

the beauty is,

as each one reaches the rock,

their faces alight with joy,

we unworthy followers get to share in the passion.

and, as each finisher arrives,

they get their moment on the throne.

when their stories are the center of attention.

when we all are waiting,

to hear the stories only they can tell.

each of us, who have been there,

share the knowledge of the truths we have learned

on the unforgiving road.

but the individual stories can only be told by those who have lived them….

I need to take a quick shower.

james adams is approaching sand mountain…

he has stories to tell,

and I want to be there to hear them.

laz

Shane Tucker reached the Whispering Oak Campground earlier this morning. He is well past it now.

Shane Tucker’s crewmate Julia Beavers caught the above VS500K runner catching sleep in the most strange of places.

Karen Jackson and Bo Millwood have crossed the bridge in South Pittsburgh and have less than a half marathon to go to the finish.

James Adams has finished in 6 days 5 hours 47 minutes 12 seconds and upon reaching the Rock said, “I wasn’t expecting it to be that difficult.” Congrats to James who is from the United Kingdom.

Shane Tucker has hit 257 miles and is heading in for the day to get some beef and catch some sleep per his crew.

Photo from yesterday via John Fegyveresi of the Canadian duo of Marylou Corino and Lisa Van Wolde finishing the Vol State 500K.

“So the race was over Steven (Smith) had touched yhe rock awhile later I was rummaging around in the back of my dodge ram pickup for something which was our crew vehicle,Steven walks up says I need some more iced tea…I said hey dude race is over and I just retired from crewing…ha it dawned on him about then and said..dang I have been handed food and drink for the last 5 days hope I haven’t forgotten how to do those things for myself…I did relent and hand him a clean cup..” – Bill Baker

And the great Sal Coll is done in 6 days 8 hours 4 minutes 25 seconds.  “Oh man I’m glad that’s over.” It’s Sal’s 4th Vol State 500K finish. Congrats on an amazing accomplishment. #RunItFast tough!

Scott Krouse is to the top of Monteagle mountain, mile 273.

Run It Fast’s Sal Coll (above) 4x Vol State 500K finisher…amazing!

“This course beat me like a lil rag doll for 6 straight days. I staggered into Shelbyville last night around midnight going 1.5 mph, no joke. My feet felt like someone beat them repeatedly w a ball bat, like they were broken. Stopped at a store only a block or so from the hotel and it ended up taking another hr to get to the room lol. Slept late to try n recover and have been running since. Oh, the difference a day makes. Day 7 has been my best day so far. Beautiful weather, sun out w a nice breeze, gorgeous scenery. I guess the moral of my story is this: just hold on, stay the course, persevere cause things do get better ☀ ‪#‎GetToTheRock‬” – Gregg Ellis

Tim Waz reports: Super proud of two great friends Bo & Karen for finishing the 2015 Vol State!!! Proud of you both!!! 6 days 10:11:20

Photo above of 3rd place finisher John Fegyveresi after an amazing uncrewed Vol State 500K run at the Rock in the ‘thrown’!

Bo Millwood on The Rock after finishing the his first Vol State 500K with Karen ‘Action’ Jackson.

Add Rick Gray to the list of Vol State 500K finishers with a time of 6 days 11 hours 10 minutes 8 seconds. Way to go, Rick!

“Vol State Day 7. 35 miles. 257 miles total. 57 miles to the finish. We caught a break this morning with great cool temperatures. By the morning, I mean midnight until 6ish. I stayed extra time in the hotel due to 2 large storms yesterday. The extra rest had me moving a little quicker. Despite that, there is no way I have a 50+ day in me tomorrow, so I am looking at 2 more running sessions. Each session will contain one of only two “hills” on the course. Tomorrow will be Monteagle via hwy 41 and the finish Friday will include the climb up North Sand Mountain. Barring disasters, I am hoping to finish two days early on Friday morning. A few more pics are posted below.” – Shane Tucker

156 Hour Update

5 more finishers have reached The Rock since the 7:30am check in this morning. The 156 hour check in included finishes from James ‘Give Me A Samuel’ Adams, Sal ‘4x finisher’ Coll, Bo Millwood, Karen Jackson, and Rick Gray. That brings the total to 14 finishers with 36 runners still on the road.

156 Hour Vol State 500K Standings 7:30pm Wednesday, July 15th (15 Finishers, 44 Running, 21 DNFs)

1. Greg Armstrong – 3 days 22 hours 5 minutes 23 seconds (King of the Road)
2. Johan Steene – 3 days 23 hours 15 minutes 52 seconds (uncrewed course record, 2nd overall)
3. John Fegyveresi – 4 days 19 hours 28 minutes 54 seconds (3rd overall, uncrewed)
4. Steven Smith – 4 days 20 hours 3 minutes 48 seconds
5. Lisa Van Wolde – 5 days 8 hours 6 minutes 47 seconds (1st Female)
6. Marylou Corino – 5 days 8 hours 6 minutes 52 seconds (T-1st/2nd Female)
7. Jeremy Ebel – 5 days 16 hours 42 minutes 30 seconds (uncrewed)
8. Andrea Stewart – 5 days 21 hours 33 minutes 59 seconds (3rd female, uncrewed)
9. Jay Dobrowalski – 5 days 23 hours 34 minutes 38 seconds (uncrewed)
10. James Adams – 6 days 5 hours 47 minutes 12 seconds (uncrewed)
11. Sal Coll – 6 days 8 hours 4 minutes 25 seconds (uncrewed, 4x finisher)
12. Bo Millwood – 6 days 10 hours 11 minutes 20 seconds (uncrewed)
13. Karen Jackson – 6 days 10 hours 11 minutes 40 seconds (uncrewed)
14. Rick Gray – 6 days 11 hours 10 minutes 8 seconds
15. Lisa Hazlett – 6 days 11 hours 22 minutes 27 seconds
16. Michael Callans – 302 miles
17. David Lettieri – 302 miles
18. Ben Herron – 295 miles
19. Edward Masuoka – 295 miles
20. Thomas Alm – 290 miles
21. Timothy Daily – 290 miles
22. Tom Dekornfield – 284 miles
23. Jeffrey Stephens – 283 miles
24. Tim Purol – 283 miles
25. Scott Krouse – 277 miles
26. Thomas Skinner – 275 miles
27. Caleb Nolen – 274 miles
28. Joshua Swink – 273 miles
29. Allen Wrinkle – 270 miles
30. Gina Chupka – 270 miles
31. John Sharp – 270 miles
32. Sherry Meador – 266 miles
33. Shelly Mack – 265 miles
34. Ally Gregory – 259 miles
35. Shane Tucker – 257 miles
36. Christopher Knight – 252 miles
37. Dallas Smith – 252 miles
38. Christian McMahon – 249 miles
39. Sergio Bianchini – 248 miles
40. Rich McKnight – 244 miles
41. Gregg Ellis – 244 miles
42. Fred Davis III – 244 miles
43. Don Winkley – 241 miles
44. John Price – 240 miles
45. Johnny Adams – 237 miles
46. Jameelah Abdul-Rahim – 226 miles
47. Gilbert Gray – 226 miles
48. Remy Brandefalk – 226 miles
49. Joseph Kowalski – 226 miles
50. Garry Price – 225 miles
51. Troy Johnson – 225 miles
52. Cathie Johnson – 225 miles
53. Tim Loudermilk – 222 miles
54. Paul Heckert – 213 miles
55. Terrie Wurzbacher – 212 miles
56. Bill Haecker – 208 miles
57. Jay Hamilton – 202 miles
58. Diane Taylor – 202 miles
59. Ben Pennington – 202 miles

DID NOT FINISH (21): Richard Westbook 257 miles, Lynda Webber 235 miles, Sandy Geisel 189 miles, Francesca Muccini 188 miles, Jeff McGonnell 165 miles, Nathan Dewall 145 miles, Johnny Adams 145 miles, Joe Ninke 145 miles, Mike Delang mile 135, Curt Chambers mile 130, Dale Rucker mile 125, Marcia Rasmussen mile 125, Ronald Trignano 109 miles, Sue Scholl mile 107, John Rasmussen mile 92, Ann Kerkman 83 miles, Troy Varney 83 miles, Brian Pickett mile 78, Betty Holder 56 miles, Michael Melton mile 54, Amanda McMahon mile 45, Larry Phillips mile 39

*bold = Run It Fast Club members

Dallas Smith in Manchester with friend Lana Sain who came out to say, “Hello, Is it me you are looking for?”

“Day 7, Wednesday, Manchester, MM 252.

Feet are shredded! Have no trouble usually. Danger of infection concerns me on nail of big toe. Don Winkley knows a woman who lost foot over similar. He recommended soaking in peroxide. When someone of his experience speaks, you should listen. So, it happened the little mart had peroxide. I did what Don suggested.

Plans for tomorrow are uncertain. May go short to give feet a break – stop in Monteagle rather than cover the 48 miles to Kimball as I did last time.” – Dallas Smith

Lynda Webber has dropped from the race at mile 235.

Gregg Ellis currently at 252mi on his way towards Monteagle.

Sal Coll, Karen Jackson, and Bo Millwood at The Rock earlier today.

_____________

Day-by-Day Vol State 5ooK Recaps

• Day 8: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• King of the Road, Greg Armstrong’s Vol State 500K Race Report (2015)
• Day 7: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 6: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Greg Armstrong Repeats as 2015 Vol State 500K King of the Road
• Day 5: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 4: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 3: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 2: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 1: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)

Vintage Vol State 500K Race Reports

• One Mutant’s Last Annual Vol State 500K Race Report (2012)
• Charlie Taylor’s Vol State 500K Race Report (2012)
• Naresh Kumar’s Last Annual Vol State 500K Race Report (2011)
• Joshua Holmes Vol State 500K Photo Journal + Race Report (2011)
• ‘King of the Road’ Don Winkley’s Winning Vol State 500K Race Report (2011)

Historical Vol State 500K Results

• 2014 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2013 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2012 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2011 Last Annual Vol State 5o0K Results

– Run It Fast®

The Joy of Suffering: The Last Annual Vol State 500K Race Report

There are many parallels between life and running, especially ultra running. On the completion of my second VolState 500k (314 miles), my lesson is the “Joy of Brokeness”.

