He was in many ways the ultramarathoning ideal: a distance-running latecomer with an inspirational story, a slew of wins and an edge that seemed to square with a community that embraces outcasts. Then his story started to unravel, beginning in an outhouse and ending in a courthouse.

"...he wanted to get one more win at Across the Years, so at 9 a.m. on January 2, 2018, he set out around the track at Camelback Ranch, locking into his usual routine. He liked to go out hard, building a large lead on the competition, crushing other runners’ hopes. He’d queue up music on his iPod, tackle a nagging life problem or craft in his head a blog entry about the race. Anything to let his mind take over and engage his legs in autopilot. And for the first couple hours the race went well as he racked up the miles."

"Meanwhile, Mike Melton, ATY’s official timer, tracked his data, watching Agnew closely every time he completed a lap."

"Melton had been warned: Pay close attention to the reigning champion."