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Kilian Jornet is the overall winner of the 2011 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run.

He ran the 100 mile course, the Boston Marathon of 100-mile ultra marathons, in a time of 15:34.

Jornet is from Puigcerda, Spain.  He is the youngest male to ever win the race according to a tweet from ultra marathon god Scott Jurek.

2011 Western States Top 4 Results

1. Kilian Jornet – 15:34
2. Mike Wolfe – 15:38
3. Nick Clark – 15:50
4. Jez Bragg – 15:55
5. Tsuyoshi Kaburaki – 16:04

Ellie Greenwood was the female winner of the race with a time of 17 hours and 55 minutes.

2011 Western States Top 5 Women Results

1. Ellie Greenwood – 17:55
2. Kami Semick – 18:17
3. Nikki Kimball – 18:17
4. Tracy Garneau – 18:22
5. Rory Bosio – 18:37

Reports are surfacing that 2nd place female finisher Kami Semick was delayed 7 minutes by a mad mama bear. She waited for runners behind her to catch her. They then passed the pissed bear as a group.

Western States 100 Website

[image: @irunfar]

REVIEW: Running On Empty: An Ultramarathoner’s Story of Love, Loss, and a Record-Setting Run Across America by Marshall Ulrich (PURCHASE)

As a long-distance runner, it’s both intriguing and frustrating to read about the athletic achievements of famous ultrarunners. On the one hand, it gives you insight into the inner workings of the ultra athlete in his element, his thoughts, passions and fears. On the other hand, it makes the act of running a marathon seem puny by comparison. But that’s the toll you pay when you open the pages of books such as Dean Karnazes’ Ultramarathon Man or Christopher McDougall’s Born to Run.

I must first admit my ignorance as I had never heard of Marshall Ulrich prior to seeing this book at Barnes & Noble. Like most core runners, I was familiar with Karnazes, Scott Jurek and Josh Cox because they’re the big names that most people know. However, after the foreword, written by McDougall, I felt like a running tyro for not having erected an altar to Ulrich’s impressive athletic resume. This guy ran the Pike’s Peak marathon and the Leadville 100 back to back, which is almost logistically impossible because they happen so close to each other. He won the Badwater 135-mile ultramarathon in Death Valley several times, ran it unassisted, and is famous for running it four times in a row. He’s scaled Mount Everest, participated in adventure races all over the world and holds numerous ultra running world records.

Also, he’s almost 60.

Running on Empty is a recollection of all of his most intense feats, from mountain climbing in the Himalayas to his personal struggles with romance and fatherhood. But the centerpiece of the book, around which his life’s story gravitates, is his last great accomplishment, the transcontinental Run Across America. My first thought was that the book was going to get tedious and repetitive. How much can you talk about running from coast to coast without getting bogged down by tales of running injuries and the frustration of monotony? However, Ulrich does a great job of balancing the narrative, using particular nuanced moments to reflect on previous events in his life, athletic or otherwise. He also intersperses local, idiosyncratic stories into the mix, talking about the history of local food establishments as he runs by them or reminiscing on charities close to his heart to forget about the pains in his feet.

Even though I can’t possibly comprehend how someone can average 50-70 miles a day for 52 days, I still found myself identifying with a lot of Ulrich’s stories. It seems like those who get into running passionately don’t only do it because of a drive to improve their health, but also as a means to unearth one’s hidden qualities. Ulrich shows that long-distance running can say a lot about one’s character, ambition, strength and resilience. The fact that he ran from San Francisco to New York in his late 50’s only reinforces that fact that age shouldn’t deter people from challenging themselves in extreme ways.

I’m not quite yet an ultrarunner – the marathon is still my biggest accomplishment. But if I keep reading books like these, it won’t be long until I break the 26.2-mile barrier into what all but the most dedicated runners call “insanity.”

– Daniel Solera
[Daniel’s Running Blog]

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This creative and unique finisher’s medal is from the 2011 Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, Ohio that took place on May 1, 2011.

It was the first two-sided medal that I have received for finishing a race.  The front had a ‘flying pig’ with the phrase “I HIGHTAILED IT,” and the back of the medal had the backside of a ‘flying pig’ with the phrase “I MADE A RUN FOR IT” with the skyline of Cincy in the background.

The decorative ribbon (see photo below) completed this first class medal. The ribbon was thick, with flying piggies, and the name of the race on it.

Flying Pig Marathon Website

Photo by Monte Lowe

Say you eclipse five state records in one race; say they were yours to begin with; say you run a 15K at 5K pace. Then you try to explain it. But you can’t explain it. It sounds like a lie, but it is true. So you end up calling it a miracle. What else could anybody call it? You might as well put that word in the title, too.

I reprised this race again on Saturday, just four days ago, but not with the miraclous results of that earlier time. At Saturday’s start, Running Journal magazine with this story in it had just appeared. That timing was no accident.

