The Heart of the Ultrarunner

One of the reasons why I love working the Angeles Crest 100, and look forward to doing more such events in the future, is that the Ultrarunner is one of the most amazing kinds of human in the world. Sure, they are way fit, and love the outdoors. But they are so NICE!! At least every third runner or so thanks us for being there. They are sweet and polite at a moment when you know all they want is to finish and take a shower and/or go to bed. This year's race included a story that shows exactly what kind of people run these races.

This was the 27th year of this race. Two men had finished all 26. Jussi and Garry. It's not clear if they are friends, rivals, or what. They don't run together, that we know. Also, they are not young. Jussi is 68!

After Dad got the computer all set up, we all queried where our friends or watch list (that'd be me - it's not like I know these people!!) were on the course. Jussi and Garry are always 2 we look for. As I said something about looking for them, Bob kinda looked at us and said, "oh, uh, yeah, Garry died". "WHAT?!" was our reaction. Apparently 2-3 weeks before the race, Garry had a heart attack and died. He was 60 years old. It was really quite a shock to all, especially us just learning of it. No wonder he hadn't started, according to the computer.

Many hours later, Jussi came in to the aid station. Quite frankly, he looked awful. But he is 68 and had just run 95 miles, so really, he looked great!! He sat down and got some refreshment. Bob sat down next to him and gave his condolences. We all kinda mumbled ours as well. Jussi said, "I'm doing this for Garry", in his Finnish accent. Dad and I both teared up. I mean, come on!! Also, we were tired. Anyway, Jussi sat maybe 5 minutes and went on to the finish line. I announced when he had finished. We all cheered with a sigh. We had already discussed whether we thought he'd do it again next year. Now that he held the record of 27 finishes.

A little while later, finish line came over the radio talking to net control. We were basically just eavesdropping. Apparently, a runner was being recorded by the RFID chip as having finished, but the runner didn't start. It was Garry's number. The response over the radio explained and we all cried...

Jussi had carried Garry's ashes on the trail. They wanted to give Garry the finish time that Jussi had run. It was very symbolic and moving and I'm crying as I type. What a special, special thing to be done.

It wreaked havoc on the computer system though so it was all brought to our attention over the radio. It was supposed to be done in silence, I guess. Something between Jussi and Garry, and the two race directors.

THIS is the heart of the Ultrarunner.