My alarm clock blared at 5:45 a.m. Saturday morning. The air was figid. The cold stung my cheeks and fingertips.
For the past four hours, I slept in a Jeep parked along the Blue Ridge Parkway. As I slumbered in the relative warmth of my sleeping bag, 120+ runners ran through the night, navigating ice, snow and relentless elevation change.
Hellgate 2010 was well underway.
Just before 6 a.m., I went to the nearby aid station to wait for my runner. Rebekah was long gone. She had passed this mile marker 20-30 minutes earlier than expected, on her way to conquering Hellgate.
A few hours earlier…
The madness began at 12:01 a.m. The starting line was a sea of headlamps. After a prayer from Horton and the Star Spangled Banner, the runners were off.
Barely a minute passed before the trail was quiet, and the last of the headlamps drifted into darkness.
Just passed first light on Saturday morning… Even the sky looked cold.
Later than afternoon: The triumphant trio makes their way to the finish line!
Rebekah finished fourth place for females and set a PR! Rick (in all black) was in high spirits at every aid station. With Hellgate, he conquered the formidable Beast series. (I’m sorry, I don’t know the third runner in this trio.)
I enjoyed crewing for Rebekah, despite the cold. A shout out to all the wonderful aid station volunteers, especially the LU crew at the last aid station. Going on 30+ hours of no sleep, the LU crew got some laughs out of the weary runners with their crazy antics (including but not limited to ”Tunnel of Victory,” “Fire dance of Victory” and “Twizzlers of Victory”). And a shout out to all the race director, sweepers and other volunteers who made this race safe and successful!
Tags: hellgate 100k
December 14, 2010 at 5:09 pm |
What a run. We got very lucky on the weather this year. If it was not the best conditions ever, it was certainly close. Thank you for all of your support out there to Rebekah and the enthusiasm you showed when I came through the aid stations. It really means alot to have someone there who is so encouraging. In my opinon, the organization, aid stations and all of the volunteers were near flawless and I thank everyone involved. The third runner with Rebekah and I is David Snipes. I will introduce you to him at Holiday Lake. Again, thank you for all of your support Liz. It means so much.
December 15, 2010 at 3:33 pm |
It was great to be at Hellgate! All of the runers are inspiring and the race has a wonderful, tight knit spirit.
I am so proud of you and Rebekah and the rest! When I get some more ultras under my belt, I look forward to running Hellgate…
See you at Holiday Lake!
December 16, 2010 at 11:58 am |
I know that people outside of the Hellgate community sort of snicker when they hear the term “special” in regards to Hellgate, but it really is a great description of the atmosphere of the race. By being a part of it out there, you understand that description. It is special and you will know when you are itching to give it a go. Don’t wait until you feel like you are prepared for it or you will never run it. Hellgate is so much more than just physical strength. Look forward to that day when you make that committment. You will not be sorry!
December 18, 2010 at 8:47 am |
I already have an itching to give it a go!!! Have a Merry Christmas, Rick and I look forward to Holiday Lake.