ATY 2005 — The Webmaster's Overview

Across the Years, Decades, Centuries, and Millenia 72-, 48-, and 24-Hour Run, Walk, Eat, and Nap race, recently run for the twenty-third time, rose from humble origins to become a good race, then an excellent race. It nearly died in 2003, but a zealous coalition of volunteers arose to preserve it. The result was a new venue with a new concept.

Since 2003 ATY has been run on the comfortable, certified, 500-meter dirt track around the perimeter of beautiful Nardini Manor in Buckeye, Arizona, and has improved in quantum leaps yearly. Today it may be declared unreservedly that it has become one of the very best multiday races in the world. The buzz is that ATY is a must-do, for experienced and first-time multiday runners alike.

In 2005 the rules were changed so all runners, regardless of starting day, may compete to become overall winners. With that news the end-of-year race was filled to capacity, as registration had to be halted by late October.

Several participants in ATY 2005 declared it to be the best-organized ultramarathon they have attended, thanks in large measure to the hard work of race director Paul Bonnett, host Rodger Wrublik, and a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer committee that works all year to plan the race, in addition to the many experienced volunteers who show up during the event, some traveling each year from out of state.

For starters, there is the quantity and quality of tangibles runners receive in return for their entry fee. Goodies in 2005 included a gym bag containing a beautiful Patagonia long-sleeve running shirt, and a luxurious Patagonia heavy pullover, both suitable for wearing as casual wear on social occasions, in addition to a race number belt, soap from ZombieRunner, gloves, a package of Endurolytes, and some Hammer Gel.

Runners are able to use Nardini Manor's 100x60-foot propane heated tent to shelter themselves from the Arizona desert cold at night. Many pitch their own tents inside, while others throw down mats and sleeping bags. A few cots are provided. Some runners erect tents on the lawn outside.

The food ranges from daily catered entrees, pizza, soups, sandwiches, and even sushi, to the usual array of grab-and-run snacks, sponsor-provided gels, and electrolyte replacement sports drinks. There's nothing like savoring a serving of chicken cordon bleu on the run!

In 2004, trackside computer monitors showed runners their lap counts after each lap. While it was possible for persons with normal eyesight to read them from several yards away, in 2004 people tended to slow down and cluster around the monitors, sometimes providing minor traffic problems.

In 2005, this problem was impressively obliterated with a projector and home movie screens on either side of the timing mats that showed runners exactly what was being seen on the computer inside the timing tent. At night these color-coded displays were as bright as a 60-inch HTDV — a huge hit with runners and spectators alike.

Across the Years features an excellent web site. In 2005 the site served as the face and voice of the race to both runners and observers.

ATY is fortunate to have preserved complete race data back to its beginning in 1983. It has all been put into a database, making it possible to create a variety of interesting statistical reports.

One well-received new feature of the web site is a biographical section. A page listing regitrants contains links to a biographical background for each runner enrolled that includes a picture of the runner, a table summarizing that person's vitals and goals for the 2005 race, another table showing previous Across the Years race activity (ATY has many repeaters), plus biographical data submitted by runners themselves, which ranges from bullet lists of PRs to free-formatted prose.

During the running of the race ATY reached out to virtual spectators worldwide, in an attempt to make multiday racing more of a spectator sport, as it once was at the end of the nineteenth century. A webcam that updated every thirty seconds was in constant operation throughout the race and during the awards banquet afterward.

During the race updated results were uploaded hourly. The display included links from each runner's name to that person's biographical entry. The final results include links to complete lap split data for every runner.

A feature wildly popular with virtual spectators and runners alike was the greetings message service, a form by means of which visitors could submit brief notes of cheer to any runner. Over 1400 of these messages were submitted during the race, which kept volunteers busy, as messages were harvested from the greetings address, then added to a file that was printed, then sliced with a paper cutter. The messages were handed to volunteers, including unoccupied bystanders, to identify runners as they passed by and hand them their latest batch of greetings. The drafted extras thereby had opportunity to become more involved in the race.

Hundreds of digital photographs were uploaded to the web site during the race. Since then hundreds more have been added, supplementing the enormous number already in the archives.

Great Performances

Across the Years 2005 was honored by the participation of the great ultrarunner Yiannis Kouros in the 72-hour race. His awesome presence was enjoyed and respected by all. Kouros did not disappoint, as he set a new world 48-hour road record of 413.5 kilometers (256.937 miles), while in transit to a race total of 520.5 kilometers (323.424 miles). He broke John Geesler's record set in 2004 by 23.30 miles, becoming only the second runner to go over 300 miles. Kouros' achievement was rewarded by the award of a cash prize of $1000, half of which came from an anonymous donor who also ran the race. Kouros also walked off with a 300-mile buckle.

It is a testimony to Kouros' greatness as an athlete to mention that he set these records in spite of having what was for him a relatively tough outing, never quite coming up to his fullest potential. Some speculated that he needed more recovery time from having beaten his own 21-year-old six-day record barely a month before ATY.

Second in the 72-hour race was John Geesler, who also had what was for him a relatively difficult race, but revived the last day. Third was David Luljak, with an outstanding performance of his own.

Fourth through sixth places overall were occupied by the first three women: veteran German multiday champion Martina Hausmann, with 381.5 kilometers (237.053 miles), followed by countrywoman Claudia Weber, and Tracy Thomas from Illinois.

In the 48-hour race, Eric Pence won with 291.0 kilometers (180.819 miles) and Crystal Payne, the only woman, got 100 kilometers (62.137 miles). The 24-hour race was won by the husband and wife duo of Daniel Larson and Jenny Hoffman, both first-timers at ATY. Carolyn Smith, last year's female 24-hour winner, finished barely a mile behind Jenny.

Special Mention

Last year ATY began giving progressive achievement jackets with runner names embroidered on them for accumulations of 2000 and 1000 lifetime miles. Race founder Harold Sieglaff is likely to remain the only 2000-mile jacket recipient for years to come. Added to the one 1000-mile jacket awarded last year, were four new jackets: for Martina Hausmann (1138.67m), Cassandra Johnson (1077.21m), ATY webmaster Lynn David Newton (1042.16), and popular sports physician Andrew Lovy (1030.76m).

In the 72-hour race one run worthy of special note was the relentlessly steady trek of 73-year-old Aaron Goldman, who ran a spectacular 322.0 kilometers (200.082 miles), earning himself a 200-mile buckle, along with seven younger 72-hour runners.

In addition, 15 72-hour runners, 14 48-hour runners, and 11 24-hour runners earned 100-mile buckle awards.

ATY 2005 was graced by the participation of some talented younger runners. A second record of significance in the race was the USAT&F national junior mark of 18:33:08 for 100 kilometers set by 13-year-old Catherine Cuda.

Another popular youngster who attracted the attention and friendship of all present was 11-year-old Cayla Mathison, who completed 106 kilometers in three days under the watchful care of her father Tony. Cayla is the youngest person of either gender to have participated in the 72-hour race by a margin of fifteen years!

It is the hope of the ATY race committee to have another race in 2006. Announcement of what it will consist of must wait until later this year. Keep visiting the web site for the latest information.

— Lynn David Newton