Completing an event like the VolState 500k is humbling and strips a runner to their absolute core (at least that was my experience). It forced me to reassess my goals and strive to not become self defeated. On multiple occasions I wanted to quit, doubted my ability, feared for my health, and just simply felt BROKEN!

I had and verbalized a lofty goal of completing the 314 miles in less than 72 hours and had a very detailed plan (hour by hour) to complete the goal. There is a 12 hour check in so my goals were based on 12 hour increments. Since the race started at 7:30 A.M., I broke it down into segments: 12 hour days of extreme heat and humidity and 12 hour nights.

The first 24 hours went exactly as planned (120 miles) and I felt strong going into day two. Day two was not as kind. Since the course runs west to east, shade became a rare luxury. I found out early on day two that the heat was a factor sooner in the day than I had anticipated. I made a few mistakes managing the heat early on and paid for it dearly. The first 12 hours of day two only produced 32 miles. The next twelve hours (7:30pm-7:30am) the wheels almost came completely off. I found myself in the middle of the night incapable of even walking a 30 minute mile. I was fighting to remain conscious and contiplated just laying in the ditch multiple times. The night of day two only produced 24 slow miles. My goal of completing the race in under 3 days was a distant memory.

Day 3 brought temps in the high 90s with an index over 100, but after modifying my approach to dealing with the heat I was able to muster a respectable 35 miles in the 12 hours of the day. I struggled through the night again with only 30 miles.

My goal now became to complete the race in under 4 days. That meant I had to complete 70 miles in 24 hours. Keeping in mind those 70 miles include 20 of little to no shade in 96 degree temps, two 3 mile climbs at a 7% grade and a brutal 3 mile descent at a 7% grade. Day 4 blessed me with strong legs, 37 daytime miles and 30 miles to the Rock just in time for a beautiful sunrise!

I must say one of my greatest motivators was my good friend, Johan Steene. He trailed me the entire race by just a few miles. The difference is that Johan was not crewed, meaning that he had to carry all his gear, fluids, food, etc. Considering the heat and the long stretches between aid, his performance is one of best I have ever witnessed! I thought to myself frequently “if Johan can do this at this pace without a crew surely I can”.

Romans 5 tells us that we can find “Joy in Suffering (Brokeness).” It goes on to say that “suffering leads to perseverance, perseverance leads to character, and character leads to HOPE!” This is the passage for the ultra runner. The Brokeness/suffering I experienced in this race taught me volumes about myself, far more than any joyful occasion ever could.. I hope and pray that my character has been enhanced as I glean from life’s experiences. But ultimately HOPE is what we long for! Hope is the expectation of future good! It helps us to remember how we will be delivered and that completing the race can be done.

Experiences like this remind me what my late grandmother Armstrong said about living through the Great Depression, “I wouldn’t take a million dollars to go through that again, but you couldn’t give me a million dollars to take away the memories/lessons learned.”

Currently I feel the same about the VolState, but like most ultra runners I will soon forget the intense pain/suffering and probably sign up for next year!

– Greg Armstrong (RIF #373)

[Greg founded Run4Water which is a nonprofit organization that strives to raise awareness and provide solutions for the worldwide water crisis. R4W builds wells and help provide water in the state of Tennessee and countries of Honduras, Haiti and Nicaragua. Read more about this great organization at Run4Water.net]

Greg Armstrong Repeats as Vol State 500K King of the Road

Join Run It Fast – The Club

Two more finishers reached The Rock during the night as John Fegyveresi finished in third place with a time of 4 days 19 hours 28 minutes 54 seconds. Almost catching John was Run It Fast’s Steven Smith who came from 32 miles back of John to finish just 35 minutes behind him in 4 days 20 hours 3 minutes 48 seconds.

Congrats to both John and Steven for both finishing in less than 5 days which is truly an amazing feat.

120 Hour Vol State 500K Standings 7:30am Tuesday, July 14th (4 Finisher, 57 Runners, 19 DNFs)

1. Greg Armstrong – 3 days 22 hours 5 minutes 23 seconds (King of the Road)
2. Johan Steene – 3 days 23 hours 15 minutes 52 seconds (uncrewed course record)
3. John Fegyveresi – 4 days 19 hours 28 minutes 54 seconds (uncrewed)
4. Steven Smith – 4 days 20 hours 3 minutes 48 seconds
5. Lisa Van Wolde – 288 miles (F)
6. Marylou Corino – 288 miles (F)
7. Jay Dobrowalski – 267 miles
8. Jeremy Ebel – 263 miles
9. James Adams – 262 miles
10. Andrea Stewart – 251 miles (F)
11. Michael Callans – 245 miles
12. Bo Millwood – 237 miles
13. Karen Jackson – 237 miles
14. Sal Coll – 234 miles
15. David Lettieri – 232 miles
16. Richard Westbrook – 227 miles
17. Lisa Hazlett – 226 miles
18. Rick Gray – 226 miles
19. Jeffrey Stephens – 226 miles
20. Tim Purol – 226 miles
21. Ben Herron – 225 miles
22. Thomas Skinner – 225 miles
23. Thomas Alm – 225 miles
24. Sherry Meador – 223 miles
25. Timothy Daily – 223 miles
26. Edward Masuoka – 222 miles
27. Scott Krouse – 214 miles
28. Joshua Swink – 212 miles
29. Shane Tucker – 211 miles
30. Caleb Nolen – 207 miles
31. Tom Dekornfield – 207 miles
32. Allen Wrinkle – 205 miles
33. Gina Chupka – 205 miles
34. John Sharp – 205 miles
35. Christian McMahon – 205 miles
36. Christopher Knight – 202 miles
37. Gregg Ellis – 202 miles
38. Richard McKnight – 202 miles
39. Shelly Mack – 200 miles
40. Fred Davis III – 197 miles
41. Ally Gregory – 195 miles
42. Joseph Kowalski – 189 miles
43. Gilbert Gray – 188 miles
44. Remy Brandefalk – 188 miles
45. Dallas Smith – 187 miles
46. Jameelah Abdul-Rahim – 185 miles
47. Don Winkley – 181 miles
48. Lynda Webber – 180 miles
49. Sergio Bianchini – 180 miles
50. John Price – 179 miles
51. Johnny Adams – 179 miles
52. Timothy Loudermilk – 179 miles
53. Garry Price – 175 miles
54. Troy Johnson – 175 miles
55. Cathie Johnson – 175 miles
56. Bill Haecker – 173 miles
57. Paul Heckert – 168 miles
58. Jay Hamilton – 163 miles
59. Terrie Wurzbacher – 163 miles
60. Diane Taylor – 161 miles
61. Ben Pennington – 161 miles

DID NOT FINISH (19): Sandy Geisel 189 miles, Francesca Muccini 188 miles, Jeff McGonnell 165 miles, Nathan Dewall 145 miles, Johnny Adams 145 miles, Joe Ninke 145 miles, Mike Delang mile 135, Curt Chambers mile 130, Dale Rucker mile 125, Marcia Rasmussen mile 125, Ronald Trignano 109 miles, Sue Scholl mile 107, John Rasmussen mile 92, Ann Kerkman 83 miles, Troy Varney 83 miles, Brian Pickett mile 78, Betty Holder 56 miles, Michael Melton mile 54, Amanda McMahon mile 45, Larry Phillips mile 39

Day 6 News & Notes

The Canadian women leading pack of Corino and Van Wolde are not past mile 295.

The great Dallas Smith of KISS continues to Rock n Roll All Night and party every day as he has reached the Bench of Despair. Beware ladies of this god of thunder!

Mary Lou Corino and Lisa Van Wolde are at mile 300, 2 miles of crossing the bridge in South Pittsburgh, where they will call Laz to let him know they will be at The Rock soonish. See, Laz needs a few hours head start to meet them out there.

“215 miles done. That means only 99 to go! Compared to my previous Vol-States, I feel great. Now if I could get my legs to move, that’d be great, too. In the meantime, killing some chocolate milk and wondering how people drink this stuff! It’s gross! But protein and nearly 500 calories. Hoping to make the last few miles to the hotel before afternoon rain storms wash me out. – Scott Krouse

“I’m ok everybody. I’m just trying to regroup. Things turned south on me last night around 2am. Struggled getting into the next town, it was a death march. I’m at 202 miles. Next town is 22 miles away, Shelbyville. I’ll get there sometime today, somehow someway. Thks for the tremendous support. I’m gonna finish this bad boy. It’s not gonna be pretty and it may be slow, but I’m on a mission. Just gotta get my legs n feet cooperating #‎GetToTheRock‬” – Gregg Ellis

“I am passed 200 miles.i have around 100 left
Had to stop to wait for a store to open , I was bonking bad.
Back, feet and stomache issues.
Feeling rough, next stop Shelbyville in around 9 miles.” – Sherry Meador

“Vol State Day 6: 35 miles. 223 miles total. 91 miles remaining. However, there are some chinks and rust starting to show in my 43 year old “armor”. So far everything is being patched with band-aids, corn pads, KT Tape, body glide and prayers. I am taking some extended downtime today while the storms roll through. Tomorrow will probably be a short day of 30 or less to prepare for the climb to Monteagle on Thursday and (hopefully) a finish on Friday afternoon. A lot will also depend on the weather. Thanks again for the comments and likes. I will respond to all of them after this journey is over…..” – Shane Tucker

Karen Jackson and Bo Millwood are in Manchester, TN with 64 miles to go!

