Is this the toughest man on the planet?

My fascination peaked again on Sunday with the Badwater Ultra when I heard that a couple of friends running in the Centennial Park Ultra 100km were taking part in that this year. Badwater is one of those events that you just have to tip your hat to those taking part. It is one of those gruelling events that even I as an ultra runner of some description would not think to phathom. In fact only the true toughest of the toughest need apply for that one.

In recent readings of the event, I stumbled across the exploits of the great Marshall Ulrich and what he has been able to achieve over the course of his life at this great event. The ordinary punter (and I use that term very loosely as anyone in this race is very tough!) has a crew to manage their fluids and eating patterns and to keep them moving forwards in the tough parts of the race. As with any ultra event, the job of the crew is to do everything that the runner can’t on the day!

Ulrich decided though in 1999 to rewrite history and also defy what man is capable of yet again, when he took on the event solo with no crew and proceeded to drag a modified cart rickshaw style across the course. The cart contained all of the supplies that he required for the journey.

The rules of the 200 plus KM race were rewritten now to accommodate his exploits. As such the following are the rules for any solo attempts:

1. No IVs.

2. No aid of any kind from an outside source and/or person.

3. No using any shelter other than nature’s shade (i.e., boulders, creosote bushes, trees, etc.).

4. You must have everything from start to finish: food, clothing, equipment, and all necessary water. If a water source along the course is available, it cannot be used.

5. Trailers or any other apparatus are allowed as long as that apparatus is pushed, pulled, or carried. No motorized trailers. The trailer or apparatus can be disposed of only at the Lone Pine Junction (the intersection of Whitney Portal Road and Hwy. 395) or the Whitney trailhead.

6. With the exception of water, nothing can be disposed of along the way, not even trash.

7. Medical emergencies must be dealt with and/or administered by the individual only. No help or supplies can be used from an outside source.

8. Only a.m. starts are valid.

9. No leaving the course is allowed; you must remain on the course at all times.

10. There must be at least one person monitoring the above compliances at all times.

I have been unable to find any records of others doing similar things, putting him alone at the top of the elite group. The estimated weight he was dragging was 120Kgs along the course. I encourage you to read more of his exploits as this will surely motivate even the most unmotivated person. This man is a source of consistent inspiration for me.

Running together – stride for stride on a life changing ride! – Sean Muller