Closeup for Don Winkley

Runner-Submitted Information

I used to think the sun rose and set on Western States back in 1992, and then I discovered multiday racing. It's been quite a trip. The Sri Chinmoy races became bi-yearly events for me, and in 1994 I set an American record for 6 days: 450 miles, age 55-59. Fall of 1994 I tried the 1000 mile race and DNFed, but met Jesse Riley and was never quite sane again. Summer of 1995 I finished Trans America, about 3000 miles: 10th of 10 finishers. Immediately my second try at 1000 miles, second DNF in fall of 1995. In 1995 I almost reached my goal of 5000 race miles in a single year, ending at about 4900 race miles. Finally finished the 1000 mile race in 1996 just barely under the 15 day time limit.

Well, 1997 was my year. At age 59 I ran the 1000 in 14 days 10 hours; at the time it was a masters world record for the 1000. In that race I also got the American 48-hour age group record: 201 miles, set in the first 48 hours of the 1000 mile race. Then in 1997, on to the 48-hour in Surgeres, France, a really hard effort - reward 200.5 miles, set a new world age group record at the time for 60-64. Lots of DNFs followed, including Trans Australia, Run Across America 2002, Trans Europe 2003, and Run Across America 2004. Four DNFs at Spartathlon Athens to Sparta.


But I discovered France and the race which has become my signature race. Transe Gaule the race across France and I have a special relationship, so many memories and race photo's, fell in love twice, and now have finished the race seven times earning seven stars on my trophy and t-shirt. On to Spartathlon 2005, probably my crowning glory. I actually kissed the foot of Lyonites -- the statue in Sparta that signifies completion of the race. I still can't believe it -- to run 150 miles in 36 hours, my finish time actually 35 hours 40 minutes. Finished Comrades last yaar sub 11 hrs. At Columbus 24 this year 99.5 miles a pending US 70-75 age record..