Lazarus Lake’s Mid-Race Report

what about us?

the halfway mark has come and gone.

the canadiennes are about a “marathon” from the finish.

the front of the “pack” is another 20 miles behind them.

the crew at race headquarters is already wearing thin.

enabling this insane adventure

is an adventure in and of itself

between call-ins, meat wagon runs, various crises,

and now finishes,

it has been several days since we were able

to steal more than an hour or two at once, for sleep.

and those have come at progressively more and more odd times.

figuring out what day it actually is,

now requires calculating the hours of the race.

hell,

we are maintaining an ever more tenuous contact

with whether it is morning or afternoon.

we have a relative calm today.

time to get caught up on napping,

and maybe store up some fat…

because, starting sometime tomorrow morning,

runners will be hitting the rock about one every two hours.

each will have to have their finish recorded.

and we will have to find ways to ferry them off the rock to rest

and back for their vehicles,

once they are safe to put behind the wheel.

just like everything else that has happened since last Friday morning,

there is no way to plan it ahead.

the bus rides to the ferry are choreographed,

the first day of the race is predictable.

after that….

it is all reaction.

actually, we do have one thing we can rely on.

runners will plan their finishes to deprive us of any chance to sleep or eat.

two more finishers came in last night.

a fading john fegyveresi gave away almost all of a 10 mile lead

over the last 20 miles,

but had enough to beat steven smith to the rock by 35 minutes;

a veritable photo finish in a 500k.

the canadiennes continued to smile their way across the state,

now safely ensconced in 5th and 6th.

jay dobrowalski kept on keeping on.

jay has been hurting since around culleoka,

but he shows no signs of being discouraged.

he just walks slowly down the road with a look of grim determination.

being the vol state,

he will, like as not,

have a comeback at some point.

he needs to have it soon,

as Jeremy ebel has returned from his 20 mile off course expedition

and has now almost recaught jay.

Jeremy started the race strong,

then went thru his own spell of difficulty

before getting into a groove that has seen him moving well

the past few days.

it looked like he might catch the canadiennes,

before he got caught in the Lewisburg triangle.

Michael callans was another runner who was coming on strong,

before falling into a common trap.

he went right by the turn between war trace and Manchester,

not realizing his error until he came into Normandy,

8 miles off course.

there can be no more discouraging moment,

than when a vol stater comes to a city,

and realizes that it is not on the course…

unless it is the moment that they find it on the map,

and see just how far they have to backtrack.

well.

I need to grab an hour or two of sleep,

before the canadiennes cross the blue bridge,

and we are called back to the rock.

there will not be many more opportunities.

laz

“I’ve wanted to quit several times , but I’ve wanted to finish MORE” – a determined Gregg Ellis

“Vol State 500k update. Grinding on and on. I’d love to say the first 208 miles were easy but that would be stretching the truth. Soon I will have less than a 100 miles to go. I’m gonna touch the Rock.” – Rich McKnight

Marylou Corino camped out in Alabama about 4 miles from the finish getting it done with Lisa Van Wolde.

“Things sometimes go wrong in ultrarunning, you gotta bounce back though.Rich McKnight and I missed a turn costing us an extra 6 miles of running in this hot sun today. Oh well, things happen. Not gonna let it steal my joy. Vol State baby, not for the weak minded” – Greg Ellis

“We started on our way to Columbia last night and arrived around 9 am Today. It was a long night of running and walking.” – Troy and Cathie Johnson

Team Canada leading women of Marylou and Lisa are 3 miles from The Rock.

1 mile to go for Marylou and Lisa who will be the first women to reach The Rock this year. I’m curious as to who will cut who right before the ROCK for the win.

Run It Fast members Marylou Corino and Lisa Van Wolde (tied) are the first women to finish the 2015 Vol State 500K. Congrats to both of them on an amazingly strong race and finish. They came down together from Canada and ran every step of the entire 314 mile journey together. Congrats to them both! 5 days 8 hours 6 minutes 52 seconds.

Order your Last Annual Vol State 500K Trucker Hats HERE

And the Vol State thunderstorms have found Gregg Ellis and the rest of the remaining field.

“So…the hotel I intended to stay at the 222 mile mark was under renovation. Rather than go a mile off course round trip, I went 10 more miles. Makes sense right?

Did the last 6 miles in 1:15 with a stray dog traveling with me. Poor guy just wanted a home. Locked him out when I went in to the convenience store and he jumped in a lady’s car. Wasn’t there when I came back. Good deed for the day?

Now if I could get in this damn hotel instead of sitting outside watching the storm with my pizza. Ugh. No luck. Again.

_____________

Day-by-Day Vol State 5ooK Recaps

• Day 8: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• King of the Road, Greg Armstrong’s Vol State 500K Race Report (2015)
• Day 7: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 6: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Greg Armstrong Repeats as 2015 Vol State 500K King of the Road
• Day 5: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 4: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 3: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 2: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 1: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)

Vintage Vol State 500K Race Reports

• One Mutant’s Last Annual Vol State 500K Race Report (2012)
• Charlie Taylor’s Vol State 500K Race Report (2012)
• Naresh Kumar’s Last Annual Vol State 500K Race Report (2011)
• Joshua Holmes Vol State 500K Photo Journal + Race Report (2011)
• ‘King of the Road’ Don Winkley’s Winning Vol State 500K Race Report (2011)

Historical Vol State 500K Results

• 2014 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2013 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2012 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2011 Last Annual Vol State 5o0K Results

– Run It Fast®

Lebanon, Tennessee native Greg Armstrong is the winner of the 2015 Last Annual Vol State 500K and keeps his crown as King of the Road until next July. He finished a tough race, overcoming extreme heat and a broken rib, to finish in 3 days 22 hours 5 minutes 23 seconds. Greg is the first back-to-back winner of the race and joins DeWayne Satterfield as the only 2-time winner of the race.

Sweden’s Johan Steene finished very closely behind in 3 days 23 hours 15 minutes 52 seconds for second place. Steene was uncrewed (screwed) and broke his uncrewed record from last year by about 3 hours. Simply amazing and even more so when you consider how hot and humid it was this year.

“I know I am relatively new to the sport but this performance by Johan Steene may be one of best/gutsiest efforts of all time. How can I make such a lofty comment? Well, I went through the exact same conditions usually just hours before Johan each day. Unless you have done this race one can’t fully appreciate the difference between being “crewed” and “screwed”. As far as I’m concerned Johan is the true “King of the Road”. I appreciate the well wishes and congrats but I’m not in the same league as this amazing man!!” – Greg Armstrong after Johan’s finish.

96 Hour Vol State 500K Standings 7:30am Monday, July 13th (61 Runners, 19 DNFs)

1. Greg Armstrong – 3 days 22 hours 5 minutes 23 seconds (King of the Road)
2. Johan Steene – 3 days 23 hours 15 minutes 52 seconds (uncrewed course record)
3. John Fegyveresi – 262 miles
4. Steven Smith – 253 miles
5. Lisa Van Wolde – 234 miles (F)
6. Marylou Corino – 234 miles (F)
7. Jeremy Ebel – 220 miles
8. Jay Dobrowalski – 214 miles
9. James Adams – 214 miles
10. Michael Callans – 202 miles
11. Andrea Stewart – 199 miles
12. David Lettieri – 199 miles
13. Richard Westbrook – 193 miles
14. Timothy Daily – 188 miles
15. Sal Coll – 188 miles
16. Jeffrey Stephens – 188 miles
17. Tim Purol – 188 miles
18. Ben Herron – 184 miles
19. Bo Millwood – 183 miles
20. Karen Jackson – 183 miles
21. Thomas Skinner – 183 miles
22. Edward Masuoka – 182 miles
23. Lisa Hazlett – 180 miles
24. Rick Gray – 180 miles
25. Scott Krouse – 179 miles
26. Sherry Meador – 179 miles
27. Caleb Nolen – 178 miles
28. Tom Dekornfield – 178 miles
29. Thomas Alm – 177 miles
30. Joshua Swink – 177 miles
31. Christopher Knight – 176 miles
32. Shane Tucker – 174 miles
33. Gregg Ellis – 173 miles
34. Allen Wrinkle – 173 miles
35. Gina Chupka – 173 miles
36. John Sharp – 173 miles
37. Christian McMahon – 167 miles
38. Bill Haecker – 167 miles
39. Sandy Geisel – 165 miles
40. Shelly Mack – 164 miles
41. Richard McKnight – 164 miles
42. Fred Davis III – 163 miles
43. Joseph Kowalski – 162 miles
44. Ally Gregory – 159 miles
45. Dallas Smith – 157 miles
46. Lynda Webber – 152 miles
47. Sergio Bianchini – 152 miles
48. Gilbert Gray – 152 miles
49. Jameelah Abul-Rahim – 152 miles
50. Remy Brandefalk – 152 miles
51. Don Winkley – 150 miles
52. Timothy Loudermilk – 146 miles
53. John Price – 145 miles
54. Cathie Johnson – 141 miles
55. Troy Johnson – 141 miles
56. Garry Price – 140 miles
57. Paul Heckert – 135 miles
58. Jay Hamilton – 133 miles
59. Terrie Wurzbacher – 130 miles
60. Diane Taylor – 126 miles
61. Ben Pennington – 126 miles

DID NOT FINISH (19): Francesca Muccini 188 miles, Jeff McGonnell 165 miles, Nathan Dewall 145 miles, Johnny Adams 145 miles, Joe Ninke 145 miles, Mike Delang mile 135, Curt Chambers mile 130, Dale Rucker mile 125, Marcia Rasmussen mile 125, Ronald Trignano 109 miles, Sue Scholl mile 107, John Rasmussen mile 92, Ann Kerkman 83 miles, Troy Varney 83 miles, Brian Pickett mile 78, Betty Holder 56 miles, Michael Melton mile 54, Amanda McMahon mile 45, Larry Phillips mile 39

Last night saw Jeremy Ebel go off course for 10 hours, being uncrewed, that meant an extra 20 miles of shuffling by the time he got back on course. Just a brutal mistake that has dropped him down in the standings. Steven Smith is the strongest runner in the field currently after the finishes of Armstrong and Johan.

The 2-headed Canadian monster of Lisa Van Wolde and Marylou Corino are relentless and steady as they have now pushed past 240 miles since the morning update.

Johnny Adams and Nathan Dewall joined the list of DNF’s last night. Francesca Muccini is still off course and supposedly done but attempts to get her back to finish her strong race have commenced.

The Canadian women are currently at mile 247 and have a dominating lead on the women’s side (11:57am).

Poor uncrewed runners around mile 188.

Shane Tucker reaches the Bench of Despair!

“I feed the boy got him a chair under huge pecan tree was telling him the story of my life and he fell asleep…whats up with that?” – Bill Baker, crewing Steven Smith (SS Top)

King Greg Armstrong’s view from ‘The Rock’ early this morning! It must be good to be king!

Leading women combo of Marylou Corino and Lisa Van Wolde have hit mile 250 in Manchester, TN. They were happy once upon a time.

Canadian women are now around mile 255.

