Nearly all 100 mile ultra races have an entry requirements. Besides evidence of the runner’s ability and experience to run such an event, they often require entrants to have volunteered at an ultra event or completed 8 hours or more trail maintenance work. Initially, I thought this was an imposition but after doing both, I’ve changed my opinion of this stipulation.
Two years ago I assisted with time keeping duties at a 50k road race on Long Island, the course was a short loop that had to be completed 11 times. Each timer was given 8 runners to monitor and record their splits, and my last runner finished in around 7:45 hours. I remember it being a bitterly cold windy day and we sat in a tent with a clear plastic panel that allowed a view of the runners but also provided some protection from the elements. Despite regular supplies of warm drinks, it was still a long cold experience, but without the support of helpers, that event couldn’t have taken place and it was an eye opener to see just how many people gave their time to help out.
Over the years I’ve competed in many races and you realize just how big an impact good organization has to make an event memorable for the competitors. The shoreline of Connecticut has few competitive trail races so last year I decided to try and direct my own. Out of that ambition, the Bimbler’s Bash was formed. The race supports the work of the Guilford Land Conservation Trust which acquires and protects open spaces in and around Guilford, CT. The area of land where the Bash takes place is called Westwoods, so through the race I became involved with the group that helps maintain these woods and most Sunday mornings a small working party will spend a couple of hours clearing trails, repairing footbridges or steps. The other volunteers are not runners but their enthusiasm for the environment has spilled over into the Bash. As evidence of their commitment, a few hours before last years race some of them were out removing a fallen tree that had blown down a day or so before. Some of them have even expressed an interest to run the Bash, while running friends have asked how they can get involved in maintenance projects. As a race director, I now have first hand experience (and appreciation) for how much races and the open spaces they take place in depend on voluntary support.
This morning our Sunday run followed the Bash course and afterwards I joined volunteers of the Westwoods Committee to cut and clear dead hemlocks that may be at risk of falling onto the trails. I’ve been dog sitting this weekend, so Ellie came too. We were out for over 4 hours, as I write this post, she is curled at my feet sleeping off a well earned late breakfast!
For a different perspective on today’s run, check out Shaggy and Scoobie’s blog (yes, that’s right Shaggy of tree hugger fame!). They are an amazing couple; Scoobie runs marathons and competes in triathlons, Shaggy is her number one fan, ‘manager’ and devoted husband. Last year he decided that as he couldn’t beat her, he’d join her and took up running.
