Start of the Self-Transcendence 10 day race 2014 Photo: Utpal Marshall
Subject: New York Self-Transcendence 10 Day Race/ Sunday Night Update
Just spoke with Race Coordinator Sahishnu Szczesiul, who was ready for some sleep after putting in an 18 hour shift on Saturday> Sunday and then 12 more hours finishing just now (11 p.m. E.D.T.).
The WEATHER was dry and sunny most of the first day (race started at noon, sunset around 8:20 p.m.), turning chillier and WINDY today, but still dry. Having raced in Flushing Meadows many times, I know most runners will take DRY and cold/ windy over hard rain. Even the current 1 mile loop, which sticks to higher ground, can have some residual flooding and– more significantly– rain is just plain tough to deal with when one is tired AND pushing the pace.Leading the men after 24 hours (no surprise here) is one of the greatest multi-day runners in history, the great Asprihanal Pekka Aalto of Helsinki, Finland. On his heels is the almost-always smilin’ Ukrainian veteran (51 years young) Volodymyr Holushuk with 105 miles. Followers of international ultras will note that Volodymyr’s wife is also a top-class ultra runner.Argentina’s Gabriela Cotungo leads the distaff side with 94 miles at 24 hours, followed by the always-tough, tall and lanky Ilvaka Nemcova with 92.All runners are thankful that well-known, outgoing New Zealand Chef Nipura is back at the helm of the kitchen for the third straight year.Complete Day 1 standings are posted at: us.srichinmoyraces.orgOther “color commentary” from professional Canadian TV journalist Utpal Marshall may be found at: perfectionjourney.orgThe aggressive pace has already knocked a few good runners out of the race (yes, after just one day!) There are a bunch EXPERIENCED, wily, world class runners out there flying along the shores of scenic Meadow Lake and on the bike path alongside the Long Island Expressway.Best wishes to all ultra runners at the New York 10 day and around the globe,Mark DRace photos: http://gallery.srichinmoyraces.org/usa/6and10day/From Multidays.com, post Self-Transcendence 10 Day Race 2014 – Day 1 Update – Mark Dorion