“Vol State Day 5. 36 miles. 188 total. This was the 5th day in a row it has been hotter than the previous day.” – Shane Tucker

“Best rest I’ve had this whole race. 6 hrs of solid sleep just now. I needed it. Hoping to make a big push tonight. This race is crazy lol. There’s nothing like it, that’s for sure.” – Gregg Ellis

“Mentally…let’s just say I may have spent an hour confused and sleepy at a car wash…” – Scott Krouse

“We started out at 1:00am today and went 19 miles.We decided to get out of the heat, and start back around 8 pm for a long night of knocking out miles from Hohenweld.” – Troy and Cathie Johnson

Dallas Smith is having a burrito somewhere. Diane Taylor is probably laying under a tree somewhere. Ben Pennington is wishing he was anywhere but here.

Gregg Ellis and Shane Tucker…wannabe VS Creatures of the Night!!

108 Hour Vol State 500K Standings 7:30pm Monday, July 13th (2 Finisher, 59 Runners, 19 DNFs)

1. Greg Armstrong – 3 days 22 hours 5 minutes 23 seconds (King of the Road)
2. Johan Steene – 3 days 23 hours 15 minutes 52 seconds (uncrewed course record)
3. John Fegyveresi – 294 miles
4. Steven Smith – 284 miles
5. Lisa Van Wolde – 258 miles (F)
6. Marylou Corino – 258 miles (F)
7. Jay Dobrowalski – 239 miles
8. Andrea Stewart – 233 miles (F)
9. James Adams – 224 miles
10. Jeremy Ebel – 223 miles
11. Bo Millwood – 214 miles
12. Karen Jackson – 214 miles
13. Lisa Hazlett – 214 miles
14. Rick Gray – 214 miles
15. Richard Westbrook – 212 miles
16. Michael Callans – 210 miles
17. David Lettieri – 208 miles
18. Ben Herron – 207 miles
19. Edward Masuoka – 207 miles
20. Sal Coll – 202 miles
21. Jeffrey Stephens – 202 miles
22. Tim Purol – 202 miles
23. Christopher Knight – 201 miles
24. Thomas Alm – 201 miles
25. Sherry Meador – 201 miles
26. Caleb Nolen – 198 miles
27. Joshua Swink – 195 miles
28. Tom Dekornfield – 194 miles
29. Scott Krouse – 189 miles
30. Shane Tucker – 188 miles
31. Francesca Muccini – 188 miles
32. Timothy Daily – 188 miles
33. Shelly Mack – 186 miles
34. Allen Wrinkle – 181 miles
35. Gina Chupka – 181 miles
36. John Sharp – 181 miles
37. Gregg Ellis – 180 miles
38. Richard McKnight – 179 miles
39. Joseph Kowalski – 179 miles
40. Dallas Smith – 179 miles
41. Fred Davis III – 177 miles
42. Lynda Webber – 177 miles
43. Gilbert Gray – 175 miles
44. Jameelah Abul-Rahim – 175 miles
45. Remy Brandefalk – 175 miles
46. Christian McMahon – 174 miles
47. Sergio Bianchini – 174 miles
48. Ally Gregory – 174miles
49. Sandy Geisel – 172 miles
50. Don Winkley – 171 miles
51. John Price – 167 miles
52. Johnny Adams – 164 miles
53. Timothy Loudermilk – 164 miles
54. Jay Hamilton – 157 miles
55. Paul Heckert – 150 miles
56. Garry Price – 149 miles
57. Troy Johnson – 146 miles
58. Cathie Johnson – 146 miles
59. Terrie Wurzbacher – 145 miles
60. Diane Taylor – 145 miles
61. Ben Pennington – 145 miles

DID NOT FINISH (19): Francesca Muccini 188 miles, Jeff McGonnell 165 miles, Nathan Dewall 145 miles, Johnny Adams 145 miles, Joe Ninke 145 miles, Mike Delang mile 135, Curt Chambers mile 130, Dale Rucker mile 125, Marcia Rasmussen mile 125, Ronald Trignano 109 miles, Sue Scholl mile 107, John Rasmussen mile 92, Ann Kerkman 83 miles, Troy Varney 83 miles, Brian Pickett mile 78, Betty Holder 56 miles, Michael Melton mile 54, Amanda McMahon mile 45, Larry Phillips mile 39

“Day 5, Monday, Columbia, MM 179

Left Hohenwald at 0300. By 0730, the end of 4 days. I had 157 miles, precisely halfway.

Who cares whether what I do is what anyone would call running? I won’t worry with it. My aching feet have got to get my chaffing butt on down the road any way they can. I need this finish bad.

_____________

Day-by-Day Vol State 5ooK Recaps

• Day 8: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• King of the Road, Greg Armstrong’s Vol State 500K Race Report (2015)
• Day 7: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 6: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Greg Armstrong Repeats as 2015 Vol State 500K King of the Road
• Day 5: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 4: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 3: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 2: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 1: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)

Vintage Vol State 500K Race Reports

• One Mutant’s Last Annual Vol State 500K Race Report (2012)
• Charlie Taylor’s Vol State 500K Race Report (2012)
• Naresh Kumar’s Last Annual Vol State 500K Race Report (2011)
• Joshua Holmes Vol State 500K Photo Journal + Race Report (2011)
• ‘King of the Road’ Don Winkley’s Winning Vol State 500K Race Report (2011)

Historical Vol State 500K Results

• 2014 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2013 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2012 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2011 Last Annual Vol State 5o0K Results

– Run It Fast®

UPDATED: King of the Road, Greg Armstrong’s 2015 Vol State 500K Race Report

Greg Armstrong, of Lebanon, Tennessee, won The Last Annual Vol State 500K early Monday morning becoming the first runner to reach The Rock in Castle Rock, Georgia. Armstrong goes back-to-back as he won the race last July as well. His time of 3 days 22 hours 05 minutes 23 seconds is the 4th fastest time in Vol State history.

Armstrong is the first back-to-back King of the Road and joins DeWayne Satterfield as the only two-time winner of the race.

This year’s extreme heat knocked Armstrong off his plan to set the course record, as did a cracked rib, but he persevered to keep the uncrewed Swede Johan Steene just far enough back the entire race to earn the win.

Steen reached The Rock shortly after Armstrong in 3 days 23 hours 15 minutes 52 seconds breaking the uncrewed/screwed record that he set last year by nearly 3 hours.

The humble and gracious Armstrong had the following to say after Steene’s finish, “I know I am relatively new to the sport but this performance by Johan Steene may be one of best/gutsiest efforts of all time. How can I make such a lofty comment? Well, I went through the exact same conditions usually just hours before Johan each day. Unless you have done this race one can’t fully appreciate the difference between being “crewed” and “screwed”. As far as I’m concerned Johan is the true “King of the Road”. I appreciate the well wishes and congrats but I’m not in the same league as this amazing man!!

King Greg sitting atop his throne (or the ‘thrown’ as Laz calls the chair because after every runner sits in it, the stench is so bad that the chair has to be ‘thrown’ away in the garbage)!

The race was started many years ago by Gary Cantrell, also known as Lazarus Lake, who still presides over the race and haunts runnes over all 314 grueling miles.

Greg might be done but over 60 other runners remain on the course, some as far back as 190 miles, hoping to get to the same Rock that Armstrong reached so quickly.

Last Annual Vol State Kings of the Road (modern course)

• 2015 Greg Armstrong – 3d 22h 5m 23s
• 2014 Greg Armtrong – 3d 17h 50m 53s
• 2013 Joe Fejes – 3d 8h 10m 16s (course record)
• 2012 Daniel Fox – 5d 3h 9m 33s
• 2011 Don Winkley – 5d 14h 21m 32s
• 2010 Juli Aistars – 5d 22h 1m 33s
• 2009 DeWayne Satterfield – 3d 17h 42m 12s
• 2008 Kevin Dorsey – 4d 23h 45m 3s
• 2007 Carl Laniak – 6d 6h 11m 1s
• 2006 DeWayne Satterfield – 4d 8h 39m 44s

The view King Greg had upon reaching ‘The Rock’ overlooking the Tennessee River

Congrats to Greg and his crew on his amazing victory!

72 Hour Vol State 500K Standings 7:30am Sunday, July 12th (68 Runners, 12 DNFs)

1. Greg Armstrong – 244 miles 
2. Johan Steene – 234 miles
3. John Fegyveresi – 204 miles
4. Jeremy Ebel – 188 miles
5. Steven Smith – 188 miles
6. Lisa Van Wolde – 185 miles (F)
7. Marylou Corino – 185 miles (F)
8. Michael Callans – 179 miles
9. Jay Dobrowalski – 178 miles
10. Francesca Muccini – 175 miles (F)
11. James Adams – 169 miles
12. Timothy Daily – 157 miles
13. Andrea Stewart – 156 miles
14. Jeff McGonnell – 156 miles
15. Bo Millwood 147 miles
16. Karen Jackson – 147 miles
17. Ben Herron – 146 miles
18. Thomas Skinner – 145 miles
19. Jeffrey Stephens – 145 miles
20. Tim Purol – 145 miles
21. Sherry Meador  – 145 miles
22. Nathan Dewall – 145 miles
23. Sal Coll – 144 miles
24. Richard Westbrook – 144 miles
25. Edward Masuoka – 144 miles
26. Scott Krouse – 144 miles
27. Shane Tucker – 143 miles
28. David Lettieri – 143 miles
29. Allen Wrinkle – 141 miles
30. Gina Chupka – 141 miles
31. John Sharp – 141 miles
32. Thomas Alm – 141 miles
33. Caleb Nolen – 140 miles
34. Lisa Hazlett – 138 miles
35. Rick Gray – 138 miles
36. Joshua Swink – 138 miles
37. Christopher Knight – 136 miles
38. Tom Dekornfield – 136 miles
39. Gregg Ellis – 136 miles
40. Fred Davis III – 130 miles
41. Mike Delang – 129 miles
42. Sangy Geisel – 129 miles
43. Joseph Kowalski – 129 miles
44. Bill Haecker – 128 miles
45. Johnny Adams – 125 miles
46. Richard McKnight – 125 miles
47. Ally Gregory – 124 miles
48. Shelly Mack – 123 miles
49. Christian McMahon – 122 miles
50. Curt Chambers – 122 miles
51. Gilbert Gray – 121 miles
52. Remy Brandefalk – 121 miles
53. Dale Rucker – 121 miles
54. Tim Loudermilk – 120 miles
55. Lynda Webber – 118 miles
56. Sergio Bianchini – 118 miles
57. Dallas Smith – 117 miles
58. Don Winkley – 116 miles
59. Jameelah Abdul-Rahim – 115 miles
60. John Price – 111 miles
61. Jay Hamilton – 108 miles
62. Paul Heckert – 107 miles
63. Garry Price – 106 miles
64. Troy Johnson – 105 miles
65. Cathie Johnson – 105 miles
66. Ben Pennington – 102 miles
67. Diane Taylor – 98 miles
68. Terrie Wurzbacher – 98 miles

DID NOT FINISH (12): Joe Ninke 145 miles, Marcia Rasmussen mile 125, Ronald Trignano 109 miles, Sue Scholl mile 107, John Rasmussen mile 92, Ann Kerkman 83 miles, Troy Varney 83 miles, Brian Pickett mile 78, Betty Holder 56 miles, Michael Melton mile 54, Amanda McMahon mile 45, Larry Phillips mile 39

Run It Fast members Sal Coll and Shane Tucker taking names around mile 146.

