A breakthrough piece of research just published on the history of 100 mile trail run participation in north America.  Dr. Marty Hoffman is an avid ultrarunner himself, having completed numerous 100 milers including several Western States 100 finishes.  I have had the pleasure of training with Marty this past spring and can attest to his passion for not only the sport but its impact on the body.  He, along with colleagues, have published a volume of research papers detailing the impact of ultra running on the body - good and bad - and suggested implications.  Just Google his name to see his work.  Anyways, this is an interesting first-time look at how many people participate in 100 milers and how the sport has grown and changed since the early 70s when Gordie Ainsleigh got it going with his “unplanned” attempt to finish the Tevis Course (WSER) in under 24 hours on foot. Just click on the cover image above to link to the full article.

July 17, 2010 - The skies were lighting up like fireworks during the night at the Vermont 100 in Woodstock, VT while the trails were being burned up by numerous TARC members.  Runners were treated to a heat lightning display of oranges and reds on the horizon that provided a dramatic backdrop to the rolling Green Mountains in the distant.  Meanwhile the heavens opened to a galaxy of stars that guided the weary runners towards the finish - the big dipper hanging low just above the horizon.

TARC had a plethora of members toeing the line this year and all those hours of training runs and races leading up to the big event seemed to have paid off.  We witnessed not only an 85% finish rate but three finish their inaugural 100 miler!

Congratulations to Ron Farkash (20:23), Norm Sheppard (23:48) and Sherpa John LaCroix (28:58) as well as first-time 100 miler finishers Kristen Evan (27:54), Steve Latour (29:11) and Kevin “KZ” Zelechoski (29:14).  You guys showed us how its done and rocked it! [My apologizes in advance if I’ve missed other TARC member finishers).

Many Animals made the trek to Silver Hill for camping out and the race.  We had a “Trail Animal village” of sorts in the meadow.  In addition to the above Chris “C1″ Haley was volunteering at aid station mile 92 during the evening and treated himself to a couple of solo long runs in the backwoods of Vermont as part of his injury recovery regime.  Chris “C4″ Martin and Christine “C5″ Mathieu crewed and paced for Steve “The Rock” Latour, Michelle Roy, Emily Trepas and Bill Howard crewed and paced for KZ and Tim Reif ran with Kristen Evan - making it to mile 77 himself.  Bruce Giguere, just off his spectacular sub 24 Western States was crewing for a couple of Shenipsit Striders.  Pat Wheatley, Chris “C3″ Martin, Steve “Old Goat” Pero, Kevin Sullivan and yours truly all volunteered to pace runners starting at Camp 10 Bear (mile 70).  I know there were many more Animals volunteering but these are the ones I remember seeing!

All the results for Vt100 can be found here

Also congrats to Howie Breinan for his 25:32 finish at the Tahoe Rim Trail 100, finishing a blazing 12th place overall!