A month has passed since Kyle Robidoux took his final strides uphill, stepped across the finish line of the Vermont 100 and was engulfed in a raucous round of applause, hugs, and tears from a few dozen friends, well-wishers, and fellow finishers.
It was Sunday morning, July 16. He’d just run 100 miles. Continue reading Robidoux Runs 100: Teamwork, Tenacity Propel Runner with Visual Impairment at VT100
Round two of this week’s roundup leans heavily on the northeast with races in Rhode Island, Vermont, New York and New Hampshire before heading out west to British Columbia where Massachusetts ultrarunners took on the scenic and tough trails of Squamish. Continue reading MassUltra Roundup: Anchor Down, Killington, Twisted Branch, Crotched Mountain, and Squamish
Tom Morton has finished numerous 100-milers, but he notched a 120-mile finish in Canada; Jesse Kropelnicki had a breakout debut at the 100K distance in Oregon; Paul Rohde was speedy at altitude in Colorado; and Quang Le earned his first 100-mile finish while racing in South Dakota.
We also have updates on a pair of former Massachusetts residents who turned in big performances in their new states – Colton Gale and Charles Hornbaker.
It all kicks off the first of two roundups this week as we catch up on a busy weekend of racing. Continue reading MassUltra Roundup: Fat Dog, Waldo, Silverton Alpine, and Lean Horse
A pair of newcomers to the TARC Summer Classic delivered an electrifying battle for the men’s 40-mile victory while a race veteran upped her distance and dominated the women’s field on Saturday, Aug. 12, at Noon Hill Reservation in Medfield, Mass. Continue reading Gennaro Edges Pulli, Lowe Dominates at TARC Summer Classic
There’s a certain simplicity to time-based races that seems to have a magnetic pull on Greg Soutiea. From Arizona to New Jersey, from Tennessee to Massachusetts, the 33-year-old resident of Quincy, Mass., has traveled near and far to compete at timed events.
“I like having a very clearly defined ‘finish line’ and I like that all competitors are on the same course (often still visible) for the entire race,” Soutiea said. “I also really like that these races offer the ability to ‘shut off’ my brain and just focus on my stride, pace, nutrition, and heart rate. I don’t have to worry about where to turn, how many miles are left, how far to an aid station, where the other runners are, etc., the kind of things that other road or trail races make runners worry about. Literally all I have to think about is running in circles and focusing on how to make the steps in front of me more efficient.” Continue reading Soutiea Sizzles at Sweltering Summer Ultra
Four big races and some big performances by local runners are featured in this week’s roundup. Needham’s Patrick Caron was the solo champion while South Deerfield’s Brian and Amy Rusiecki earned Stage Race victories in New Hampshire; Drew Quigley, Padraig Mullins and Sam Jurek all represented the Bay State at the finish line of the Eastern States 100; Lakeville’s Shaun Daylor battled to a top-10 finish in a 200-mile race; and Holden’s Michael Jones landed in the top 10 at a tough 50K in Connecticut. Continue reading MassUltra Roundup: Ragged 75, Eastern States, Bigfoot, and Steep Rock
The Berkshire Ultra Running Community for Service (BURCS) played host to its fifth annual Sweltering Summer Ultramarathon on Saturday, Aug. 12, at Clapp Park in Pittsfield, Mass. Continue reading Results: Sweltering Summer 8-Hour Ultra
The sixth annual TARC Summer Classic took place Saturday, Aug. 12, at Noon Hill Reservation in Medfield, Mass. Continue reading Results: TARC Summer Classic Ultras
Editor’s Note: The interview with Joe McConaughy for this story took place July 14, a few days before he began his Appalachian Trail Fastest Known Time pursuit. As of today’s publication, Joe should be about halfway through his journey if all is going according to plan.
Whether on the trail or in everyday life, Joe McConaughy is a tough guy to track down. That has been particularly true this year. Whether it’s racing among national elites at West Coast ultramarathons, putting in long hours at a job he enjoys in sales for international travel/education company Education First, or spending quality time with his girlfriend Katie Kiracofe, most of McConaughy’s time has been spent on the go.
Knowing this, it was no surprise that it took a week to coordinate a time that would work to discuss the Boston resident’s grand summer adventure. This was the last – and only – time that would work. He’d spent a week in Canada with spotty cell service.
Today (July 14), he’s in Seattle, dropping off Katie at a Ragnar Relay event and visiting his family. Tomorrow he’ll hop a plane to Georgia. Shortly thereafter, he will disappear into the woods. Continue reading McConaughy Aims for Ambitious Appalachian Trail Speed Record
A Massachusetts duo did battle for the victory and a course record in Goshen, Vt., a Bay Stater earned his second 100-mile buckle at the Beast of Burden – Summer Edition, and other local ultrarunners took on races around Mount St. Helens and Area 51. All are featured in this week’s roundup. Continue reading MassUltra Roundup: Moosalamoo, Beast of Burden, Volcanic 50, and E.T.
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