All posts by Chris Wristen

Founder and Editor of MassUltra.com
BURCS

Soutiea Sizzles at Sweltering Summer Ultra

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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 →

Roundup

MassUltra Roundup: Ragged 75, Eastern States, Bigfoot, and Steep Rock

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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 →

Features

McConaughy Aims for Ambitious Appalachian Trail Speed Record

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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 →

Roundup

MassUltra Roundup: Moosalamoo, Beast of Burden, Volcanic 50, and E.T.

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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. →

BURCS

Davis, Defusco Lead MA Runners at Jug End Loop Ultra

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The second running of the Berkshire Ultra Running Community for Service’s Jug End Loop 6-Hour Ultra featured explosive turnout and impressive performances on Saturday, July 19, at Jug End State Reservation in Egremont, Mass.

Sixty-nine runners took part in this year’s event – more than double the 30 from 2016 – and 25 surpassed the marathon distance by anywhere from a few steps to many miles. Fourteen ran at least a 50K. The fastest performances were turned in by last year’s runner-up and a pair of Massachusetts residents. Continue reading Davis, Defusco Lead MA Runners at Jug End Loop Ultra →

Roundup

MassUltra Roundup: High Lonesome, Viaduct Trail, Burning River, Lost Turkey, and Minnesota Voyageur

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A trio of 100-milers – including a tough new one in the Rocky Mountains – lead a long list of races in this week’s roundup as runners traveled to Colorado, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Minnesota to tackle the trails at ultra distances. Continue reading MassUltra Roundup: High Lonesome, Viaduct Trail, Burning River, Lost Turkey, and Minnesota Voyageur →

Vermont 100

Wetzel Crafts Feel-Good Final 100-Miler on Familiar Turf at VT100

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WEST WINDSOR, Vt. – One of the Vermont 100’s most consistent performers made her farewell run at the 100-mile distance July 15-16 at Silver Hill Meadow.

“This is number 11,” said Lori Wetzel, 44, of Danvers, Mass. “It’s my 20th hundred overall, and my last 100-miler. I was thinking I’d end where I started.”

Wetzel has taken on a variety of other 100-milers in other locations through the years – Mountain Lakes in Oregon, Wasatch Front in Utah, Leadville in Colorado, and the legendary Western States Endurance Run in California, just to name a few – but Vermont has always claimed a special place in her heart and called her back year after year. Continue reading Wetzel Crafts Feel-Good Final 100-Miler on Familiar Turf at VT100 →