Laz’s 72 Hour Pep Talk

the long thin line grows thinner:

the 4th morning is here.
once again the sun beats down
the chirring july flies sing…

Steven Smith hits mile 200 of The Vol State. Only 114 miles to go.

The Canadian women of Marylou Corino and Lisa Van Wolde are at mile 200 in Lewisburg.

Greg Armstrong is strong once again and banging out 10-11 minute miles as he starts to feel the pull of The Rock a bit as he moves towards Monteagle Mountain.

Shane Tucker is to mile 152 where he is now going down for sleep and will get back at it once the sun is down.

Race leader Greg Armstrong has turned the volume up to sub 10 min miles and is now at mile 265 with less than 50 miles to go. He is 10 miles away from the base of Monteagle mtn.

“Thanks for all the encouragement and positive energy! This race has been brutal. Three straight days of a heat index at 100 degrees. Never have I been so humbled.  Am at the base of Mounteagle about to make the ascent! Less than 50 to go. The Rock is near!” – Greg Armstrong

Ben Herron is all thumb on his trek towards Columbia, TN.

“Having a blast! (really lol) the camaderie is admirable. We all are in pain, we see it in each other’s eyes. Yes it hurts, it’s extremely hard, this course is unforgiving and relentless. Goals and plans have changed too many times to count but the goal of reaching the Rock hasn’t. I’ve ran out of food n supplies in between just about every town, I’ve begged strangers for water, I’ve been dehydrated, gotten cramps, hobbled thru 144 miles but I’m still marching toward the Rock. This course will make the most fluid runners hobble. It will turn 10 min miles into 30 min miles. If it was easy then everyone would do it. The Vol Staters we don’t want easy, we want to earn our seat in the camp chair “throne” on the Rock. We just want to finish this beast and prove to ourselves that we have what it takes inside. It is about survival now. ‪#‎GetToTheRock‬” – Gregg Ellis

“Yikes, I just took a look at Mike’s (Delang) feet. No wonder his painful grimaces and slow pace, the skin has completely come off 3 toes. Let’s see how well I can treat and tape them with what tools I have and if it will help him move forward. We are desperately trying to avoid a call to the ‘meat wagon’ that would end our race. Our goal is to walk the 9 miles to the next town and see how he does.” – Sandy Geisel

84 Hour Update Shortly. Runners are still reporting their positions….several more DNF’s. Armstrong is at 281. Steene 273.

84 Hour Vol State 500K Standings 7:30am Sunday, July 12th (63 Runners, 17 DNFs)

1. Greg Armstrong – 281 miles 
2. Johan Steene – 273 miles
3. John Fegyveresi – 234 miles
4. Steven Smith – 224 miles
5. Lisa Van Wolde – 211 miles (F)
6. Marylou Corino – 211 miles (F)
7. Jay Dobrowalski – 202 miles
8. Jeremy Ebel – 202 miles
9. Michael Callans – 200 miles
10. Andrea Stewart – 179 miles
11. James Adams – 178 miles
12. Thomas Alm – 176 miles
13. Lisa Hazlett – 174 miles
14. Rick Gray – 174 miles
15. Bo Millwood 173 miles
16. Karen Jackson – 173 miles
17. David Lettieri – 172 miles
18. Sal Coll – 171 miles
19. Edward Masuoka – 170 miles
20. Richard Westbrook – 170 miles
21. Jeffrey Stephens – 169 miles
22. Tim Purol – 169 miles
23. Scott Krouse – 165 miles
24. Sherry Meador – 165 miles
25. Caleb Nolen – 164 miles
26. Ben Herron – 163 miles
27. Joshua Swink – 163 miles
28. Timothy Daily – 163 miles
29. Thomas Skinner – 162 miles
30. Shane Tucker – 152 miles
31. Shelly Mack – 150 miles
32. Bill Haecker – 147 miles
33. Allen Wrinkle – 146 miles
34. Gina Chupka – 146 miles
35. John Sharp – 146 miles
36. Christopher Knight – 145 miles
37. Dallas Smith – 145 miles
38. Fred Davis III – 145 miles
39. Gregg Ellis – 145 miles
40. Lynda Webber – 145 miles
41. Sergio Bianchini – 145 miles
42. Tom Dekornfield – 145 miles
43. Joseph Kowalski – 145 miles
44. Gilbert Gray – 142 miles
45. Jameelah Abul-Rahim – 142 miles
46. Remy Brandefalk – 142 miles
47. Don Winkley – 140 miles
48. Johnny Adams – 139 miles
49. Richard McKnight 139 miles
50. Ally Gregory – 137 miles
51. Sandy Geisel – 136 miles
52. Tim Loudermilk – 135 miles
53. John Price – 131 miles
54. Christian McMahon – 131 miles
55. Curt Chambers – 131 miles
56. Cathie Johnson – 125 miles
57. Troy Johnson – 125 miles
58. Jay Hamilton – 125 miles
59. Garry Price – 114 miles
60. Paul Heckert – 113 miles
61. Ben Pennington – 111 miles
62. Diane Taylor – 108 miles
63. Terrie Wurzbacher – 108 miles

DID NOT FINISH (17): Francesca Muccini 188 miles, Jeff McGonnell 165 miles, Joe Ninke 145 miles, Mike Delang mile 135, Dale Rucker mile 125, Marcia Rasmussen mile 125, Ronald Trignano 109 miles, Sue Scholl mile 107, John Rasmussen mile 92, Ann Kerkman 83 miles, Troy Varney 83 miles, Brian Pickett mile 78, Betty Holder 56 miles, Michael Melton mile 54, Amanda McMahon mile 45, Larry Phillips mile 39

After the updated standings were posted, Francesca Muccini who was the third female, dropped from the race per her Facebook update. Congrats to RIF’s Francesca who had an amazing run. Great job, Francesca!

The eloquent Dallas Smith checks in with these words:

Day 4, Sunday, Hohenwald, MM 145

The Vol State 500k has added a new term to the running lexicon, “2 mph.” A speed ordinary runners don’t consider, but every Vol Stater knows. When you have no play left except an enfeebled walk then you make that play.

You can endure even that and emerge running the next day. I did. The fever on my quads broke during a deep sleep untroubled by dreams or trips to the bathroom. This morning, I hit US 412 at 4:14 in Parsons. I stopped at 6:30 pm at Hohenwald.

The moon is a stingy mistress withholding her light, hanging in the eastern morning sky, offering only a thin smile and each day falling a little closer to the rising sun.

When I left Parsons a whip-o-will was calling, second consecutive morning to hear that sound. A chorus of frogs, several kinds, were making their calls, including one that sounded like barking. And a bullfrog was grunting. These hopeful sounds launched me into another burning day.

I have a hip hop vibe going, running with my shorts pulled down low, so they can rub a new spot and let the old spot rest. May improve my style category, trotting down the road with drooping britches.

I remember a guy two years ago had same problem, but different body part. He wrapped his scrotum with duct tape. Which seemed an imperfect solution. That’s the fate of the uncrewed runner – making do with what he has or he can find.

Rich McKnight’s shadow gives the Vol State course a subtle message!

Gregg Ellis just hit the half way point (m157). Congrats Gregg! Only 157mi to go!

Steven Smith is back on the road after a short rest. He has just 89 miles to go and is currently in 4th place.

Couple great photos above from Shane Tucker while cruising through the Natchez Trace Parkway.

“We got up at midnight and started our journey at 0030. We wanted to get a lot of miles in before the heat. Yesterday we went 39 miles,today we went 34 miles, and stopped in Linden,TN. It was very hot today! We have knocked out 125 miles.” – Troy Johnson

Armstrong has got to be getting close to The Rock!

“Halfway at 1:58 AM on day 4. Unofficial Vol State clock time of 3 days, 17 hours and 58 minutes.” – Shane Tucker

Laz’s Nightly News Report from the Road

blood on the highway

one word keeps surfacing at the vol state…

 

 

brutal.

 

today was a truly brutal day.

another escalation in the heat index

battered the weary footwarriors,

 

and more than a few were pushed beyond their capacity to endure.

 

one by one they capitulated.

all day long.

65 of the original 80 remain,

and many of them are hanging by a thread….

 

tomorrow promises to be the hottest day yet.

 

and we knew it would happen.

the relentless oprah has overtaken a runner.

sentimental favorites terrie wurzbacher and diane taylor

find their backs to the wall tonight.

 

they must run down oprah in the darkness

to keep their dreams of reaching the rock alive.

 

of course they are only trying to buy a day.

oprah never lets up.

 

at the front,

greg armstrong has begun his push to the finish

and is running very strong.

johan steene still refuses to go away

having, unbelievably, cut the lead to 8 miles

over a 30 mile stretch of road almost devoid of aid possibilities.

I cannot find the words to describe the improbability of this feat.

 

fegy is now totally alone in third.

 

and steven smith has returned from the void to grab a solid hold on 4th.

 

the canadiennes are smiling and dancing along in 5th/6th.

