D3 Ultras a World Class Event

79 ultra marathoners from 21 different states and Canada came to Sharon Hill, PA to take part in the D3 Track Ultras for a chance to chase their goals. As it was, there were 11 Pennsylvania Age Records set. On a National level, there were 13 American Records set, and it looks like 2 American Men and 1 Canadian Woman qualified for they National 24Hr Teams. Finally, it looks like there were 2 World Bests set this year. Although not all of those who came in search of their goals got what they came for, but they all gave the effort. Photos are here.

For those who don’t know, the Dawn To Dusk To Dawn Track Ultras (D3) are made up of 3 races that take place over a 24Hr period. This year, those races seemed to have 3 different personalities.

The 24Hr started at 7:00AM on Saturday, May 11 under cloudy skies that cleared by the time the 50K started at 9:00. The 50K was run under clear skies and a bright sun and had people “icing” down.By the time the 12Hr started, the skies had opened up, and we had typical D3 rain that got heavier overnight. As it was, there was no Awards Ceremony due to the heavy winds and rain Sunday morning.

The Main event was the 24Hr. This year’s race was special because it was the last significant opportunity for runners to qualify for the US National 24Hr Team that would compete in the IAU World Championships this October in Albi, France. The Mens and Women’s 24Hr teams are made up of runners with the top 6 distances. For the Men, Bob Hearn sat in the 6th spot with 154 miles. For the Women, Pam Smith was in the 6th spot with 151.372 miles. No less than 10 men showed up to try and make the team. Included was Bob Hearn who was trying to improve or secure his 6th place spot on the team (154.051 miles). Ex-USA Team members Rich Riopel. Harvey Lewis, John Cash, Pete Kostelnick, and Phil McCarthy were joined by Josh Finger, Jacob Moss, Jon Koehler, Jordan McKelley, and Kevin Lashey.

In the Women’s race, Micah Morgan, Whitney Richman, Laurie Dymond, Emily Collins, and Jasmine Chiaramonte all had their sights on Pam’s 151 miles. Charlotte Vasarhelyi and April Boultbee of Canada were trying to qualify for their National Team. By the time the 12Hr runners were starting, the Men’s 24Hr field was falling apart as Rich led 5 others over 75 miles. The Women’s Field was led by Micah Morgan (81 miles). Jasmine Chiaramonte, Deb Horn, Charlotte Vasarhelyi and Emily Collins were all over 65 miles.

In the end, Bob Hearn ran 150 but it wasn’t enough to hold his spot. Both Rich Riopel (161 miles) and Harvey Lewis (156) look like they’ll make the team ahead of him. Once she fell off pace for 152 miles, Micah secured the win with over 130 miles and Charlotte finished 2nd with over 121. Jasmine was 3rd with over 118. Of note, Debra Horn’s (60) 12Hr split of 69.9366 miles (112.55) is an IAU World Best beating Valerie Muskett’s 110.795.

The 50K started at 9:00 and was run under a clear sky that got hotter and hotter. Padraig Mullins – last year’s 24Hr Champion – got out quickly and held on to win in 4:06 over Mike Daigeaun’s 4:36. In the Women’s race, Kim Gates, ran 4:39. It was enough to hold off DELCO RRC’s Sue Irvan, who ran 4:39.

As for the DELCO RRC 50 Championship, there were only 3 entrants. Sue was the Overall Champion. First timer Francesca LoPresti was Women’s Runner-Up in 6:19:31. She ran most of the race with Men’s Champion Byron Mundy who finished in 6:19:30.

The 12Hr started at 7:00PM in a heavy mist that then switched to a drizzle and then a steady rain thru the night. Matt Garrod seemed like he was on a mission and won with 76.43 miles. Tim Gorichanaz was the Men’s Runner-Up with 58.16 miles. In the Women’s 12Hr, Nica Shields (68) has been trying for more than 3 years to get the Age Group 12Hr World Best. This year she was not to be denied. Her 62.2764 mile (100.2242K) is an IAU World Best beating Francoise Lamothe’s 100,177. (I’ll let you do the math.) Ally Spears was the Women’s Runner-Up with 26.84 miles.

Josh and I would like to thank the DELCO RRC for their continued support of the Dawn To Dusk To Dawn Track Ultras. In particular, Sue Irvan, Francsca LoPresti, Byron Mundy, and Bonnie Muetterties for running this year, Greg Milbourn for sponsoring this year, and the dozen or so members who stopped by to cheer on those running. That support is deeply appreciated.