252+ hr update(it’s over) The Heart of the South. The runners have heart.The communities have heart.The event itself has heart. There really couldn’t be a better name for this run. We set up a course,it really could be anywhere.(and someday it will be!)Those with the courage and will to try,make Read more…
240 hr update(1/2 day to go!) (The 226 hr update got lost in the shuffle) A day to get them started.3 days of full loads in the meat wagon.A day off while they pushed towards the rock.A day of big dogs.3 days of the grinders arriving… And here I sit.Alone Read more…
216 hr update(1.5 days to go) Matt didn’t disappoint last night.He dragged his carcass the last marathon up Sand Mountain,barely able to keep his eyes open and feet on the white line…While the full moon rose up from behind Lookout Mountain. After he reached the bluff and emptied his vial Read more…
204 hr update(2 days to go) Core memories. Talk to a journey runner,ask them about their trek. You are guaranteed to see their face change…their body language become animated…their lips curl and their eyes brighten. There is a reason why such an arduous trip,with its requisite exhaustion,physical pain,and emotional sufferingcan Read more…
192 hr update(2.5 days to go) Summertime at HOTS Helmut trudged onto the Rock just before midnight last night,the first finisher in official summertime.If you try to argue with any of them that summer has only just arrived,they may make outrageous claims that it started more than a week ago.But Read more…
180 hr update(3 days to go) We had to skip the 7 day update this morning,there is always some point during the raceswhen a perfect little storm comes upand derails the routine. Anyway, early this morning Matt Barkerclosed out his strong run, becoming the 4th(and final!)runner to finish in under Read more…
156 hr update(4 days to go) More to do. We have a podium of finishers.Addison Hendricks fulfilled a dream today,many years in the making.It took a quality effort to overcome two previous Last Annual race champions.John Clarke and Jim Winn brought their experience and grit,and pushed the young buck to Read more…
People across Alabama may have noticed something a bit out of the ordinary over the past week or so. Runners and walkers passing through towns that don’t frequently see pedestrians, especially in the beginning of the summer heat. The folks they’ve been seeing are participants in one of the more Read more…