KANSAS ULTRARUNNERS' SOCIETY
FIFTH ANNUAL 12/24 HOUR ULTRAMARATHON
WICHITA, KANSAS/LINWOOD PARK
APRIL 21st, 2001
BY: ERIC STEELE RD

Twenty-one runners from seven different states including Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia toed the line as we started the Fifth Annual KUS 12/24 Hour Ultramarathon.  Unfortunately, last years decision to use the ChampionChip electronic lap counting system turned into a nightmare when several competitors chips stopped registering their laps at about 14-15 hours into the event.  This occurrence coupled with the blatant negligence on ChampionChip's representatives to rectify the problem or even attempt to explain what might have gone wrong, had us deciding to return to Linwood Park and count laps manually again.  The bonus for our competitors and lap counters was the fact that the course is a flat certified one-mile, partially paved partial asphalt loop, with no road crossings or speed bumps.

Temperatures were in the low-seventies by the 9 AM starting time and would climb to nearly eighty before the day was out, however, overcast skies and a blustery wind helped keep some runners cooler than if Mr. Blue Sky would have blessed us all day.  The past year has turned out to be a "banner year" for women in KUS events and today would be no different. Early on, speedster Marc Friesen, jumped out to a lead compiling 34 miles within six hours into the event, closely followed by Theresa Daus-Weber with 33 miles, who was training for her 10th Leadville finish this summer.  Meanwhile, Debra Richmeier was consistently piling 5 miles per hour, a feat that would end up lasting nearly 18 hours into the event.  Right behind her was Kevin McCormick, who was searching for his first 100-mile finish in a 24 Hour event.

By the time we reached the twelve-hour mark, four casualties had already occurred in the 24 Hour and our field of competitors was decreased to 14 individuals.  Debra had crept past Theresa by one mile with 61 miles turned in and Friesen had dropped to third, tied with McCormick, 57 miles for each. For those who have ever competed in a 24 Hour event, you are well aware that the second 12 hours is where you separate the runners who really want to break 100 miles or achieve their PR, with those who find sleep or relaxation a better option--especially when you have a morning start, such as we did. And once again, our event was no different.

Over the next twelve hours, Debra, Theresa and Kevin kept plugging away, while Marc and other competitors continued to compromise their original goals by taking several extended breaks.  Once the principle of "slight edge" had levied it's collective toll, these three competitors stood out as the trio to reach what arguably is considered the "Holy Grail" of a 24 Hour event, 100 miles (or better).  Not to discredit the fine performances turned in by individuals like Ulrich Kamm, Richard Golden, Dennis Haig, Ric Lind, Jim Perry and other competitors, it's just amazing how those minutes add up to hours and subsequently, lost mileage.

By the time Marc Friesen and Richard Golden sprinted (hand-in-hand) across the finish for their final loop, with less than a minute to spare, the ladies (Debra & Theresa) had finished first and second respectively, with Kevin breaking 100 miles for his first time and finishing third overall. All three competitors earned the KUS Abilene Distance Achievement Award (representative of running from Wichita to Abilene, Kansas).  This was after we had been treated to a 5:33 mile from the speedster Marc Friesen, after challenging Phil "Skippy" Sheridan (who was volunteering and well rested--not to mention a very accomplished ultrarunner as well) to blaze a loop with him, claiming he could take him--and that he did.  Look for Friesen to be a serious "ultra-threat" in future years to come.

The 12 Hour event saw Badwater hopeful Karl Keltner, compiling 50 miles in the allotted time, which was fairly impressive for a guy who was built a lot more like a football player than a runner.  Ultra-newbies Stacy Gonzales and Susie Faulds shattered their original goals, piling up 40 and 33 miles respectively.  I have a strong feeling KUS is well on their way to fully corrupting these classy ladies and we will undoubtedly see them returning in future years for an increased dosage of ultra-bliss.

Water, Conquest, assorted soda-pop and loads of ice helped keep runners refreshed. The internationally known KUS cuisine consisted of oranges, bananas, pretzels, potato chips & skins, Hammer-Gel, mini Ritz cheesewiches, M&M's (plain & peanut), baby Snickers bars, assorted Jolly Rancher candies, a variety of freshly baked cookies & animal crackers, boiled baby red potatoes & salt, peanuts, mixed nuts, cheese, smoked turkey and ham sandwiches, chicken noodle soup, marinated grilled chicken breasts and grilled sirloin burgers with all of the fixins' (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, etc.), plus hot coffee, tea or chocolate during the night.  As numerous runners have complimented over the years, they attend our events to "enjoy the buffet and then stay for the ultra," you owe it to yourself to attend a KUS event, if only for the grub--not to mention the KUS hospitality.
 
Finally, a sincere thanks to all of our competitors for supporting ultrarunning in Kansas and the most heartfelt appreciation to all of the KUS volunteers, who without, we would not be able to host such successful ultra-events.  Thanks so much, you are all loved and cherished deeply and can never be told this enough!  We look forward to seeing all of you again in late April next year.  Until then, see you at Flat Rock on September 29th, 2001.