Read the full story by Dallas Smith by clicking HERE

Here is the Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile Trail Race finisher’s belt buckle from the 2011 race that took place in Huntsville, Texas.

The race is really well put on and has superb aid stations throughout the 20-mile loop.

Rocky Raccoon Race Website

2011 Rocky Raccoon Results

Here is a look at The 10 Best Marathons in Tennessee. The list is up for debate and based on some personal preferences and experiences. Feel free to drop a comment below with your thoughts on any of the marathons listed below or any that might have been omitted.

1. Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon (race website)- If you have never run a marathon then don’t dare attempt this one as your cherry-thon.  It is by far the best in Tennessee and the most beautiful, but it is extremely challenging with nearly 10,000 feet of ascents and the same amount of descents in the beautiful Harpeth Hills near Nashville.  The best race swag you will ever receive at any race (this side of a belt buckle) is at the Monkey.  Race participants in 2010 received a long sleeve personalized tech shirt, a tie-dyed Monkey t-shirt, and a beautiful wooden Monkey finisher’s medal.  And yet the post-race food buffet was even better than the race and swag combined. But this race fills up fast, like really fast, like 32 minutes fast.
2. St. Jude Marathon (race website)- The most meaningful marathon you can run in Tennessee and perhaps the United States. All of the proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital that treats children with cancer regardless of ability to pay.  The race is in early December and the weather is usually cold but good running weather.  It starts right outside of Auto Zone Park and finishes inside the stadium, after rounding the outfield warning track.  During the 26.2 miles you hit almost every major Memphis landmark including the Pyramid, Fedex Forum, Sun Studios, the Memphis Zoo, along with running through the St. Jude campus early in the race with several of the patients outside cheering you on. They will inspire you to run further and faster.  The race is a must-do for any Tennessean and highly recommended for out-of-staters as well.
3. Andrew Jackson Marathon (race website) – My hometown marathon so naturally it scores a bit higher with me than it probably would with others. The course is beautiful and rolling. Approximately 20 of the miles are out in the country, with the rest of the race in peaceful suburban neighborhoods with almost no traffic. It starts and finishes at Union University.  The field is usually small (less than 100), which I have come to enjoy, and most that run it have run it before at some point.  The AJM also includes a half marathon and 5K as well on race day. The finisher’s medal was actually a paper weight but aren’t all medals once they make it home?
4. Rock Creek Scenic City Trail Marathon (race website)- The only trail marathon to make this list. It is truly a great and peaceful run out in the woods of Chattanooga.  If you love the outdoors and endurance running then you won’t want to miss this beautiful trail run from the Rock Creek people.
5. Blister in the Sun Marathon (race website) – The toughest marathon in Tennessee due to three things: 1. heat, 2. repetition, and 3. hills.  The Blister lives up to it’s name as it takes place in early August which is a no-no for most Tennesseans to even run out to their car to grab their Marlboros.  Race day temps at the inaugural blister reached a blistering 89 degrees. The course at Cane Creek park in Cookeville consisted of 5 loops through a park before ascending a hellacious hill up and around Cane Creek elementary school.  The field in 2010 consisted of just 14 freaks, all with resumes that would easily have condemned the Bush administration if it had forced terrorists to attempt their feats.  Blister and Flying Monkey are by far the two toughest marathons in Tennessee.  The RD is a sub-3 hour freak so good luck beating him on his home course.
6. Southern Plunge Marathon (race website) – The inaugural Plunge in 2010 was surprising in how many things they did extremely well right off of the bat.  The Race Director put together an impressive logo that was then placed on top-notch Zorrel tech shirts and finisher’s medals.  The course was tougher than expected.  I had been told there was a small hill at mile 2. Well that was correct. It was the smallest hill that day.  The course had several climbs and the second half was rather taxing to most of the runners.  There is a rumor already circulating that the course will be changed for the second edition of the Plunge in 2011.
7. Knoxville Marathon (race website) – The best part of this marathon, especially for Tennessee Volunteer fans, is that you get to run the last 50 yard to the finish inside of Neyland Stadium.  The first half of the course is hilly, but it levels out a bit towards the end.  Nearly 700 people raced it last year.  The race t-shirt and medal were sub-par but that is nitpicking a bit.  There are better options to run a marathon in Tennessee, but if you are nearby Knoxville when this one is held you should check it out.
8. Country Music Marathon (race website) – One of the biggest half marathons in the United States, as well as one of the most overrated marathons in America. It’s a Rock N’ Roll series event which means it will be very large and populated. Usually there is around 26,000 runners for the half and just 4-5,000 for the full.  The best part of this race is the first half, even with the thick stack of people, where you run down Broadway and up Music Row.  After the 26,000 half marathoners divert off for the half finish the course gets extremely boring, hilly at points, and runs through the most industrial parts of Music City.  If you want to run in extreme weather this might be the right marathon for you.  In 2009, the marathon had temperatures in the mid 80’s and last year 75% of marathoners got diverted to a shortened finish (around 22 miles) due to tornadoes in the area.
9. Endorphin Marathon (race website) – One of the younger marathons on this list. It is located in Jackson, Tennessee and takes place around Labor Day each year.  The course is relatively flat and easy.  The field has grown each year and the swag is pretty impressive from what I’ve seen of it.  There is also a half marathon, 10K and 5K that takes place the same morning.  With a little bit more promotion and exposure this hidden gem of a marathon could become much larger and even rival Andrew Jackson.
10. Rutledge Marathon (race website) – If you have ever wanted to finish a marathon on a working-farm then this is the race for you.  The race is rather small but the race director does a very good job of making everyone feel welcomed and appreciated for coming out.  Rutledge is in east Tennessee so the course is one rolling hill after another, but the hills are minor and help keep the legs fresh throughout the race.