 

Jeremy ebel and jay dobrawalski have taken very different routes

to fall out of contention.

 

Jeremy ran 10 miles off course

(meaning a 20 mile error by the time he gets back)

jay has simply crashed and burned…

 

his corpse stumbles on,

refusing to quit.

 

the first half of day 4 has been a nightmare.

now we will see what the night itself will bring.

 

laz

_____________

Day-by-Day Vol State 5ooK Recaps

• Day 8: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• King of the Road, Greg Armstrong’s Vol State 500K Race Report (2015)
• Day 7: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 6: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Greg Armstrong Repeats as 2015 Vol State 500K King of the Road
• Day 5: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 4: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 3: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 2: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 1: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)

Vintage Vol State 500K Race Reports

• One Mutant’s Last Annual Vol State 500K Race Report (2012)
• Charlie Taylor’s Vol State 500K Race Report (2012)
• Naresh Kumar’s Last Annual Vol State 500K Race Report (2011)
• Joshua Holmes Vol State 500K Photo Journal + Race Report (2011)
• ‘King of the Road’ Don Winkley’s Winning Vol State 500K Race Report (2011)

Historical Vol State 500K Results

• 2014 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2013 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2012 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2011 Last Annual Vol State 5o0K Results

– Run It Fast®

Day 3: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)

The heat is starting to knock out or severely effect everyone as King Greg Armstrong slowed considerably during the night along with the rest of his pack leading court. Armstrong had 179 miles after the first 48 hours as Day 3 started. Johan Steene had closed the gap to 5 miles back with 174 and John Fegyveresi had moved up to third with 146 miles. Jeremy Ebel is close behind Fegy with 143 miles.

The top women remained Lisa Van Wolde and Marylou Corino with 139 miles. Marcia Rasmussen had an amazing night as she moved up to third woman with 125 miles.  Francesca Muccini is a bit back at 118 miles.

48 Hour Vol State 500K Standings 7:30am Saturday, July 11th (74 Runners, 6 DNFs)

1. Greg Armstrong – 179 miles (17 miles behind of course record pace)
2. Johan Steene – 174 miles
3. John Fegyveresi – 146 miles
4. Jeremy Ebel – 143 miles
5. Lisa Van Wolde – 139 miles (F)
6. Marylou Corino – 139 miles (F)
7. Jay Dobrowalski – 138 miles
8. Marcia Rasmussen – 125 miles (F)
9. Michael Callans – 123 miles
10. Francesca Muccini – 118 miles (F)
11. James Adams – 116 miles
12. Steven Smith – 114 miles
13. Andrea Stewart – 112 miles
14. Jeff McGonnell – 112 miles
15. Bo Millwood – 111 miles
16. Karen Jackson – 111 miles
17. Jeffrey Stephens – 110 miles
18. Tim Purol – 110 miles
19. David Lettieri – 110 miles
20. Thomas Alm – 110 miles
21. Nathan Dewall- 108 miles
22. Sherry Meador – 106 miles
23. Sal Coll – 106 miles
24. Edward Masuoka – 106 miles
25. Scott Krouse – 106 miles
26. Caleb Nolen – 105 miles
27. Timothy Dailey – 105 miles
28. Lisa Hazlett – 104 miles
29. Rick Gray – 104 miles
30. Allen Wrinkle – 102 miles
31. Thomas Skinner – 102 miles
32. Gina Chupka – 102 miles
33. John Sharp – 102 miles
34. Shane Tucker – 101 miles
35. Sandy Geisel – 100 miles
36. Mike Delang – 100 miles
37. Christopher Knight – 98 miles
38. Gregg Ellis – 98 miles
39. Fred Davis III – 95 miles
40. Richard Westbrook – 94 miles
41. Joshua Swink – 93 miles
42. Tom Dekornfield – 93 miles
43. Joe Ninke – 92 miles
44. Christian McMahon – 92 miles
45. Ben Herron – 92 miles
46. Bill Haecker – 92 miles
47. Curt Chambers – 92 miles
48. Dale Rucker – 92 miles
49. Ronald Trignano – 91 miles
50. Jseph Kowalski – 91 miles
51. Johnny Adams – 91 miles
52. Shelly Mack – 90 miles
53. Lynda Webber – 89 miles
54. Sergio Bianchini – 89 miles
55. Don Winkley – 89 miles
56. Ally Gregory – 88 miles
57. John Price – 84 miles
58. Gilbert Gray – 83 miles
59. Remy Brandefalk – 83 miles
60. Jameelah Abdul-Rahim – 82 miles
61. Dallas Smith – 82 miles
62. John Rasmussen – 82 miles
63. Richard McKnight – 82 miles
64. Paul Heckert – 82 miles
65. Troy Johnson – 81 miles
66. Cathie Johnson – 81 miles
67. Jay Hamilton – 77 miles
68. Tim Loudermilk – 75 miles
69. Tony Varney – 71 miles
70. Ann Kerkman – 71 miles
71. Garry Price – 70 miles
72. Diane Taylor – 69 miles
73. Terrie Wurzbacher – 69 miles
74. Ben Pennington – 68 miles

DID NOT FINISH (6): Sue Scholl mile 107, Brian Pickett mile 78, Betty Holder 56 miles, Michael Melton mile 54, Amanda McMahon mile 45, Larry Phillips mile 39

Shane Tucker hits mile 100 of The Vol State 500K.

The fuel of uncrewed runner Gregg Ellis getting back on the road.

“These words don’t even come close to describing what lies ahead… We took a left at despair yesterday and are headed straight into purgatory!” – Shelley Armstrong (Greg’s wife)

2013 finisher Diane Bolton caught up with Steven Smith (who looks barely awake/alive) and his crewman Bill Baker.

Gregg Ellis hits mile 100 of the Vol State 500K. 214 more miles to go!

The locals in Lexington, TN welcome Troy and Cathie Johnson to town!

Race leader Greg Armstrong, sporting the Run It Fast colors, during a very hot and exposed part of the Vol State 500K as he approaches Lewisburg, TN.

Laz’s Day 3 Mid-Day Report:

nothing is decided, yet

so greg did not have the night he had hoped for,

neither did johan.

but, the gap between them closed by half.

5 miles apart,

they fight on into the heat of day 3.

fegys took the lead in the chasing pack.

but ebel, corino, van wolde, and dobrawalski are all within 8 miles.

nothing has been decided amongst them.

 

day 3 stretches out in front of us.

undefined, as yet.

a story as yet unwritten.

laz

_____________

Day-by-Day Vol State 5ooK Recaps

• Day 8: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• King of the Road, Greg Armstrong’s Vol State 500K Race Report (2015)
• Day 7: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 6: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Greg Armstrong Repeats as 2015 Vol State 500K King of the Road
• Day 5: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 4: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 3: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 2: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 1: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)

Vintage Vol State 500K Race Reports

• One Mutant’s Last Annual Vol State 500K Race Report (2012)
• Charlie Taylor’s Vol State 500K Race Report (2012)
• Naresh Kumar’s Last Annual Vol State 500K Race Report (2011)
• Joshua Holmes Vol State 500K Photo Journal + Race Report (2011)
• ‘King of the Road’ Don Winkley’s Winning Vol State 500K Race Report (2011)

Historical Vol State 500K Results

• 2014 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2013 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2012 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2011 Last Annual Vol State 5o0K Results

– Run It Fast®

The Day 2 Vol State 500K coverage starts with a look at the 24 hour standings as everyone checked in at 7:30am this morning.

Defending King Greg Armstrong tacked on 52 miles during the second 12 hour stretch for a total of 120 miles after 24 hours. Brian Pickett’s ‘Charge’ died as he DNF’d at mile 78. Sweden Johan Steene took over second place with 107 miles. Third place is now led by first female Sue Scholl with 96.5 miles.

Fourth place is Colorado native Jeremy Ebel with 90 miles, fifth, John Fegyveresi with 84 miles and California native Jay ‘Lewisburg’ Dobrowalski has 83 miles.

Top 3 women after 23 hours: 1. Scholl, 2. Marylou Corino 76 miles, 3. Lisa Van Wolde 76 miles

On down the field runners are starting to clump together into pelotons with a big group in the 66 mile range and another around 56 miles.

Laz’s 24 Hour Commentary

Day 2 temps combined with the wear and tear from the high mileage of day 1 will make it tough for all of the runners as their bodies will want to quit and the remaining distance will haze and taunt them.

24 Hour Vol State 500K Standings (79 runners, 1 DNF)

1. Greg Armstrong – 120 miles
2. Johan Steene – 107 miles
3. Sue Scholl – 96.5 miles (F)
4. Jeremy Ebel – 90 miles
5. John Fegyveresi – 84 miles
6. Jay Dobrowalski – 83 miles
7. Steven Smith – 82 miles
8. Brian Pickett – DNF 78 miles DNF
9. Marylou Corino – 76 miles (F)
10. Lisa Van Wolde – 76 miles (F)
11. Michael Callans – 73 miles
12. Lisa Hazlett – 70 miles
13. Gilbert Gray – 70 miles
14. Thomas Skinner – 67 miles
15. Nathan Dewall – 66.7 miles
16. Andrea Stewart – 66 miles
17. Marcia Rasmussen – 66 miles
18. Francesca Muccini – 66 miles
19. Jeff Mcgonnell – 66 miles
20. James Adams – 66 miles
21. Karen Jackson – 66 miles
22. Bo Millwood – 66 miles
23. Jeffrey Stephens – 65 miles
24. Tim Purol – 65 miles
25. Ben Herron – 65 miles
26. Sandy Geisel – 65 miles
27. Mike Delang – 65 miles
28. Richard Westbrook – 64 miles
29. Caleb Nolen – 64 miles
30. Sherry Meador – 62 miles
31. Joe Ninke – 61 miles
32. Edward Masuoka – 59 miles
33. Gregg Ellis – 58 miles
34. Shane Tucker – 57 miles
35. Fred Douglas III – 57 miles
36. Allen Wrinkle – 56 miles
37. Ronald Trignano – 56 miles
38. Scott Krouse – 56 miles
39. Bill Haeckner – 56 miles
40. Tom Dekornfield – 56 miles
41. Sal Coll – 56 miles
42. Gina Chupka – 56 miles
43. Remy Brandefalk – 56 miles
44. Sergio Bianchini – 56 miles
45. John Sharp – 56 miles
46. Rick Gray – 56 miles
47. Joshua Swink – 55 miles
48. Ally Gregory – 54 miles
49. Timothy Daily – 54 miles
50. Johnny Adams – 54 miles
51. Tim Loudermilk – 53 miles
52. Joseph Kowalkski – 53 miles
53. Dale Rucker – 53 miles
54. Christian Mcmahon – 52 miles
55. Richard McKnight – 52 miles
56. Curt Chambers – 52 miles
57. Shelly Mack – 50 miles
58. Paul Heckert – 50 miles
59. Don Winkley – 50 miles
60. Jameelah Abdul-Rahim Mujaaahid – 49 miles
61. Michael Melton – 49 miles
62. David Lettieri – 49 miles
63. Christopher Knight – 49 miles
64. John Rasmussen – 48 miles
65. John Price – 48 miles
66. Lynda Webber – 46 miles
67. Betty Holder – 46 miles
68. Dallas Smith – 45 miles
69. Amanda McMahon – 45 miles
70. Thomas Alm – 45 miles
71. Troy Johnson – 43 miles
72. Cathie Johnson – 43 miles
73. Jay Hamilton – 41 miles
74. Diane Taylor – 40 miles
75. Garry Price – 40 miles
76. Ben Pennington – 40 miles
77. Terrie Wurzbacher – 40 miles
78. Tony Varney – 38 miles
79. Ann Kerkman – 38 miles
80. Larry Phillips – 30 miles

