![]() ![]() For the next four to ten days, in the face of the heat and humidity of July in Tennessee, the Vol-Stater must make their way on foot, along highways and backroads, from one small town to the next, over hills and across rivers, up mountains and down long valleys, all the while accounting for all of their most basic needs “what will I eat?” “When will I find water?” Where will I sleep?” From the time the Vol-Stater steps off the Ferry until they reach the Rock, they are totally reliant upon their own physical and mental resources. What lies in between are 314 miles of the great unknown. It begins with a ferry ride across the Mississippi River, from Missouri to Kentucky, and finishes at “the Rock,” high atop Sand Mountain in Northwest Georgia. The Vol-State is a journey, an adventure, and an exploration of inner space. for the past couple of years and spending his free time conquering FKTs and fell races (including the 2020 Spine Race).The Vol-State is not just another ultramarathon. In more than 30 years, only 15 men have finished the race (Kelly being the most recent). (Runners receive new bibs at the beginning of each loop of the course.) Runners must also collect specific pages (corresponding to their bib number) from books hidden on the course missing pages mean automatic disqualification. GPS watches are not allowed each runner is issued a Casio watch with very little functionality beyond keeping them apprised of how much time has passed. ![]() The race, which typically takes place in the last week of March or first week of April, gives a small field of runners 60 hours to try and finish five 20-mile loops through steep and unforgiving terrain, while using their orienteering skills to navigate the course, which is not marked. A post shared by Courtney Dauwalter is unusually early for the Barkley to start, and poor weather is likely to be an issue (there are reports that it rained all night). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |