Humidity, Heat, Huber
It was foggy (i.e., humid) at the start line with temperatures in the mid 60s, rising into the 80s in the afternoon. The heat and humidity took its toll on the runners; nearly 3 in 10 did not finish.
Six-timer Bill Huber led from the start and only increased his lead throughout the day, finishing over 38 minutes ahead of Chris Pabian. Both Bill and Chris earned their third medal piece and a rolling pin display. (This was Bill's second troika.)
Mikala Shremshock led the female runners, closely followed by Margery Wanosik. Like Bill, Mikala kept increasing her lead over Margery and finished about 32 minutes ahead.
We had 85 solo runners start, with 59 finishing within the 14 hour time limit.
In the relay race, Grannies & Geezers maintained a commanding lead all day, finishing almost 39 minutes ahead of Premature Acceleration.
Congratulations to these eleven solo runners who earned the the final piece of the medal and the accompanying rolling pin display:
- Jennifer Eckels
- Miriam Fein (her third)
- Frederick Hindman
- William Huber (his second)
- Daniel Justice
- Ryan Knecht
- Reece Lutz
- Chris Pabian
- Brian Penrose
- David Renninger
- Zach Zacchero
Many thanks to our excellent volunteers who make the UltraChallenge happen: Joyce Appel, Alex Baker, Joanie Baker, Dewaine Beard, Charlie Brethauer, Paula Brethauer, Patty Brunner, Richard Cook, Jim Crist, Tom Davis, Chris Essey, Jeffrey Fairman, Steve Fazekas, Kate Fissell, Tim Flaherty, Dwight Fox, Larry Fuksa, Troy Gavazzi, Tirzah Griffin, Danny Haritan, Paul Henry, Maggie Hewitt, Jerry Hoffman, Greg Hood, Betty Hovland, Andrew Karnavas, Evie Kaszer, Alynn Kramer, Vera Krekanova, John Krofcheck, John Lewis, Frank Matousek, Stef Mcveigh, Kara Mostowy, Karen Muirhead, Amy Nelson, Jordan Pitts, Cindy Rogers, Rebecca Slak, Kevin Snyder, Anastasia Stolz, Donna Stolz, Joli Studley-cibik, David Syiek, Jackie Thompson, Robert Vickers and Brenda Willett.
And many thanks to our generous sponsors this year: Marburger Farm Dairy, and Rae Lyn Enterprises.
— Steve Mentzer