DNF’s Brian Pickett
Run It Fast Members in bold

Map of where runners were at last check in. View HERE

Next standings update after 7:30pm CT, photos and other updates throughout the day (refresh)

Vol State road warriors at it early this morning.

Current 2nd and 3rd place women Marylou Corino and Lisa Van Wolde.

Rumors floating that female course record holder Sue Scholl who was 3rd overall this morning has dropped due to blister issues. #Confirmed

Florida native Michael Melton has dropped from the race as well at mile 54. He simply melted!

Gregg Ellis thinks the road above seems very long….well it is!

Rookie Francesca Muccini is on the heels of Lisa Van Wolde and Marylou Corino.

Bums!!!! ^

Scott Krouse on Facebook: Ugh…every time I stop I’m cramping, particularly in my feet. I’m used to cramps there, but not this extreme. Killer when you’re trying to sleep.

Any suggestions? (Besides he obvious…stop/don’t stop?). I’m slightly dehydrated, but trying to keep up…not TOO bad on salt, I think…

Hot, hot day for Day #2 of The Vol State!

RIF’s Dallas Smith with Sergio!

36 hour updates are starting to roll in with most of the middle of the field holed up in Lexington. This post will be updated within the next 90 minutes with complete 36 hour standings.

DNFS: Pickett, Scholl, Melton, Phillips

36 Hour Race Recap

The carnage mounted on Day 2 as 5 runners became road kill. Run It Fast’s Greg Armstrong remains in first with 154 miles at 36 hour check in. Johan Steene is not far behind in 143 miles. Jeremy Ebel and John Fegyveresi were strong throughout the day and now fill the third and fourth spots.

After Sue Scholl bowed out, Lisa Van Wolde and Marylou Corino (running together so far) became the top females with 108 miles. Francesca Muccini is third female with 103 miles. All three women are Run It Fast members.

36 Hour Updated Standings – Day 2 – 7:30pm CT – 5 DNF

1. Greg Armstrong – 154 miles (16 miles ahead of course record pace)
2. Johan Steene – 143 miles
3. Jeremy Ebel – 118 miles
4. John Fegyveresi – 114 miles
5. Lisa Van Wolde – 108 miles (F)
6. Marylou Corino – 108 miles (F)
7. Sue Scholl – DNF 107 miles DNF
8. Steven Smith – 106 miles
9. Jay Dobrowalski – 104 miles
10. Michael Callans – 104 miles
11. Nathan Dewall – 104 miles
12. Francesca Muccini – 103 miles
13. Andrea Stewart – 92 miles
14. James Adams – 92 miles
15. Jeff McGonnell – 92 miles
16. Lisa Hazlett – 92 miles
17. Marica Rasmussen – 92 miles
18. Rick Gray – 92 miles
19. Jeffrey Stephens – 88 miles
20. Don Winkley – 83 miles
21. Gregg Ellis – 83 miles
22. Allen Wrinkle – 82 miles
23. Ben Herron – 82 miles
24. Bo Millwood – 82 miles
25. Caleb Nolen – 82 miles
26. David Lettieri – 82 miles
27. Gina Chupka – 82 miles
28. Joe Ninke – 82 miles
29. John Sharp – 82 miles
30. Joshua Swink – 82 miles
31. Karen Jackson – 82 miles
32. Sal Coll – 82 miles
33. Sherry Meador – 82 miles
34. Tim Purol – 82 miles
35. Scott Krouse – 82 miles
36. Edward Masuoka – 81 miles
37. Richard Westbrook – 81 miles
38. Shane Tucker – 81 miles
39. Thomas Skinner – 81 miles
40. Shelly Mack – 80 miles
41. Brian Pickett – DNF 78 miles DNF
42. Johnny Adams – 77 miles
43. Ronald Trignano – 77 miles
44. Joseph Kowalski – 76 miles
45. Mike Delang – 76 miles
46. Sandy Geisel – 76 miles
47. Bill Haecker – 75 miles
48. Fred Davis III – 75 miles
49. Tom Dekornfield – 73 miles
50. Timothy Dailey – 70 miles
51. Jameelah Abdul-Rahim – 69 miles
52. Lynda Webber – 69 miles
53. Richard McKnight – 69 miles
54. Sergio Bianchini – 69 miles
55. Christopher Knight – 68 miles
56. Dale Rucker – 68 miles
57. Dallas Smith – 68 miles
58. John Price – 68 miles
59. Tim Loudermilk – 68 miles
60. Ally Gregory – 67 miles
61. Cathie Johnson – 67 miles
62. Troy Johnson – 67 miles
63. Jay Hamilton – 67 miles
64. Ben Pennington – 63 miles
65. Paul Heckert – 63 miles
66. Christopher McMahon – 62 miles
67. Curt Chambers – 62 miles
68. John Rasmussen – 58 miles
69. Ann Kerkman – 56 miles
70. Betty Holder – 56 miles
71. Diane Taylor – 56 miles
72. Garry Price – 56 miles
73. Terrie Wurzbacher – 56 miles
74. Tony Varney – 56 miles
75. Remy Brandefalk – 56 miles
76. Michael Melton DNF 54 miles DNF
77. Amanda McMahon DNF 45 miles DNF
78. Thomas Alm – 45 miles
79. Larry Phillips DNF 39 miles DNF

Race leader Greg Armstrong is now at the halfway point mile 157 at 8:40pm local time. Some 37 hours 10 minutes into the race. Well ahead of course record. Johan remains close on his tail ahead of the uncrewed record.

“This race will strip you to the core. It ain’t no joke. My one and only mission is to get to the Rock, I don’t care how long. My silly lil time goals are no longer a part of my thinking. There is no way a first timer can estimate it anyway. U can throw all of that business out the window. This thing is a beast. You must respect it and be smart or you won’t finish. It’s going to take every ounce of mental n physical strength I can muster up. I’m well over the cut-off times so that’s good. My feet are great, legs pretty good too. My main problem has been dehydration and heat exhaustion. But I’m getting smarter w that.” – Gregg Ellis

“Humbled. That is all I can say. Vol State 500k is no joke. The Race Director Laz makes every step as difficult as possible. Yesterday went ok but the evening was a disaster. Slept on the sidewalk from midnight to 5:30am. Only managed around 10 miles this afternoon. If you make one mistake the course will make you pay 10 fold. Pushing through the night to make up time and miles lost.” – Rich McKnight

“Vol State Day #2. 40 miles completed. 81 total and in the room 4 hours early. Very difficult day with lots of heat. For me, it is a necessity to get up as early as possible and get gone. Getting up at 2:30 got me in the room before 4 today. I am going to try the same plan tomorrow.” – Shane Tucker

“I believe I’ve solved the cramp problem. Cramps were not a factor today. Lots of water – say, a bottle each hour. That means 12-14 bottles each day. Filled some of those bottles with sports drinks. Yesterday, after I finally found water, over the next two hours I drank so much my fingers got fat.” – Dallas Smith

Laz’s 36 Hour Hot Take Recap

road gets real

July 10, 2015. 10:00pm EDT

the second day is when it gets real.especially this second day.newbie vol-staters,

who thought yesterday was hot,

got a dose of reality today.

there were a lot of people just trying to reach any motel,

and escape the heat for a while.

 

the long line did not thin too badly,

as only 3 more had abandoned their quest by dark.

76 brave souls soldiered on.

 

Armstrong continued his assault on the magical 3-day barrier,

coming up a mere 2 miles short of halfway in 36 hours.

joe fejes’  race record is certainly in danger,

as greg was 16 miles ahead of joe’s 36 hour mark.

 

johan steene, the amazing swede, was keeping the pressure on,

trailing by only 11 miles,

despite being unscrewed thru the sweltering day.

 

both are out there in the darkness right now,

in the desolate hills

between Hohenwald and Hampshire.

 

the next 9 runners are only strung out over 15 miles,

so this should be a very interesting night.

as the rest and run patterns are starting to emerge,

and keep the standings in upheaval.

the race is only beginning.

 

backroads Tennessee continued its love affair with the race

and its runners.

 

parsons set up a “welcome center” as did linden.

and the internet is lit up with inquiries;

“when will the runners be here?”

“I love this race”

 

those waiting further along the course can relax.

once they start coming,

the runners will be passing thru for days.

 

and the runners love Tennessee in return.

