Last evening I happened to watch this Atlantic video about the Barkley Marathons, an ultra running “fun run” (??) in Wartburg, Tennessee. The organizer of that event had this great quote about his event:
“…you see the extremes of joy that come with sport…that you only get when failure was probable…”
I think that quote is also true for both Race Across America (RAAM) and Race Across the West (RAW), which start today in Oceanside, CA. Washington state has a couple of folks (that I know of) racing/crewing these events this year:
Former WA bike racer (now residing in Juneau, AK) Janice Heaton Sheufelt is doing a solo RAAM.
Redmond’s John Bergen, with the Pauole Sport Triathlon Team and 2011 Ultraman Canada winner, is also making a solo RAAM attempt.
Chris Ragsdale is crewing for ultra cycling legend Marko Baloh as he attempts RAW solo.
Sammamish resident Jim Ryan is doing a 2-person RAW as part of Team Brodie – Kingsbury Cyclery (they also competed in the 2013 Race Across Oregon–RAO). Jim is a frequent flyer in ultra events including the Furnace Creek 508.
And Mick Walsh is paired with George Thomas as team Pactimo/FourDot Racing. I believe this will be Mick’s third RAW attempt. George is a resident of Boulder, CO, and is the promoter of Race Across Oregon events and a 2014 inductee to the RAAM Hall of Fame.
You can follow the action in real time here.
Mick’s crew chief John Henry Maurice will be updating his blog with voice updates (iOS not friendly).
George and Mick have a fantastic support crew.
George’s Support Van:
Vicki Ford – Van lead
Tracy Williams
Knox Williams
Mick’s Support Van:
John Henry Maurice – Crew Chief
Kevin Van Dyke
Travis Profitt
Best of luck to everyone attempting this amazing race!