Fredison Carneiro won the 2011 Walt Disney World Marathon with a time of 2:21:14.  The first woman to cross the line was Leah Throvilson with a time of 2:42:10.

Here is a look at the top finishers from the 2011 Walt Disney World Marathon in Orlando, Florida.

Walt Disney World Marathon Men

1. Fredison Carneiro – 2:21:14
2. Michael Wardian – 2:27:39
3. Paul Nielson – 2:31:44
4. Timothy Chichester – 2:32:15
5. Mike Hensley – 2:32:28

Walt Disney World Marathon Women

1. Leah Thorvilson – 2:42:10
2. Karen Simmonds-Brady – 2:51:14
3. Jessica Crate – 2:51:53
4. Christa Stephens – 2:54:02
5. Jennifer Hanley-Pinto – 2:55:14

View Complete Results of All Runners from the 2011 Walt Disney World Marathon

(and Disney Half Marathon)

Elvis Presley isn’t dead.  At least he wasn’t on Sunday at the Zappos Rock N’ Roll Marathon when Claudio Palma, who was dressed up as Elvis for the race, saved a fellow marathoner’s life, post race, by performing CPR and resuscitating a woman who had passed out.

Palma tells the Las Vegas Review-Journal he was dressed as the King after Sunday’s Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll half-marathon when he performed CPR and resuscitated another runner at the Burger Bar at Mandalay Place.

The 36-year-old was clad in a jumpsuit, sideburns and scarf for the race and may have looked like Presley, but in real life, he’s an anesthesiologist.

I guess it is no surprise that ‘The King’ was at a Burger Bar when his superstar powers called upon to resuscitate the woman.

It should also be noted that Palma, in full Elvis regalia, also got married during the marathon at a ‘run-thru’ chapel on the Vegas strip during the race.

Just another day at the office for ‘The King.’

RELATED: Josh Cox Wins 2010 Rock N’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon

San Diego native Josh Cox won the 2010 Las Vegas Rock N’ Roll Marathon on Sunday with a time of 2:25:06.

40-year old Dorota Gruca, today on her birthday, was the female marathon winner finishing in 2:44:38.  What a great birthday gift to herself.

The race, sponsored by Zappos, featured nearly 30,000 runners for both the full and half marathon.  Naturally, dozens of runners dressed as Elvis Presley were found throughout the course and of all speeds.

The course starts at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip and runs up the entire Vegas strip, by all of the casinos, until runners turn west around mile 9.

Scott Bauhs won the half-marathon in a time of 1:02:38.

Jen Rhines, a 3-time Olympian, was the first woman to finish the half-marathon, in a time of 1:14:56.

COMPLETE LAS VEGAS MARATHON and HALF MARATHON RESULTS

[image: yfrog]

Beth McCurdy Yelling Encouragement at Dena Farris Cyr

Some runners love having a pacer to help them reach their distance and time goals, while other runners despise or never need one.  Pacers can often be silent while running beside or in front of you. However, sometimes they can yell at you louder than a drill sergeant laying into Gomer Pyle at basic training in order to motivate you.

Here is what veteran runner Beth McCurdy had to say about pacing:

Most runners define a pacer as “an experienced runner who sets the pace in a marathon to help another runner reach their goal finish time”. If someone paces me, I prefer the laid back approach of simply running along side of me and maintaining a fairly steady pace. Volunteer pace leaders in marathons are great for this purpose.

However, sometimes a more, shall we say, aggressive approach is necessary for certain individuals-maybe even a little bit of lying. “If you don’t stay with me, YOU are NOT going to make it”. Or, “After this gravel road stretch, we are there!”

Beth can be seen in the photo above yelling ‘encouragement’ to her friend Dena Farris Cyr.  It should be noted though that Dena owns a Boot Camp Franchise called Operation Boot Camp.  So Dena likely responds very well to the way Beth is pacing her here at the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon.

Do you like having a pacer when you run?  Does a pacer help you run harder/faster or just help the time fly by?