 

laz

_____________

Day-by-Day Vol State 5ooK Recaps

• Day 8: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• King of the Road, Greg Armstrong’s Vol State 500K Race Report (2015)
• Day 7: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 6: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Greg Armstrong Repeats as 2015 Vol State 500K King of the Road
• Day 5: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 4: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 3: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 2: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)
• Day 1: The Vol State 500K Live Blog/Standings (2015)

Vintage Vol State 500K Race Reports

• One Mutant’s Last Annual Vol State 500K Race Report (2012)
• Charlie Taylor’s Vol State 500K Race Report (2012)
• Naresh Kumar’s Last Annual Vol State 500K Race Report (2011)
• Joshua Holmes Vol State 500K Photo Journal + Race Report (2011)
• ‘King of the Road’ Don Winkley’s Winning Vol State 500K Race Report (2011)

Historical Vol State 500K Results

• 2014 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2013 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2012 Last Annual Vol State 500K Results
• 2011 Last Annual Vol State 5o0K Results

– Run It Fast®

The 2014 Last Annual Vol State 500K is underway. The race started in Dorena Landing, Missouri and will finish atop Sand Mountain in Georgia covering 314 miles along the way with 90% of those in the great state of Tennessee.

Greg Armstrong won the 2014 Last Annual Vol State 500K early this morning in a blazing 3 days 17 hours 50 minutes 52 seconds, the third fastest time ever. Read more about his win and race splits HERE.

Randy Ellis was the first to come in during the last 24 hour stretch and she rounded out the top 5 with a time of 5d 5h 34m 26s. Juli Aistar, a former ‘King of the Road’ had her time this year was her fastest finish in 5 days and 6 hours. A slew of a total of 12 more finishers reached ‘The Rock’ with several more on target to do the same today.

Top 10 Vol State 500K Standings After 168 Hours (in past 24 hours)

1. Greg Armstrong – 314 miles (3 days 17 hours 50 min 52 sec)
2. Johan Steene – 314 (4 days 2 hours 5 min 16 sec)
3. Sue Scholl – 314 miles (4 days 12 hours 48 min 4 sec)
4. Emilio Nunez – 314 miles (4d 23 hours 21 min 4 sec)
5. Randy Ellis – 314 miles (5d 5h 34m 26s)
6. Juli Aistars – 314 miles (5d 6h 16m 5s)
7. Cyndi Graves – 314 miles (5d 10h 3m 1s)
8. Jim Ball – 314 miles (5d 12h 45m 21s)
9. John Sands – 314 miles (5d 15h 37m 6s)
10. Elaine Stypula – 314 miles (5d 18h 37m 6s)
11. Dale Holdaway – 314 miles (5d 21h 32m 54s)
12. Eric Moening – 314 miles (5d 21h 32m 34s)
13. Thomas Skinner – 314 miles (5d 22h 23m 29s)
14. Brad Compton – 314 miles (5d 22h 56m 44s)
15. Richard Westbrook – 314 miles (5d 23h 49m 59s)
16. Frank Dahl – 314 miles (6d 0h 0m 54s)
17. Sal Coll – 314 miles (6d 3h 43m 51s)
18. Karen Jackson – 314 miles (6d 5h 2m 46s)
19. Salt Shack – 314 miles (6d 5h 11m 36s)
20. Jeff McGonnell – 314 miles (6d 11h 5m 27s)
21. Tim Scott – 314 miles (6d 12h 30m 40s)
22. Alex Morton – 314 miles (6d 12h 50m 9s)
23. Marcia Rasmussen – 314 miles (6d 13h 13m 4s)
24. Edward Masuoka – 314 miles (6d 18h 49m 32s)
25. Steven Smith – 314 miles (6d 19h 12m 8s)
26. Elizabeth Thompson – 314 miles (6d 19h 23m 4s)
27. Johnny Adams – 314 miles (6d 19h 54m 7s)
28. Joel Gat – 314 miles (6d 21h 50m 31s)
29. Sherry Meador – 314 miles (7d 0h 32m 10s)
30. Garry Price – 294 miles (42)
31. Kathleen Wheeler – 288 miles (38)
32. John Price – 288 miles (44)
33. Frederick Davis III – 288 miles (45)
34. Marjorie Pugh – 280 miles (47)
35. Becky Lockard – 280 miles (45)
36. Mike Samuelson – 275 miles (49)
37. John Hanson – 272 miles (37)
38. Karen Riddle – 272 miles (38)
39. Don Winkley – 255 miles (28)
40. Caleb Nolen – 248 miles (28)
41. Paul Heckert – 236 miles (34)
42. Wayne McComb -235 miles (29)
43. Abi Meadows – 225 miles (23)
44. Patrick McHenry – 218 miles (38)
45. Kimberly McHenry – 218 miles (38)

Complete 2014 Vol State 500K List of Finishers
Full List of 2014 Vol State 500K Standings (Spreadsheet w/ Splits)

Best of luck to all runners at VS500 and especially our Run It Fast members running the race this year: David Wingard, Mike Samuelson, Diane Taylor, and Charlie Taylor.

• Mike Samuelson – 275
• Diane Taylor – 202-DNF
• David Wingard – 43-DNF
• Charlie Taylor – (relay 1st place/relay record: 2 days 18 hours 50 minutes 59 seconds)

Complete LAVS Standings

The casualty list is up to 20 names as 16 remain on the road and 30 have finished.

Congrats to Greg Armstrong on winning the 2014 Last Annual Vol State 500K and all of the starters and finishers!

Greg Armstrong is the 2014 ‘King of the Road‘ after dominating the Last Annual Vol State 500K from wire to wire (full story).

Other sub-5 day finishers are Johan Steene (new uncrewed course record), Sue Scholl (new female course record while running uncrewed), and Emilio Nunez.

Last Annual Vol State Solo Runners Results

1. Greg Armstrong – 3 days 17 hours 50 minutes 52 seconds
2. Johan Steene – 4 days 2 hours 5 minutes 6 seconds (uncrewed)
3. Sue Scholl – 4 days 12 hours 48 minutes 4 seconds (uncrewed)
4. Emilio Nunez – 4 days 23 hours 21 minutes 4 seconds 
5. Randy Ellis – 5 days 5 hours 34 minutes 26 seconds
6. Juli Aistars – 5 days 6 hours 16 minutes 5 seconds
7. Cyndi Graves – 5 days 10 hours 3 minutes 1 second
8. Jim Ball – 5 days 12 hours 45 minutes 21 seconds (uncrewed)
9. John Sands – 5 days 15 hours 37 minutes 6 seconds(uncrewed)
10. Elaine Sypula – 5 days 18 hours 37 minutes 6 seconds
11. Dale Holdaway – 5 days 21 hours 32 minutes 54 seconds (uncrewed)
12. Eric Moening – 5 days 21 hours 32 minutes 34 seconds(uncrewed)
13. Thomas Skinner – 5 days 22 hours 23 minutes 29 seconds
14. Brad Compton – 5 days 22 hours 56 minutes 44 seconds (uncrewed)
15. Richard Westbrook – 5 days 23 hours 49 minutes 59 seconds(uncrewed)
16. Frank Dahl – 6 days 0 hours 0 minutes 54 seconds (uncrewed)
17. Sal Coll – 6 days 3 hours 43 minutes 51 seconds (uncrewed)
18. Karen Jackson – 6 days 5 hours 2 minutes 46 seconds (uncrewed)
19. Salt Shack – 6 days 5 hours 11 minutes 36 seconds (uncrewed)
20. Jeff McGonnell – 6 days 11 hours 5 minutes 27 seconds (uncrewed)
21. Tim Scott – 6 days 12 hours 30 minutes 40 seconds (uncrewed)
22. Alex Morton – 6 days 12 hours 50 minutes 9 seconds (uncrewed)
23. Marcia Rasmussen – 6 days 13 hours 13 minutes 4 seconds (uncrewed)
24. Edward Masuoka – 6 days 18 hours 49 minutes 32 seconds (uncrewed)
25. Steven Smith – 6 days 19 hours 12 minutes 8 seconds (uncrewed)
26. Elizabeth Thompson – 6 days 19 hours 23 minutes 4 seconds (uncrewed)
27. Johnny Adams – 6 days 19 hours 54 minutes 7 seconds (uncrewed)
28. Joel Gat – 6 days 21 hours 50 minutes 31 seconds (uncrewed)
29. Sherry Meador – 7 days 0 hours 32 minutes 10 seconds (uncrewed)
30. Kathleen Wheeler – 7 days 6 hours 15 minutes 4 seconds
31. John Price – 7 days 7 hours 7 hours 48 minutes 1 second (uncrewed)
32. Mike Samuelson – 7 days 7 hours 57 minutes 9 seconds
33. Garry Price – 7 days 8 hours 30 minutes 37 seconds (uncrewed)
34. Marjorie Pugh – 7 days 11 hours 52 minutes 31 seconds (uncrewed)
35. Becky Lockard – 7 days 12 hours 53 minutes 38 seconds (uncrewed)
36. Frederick Davis III – 7 days 14 hours 36 minutes 12 seconds (uncrewed)
37. John Hansen – 7 days 19 hours 0 minutes 59 seconds (uncrewed)
38. Karen Riddle – 7 days 19 hours  40 minutes 6 seconds (uncrewed)
39. Don Winkley – 8 days 11 hours 23 minutes 58 seconds 
40. Caleb Nolen – 8 days 14 hours 5 minutes 58 seconds (uncrewed)
41. Wayne McComb – 9 days 7 hours 29 minutes 12 seconds (uncrewed)
42. Abi Meadows – 9 days 8 hours 1 minute 22 seconds
43. Paul Heckert – 9 days 9 hours 55 minutes 31 seconds (uncrewed)
44. Kimberly McHenry – 9 days 20 hours 3 minutes 6 seconds (uncrewed)
45. Patrick McHenry – 9 days 20 hours 3 minutes 33 seconds (uncrewed)

Armstrong’s time is the third fastest in the race’s history. Steene’s time is a new uncrewed course record. Scholl’s time is a new record for fastest female finish (crewed or uncrewed)

Vol State 500K Relay Division

1. Taylor Relay – 2 days 18 hours 50 minutes 59 seconds

Vol State 500K Standings After 168 Hours (Day 7)
Vol State 500K Standings After 144 Hours (Day 6)
Vol State 500K Standings After 120 Hours (Day 5)
Vol State 500K Standings After 96 Hours (Day 4)
Vol State 500K Standings After 72 Hours (Day 3)
Vol State 500K Standings After 48 Hours (Day 2)
Vol State 500K Standings After 24 Hours (Day 1)

Congrats to these finishers and everyone who started this tough and barbaric race!