June 1, 2013 was the first day of the North Face Endurance Challenge in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Sterling, Virginia. In temperatures of 90 degrees, 287 entrants finished 50 miles, and 430 more finished the 50K.
The Western States Endurance, featuring 18,000 feet of climbing and 23,000 feet of descent, was on the weekend of June 29-30, 2013. Despite a high of 102 degrees, 277 competitors finished the 100.2 miles in less than 30 hours.
Just this past week, 81 of 96 entrants finished the 135-mile Badwater ultramarathon. Starting below sea level at Death Valley and finishing 8,300 feet up Mt. Whitney, it was over 100 degrees at the start and approached 99 degrees at the finish.
These recent races are relevant in Philly, of course, due to this past weekend’s cancellation of the Back on My Feet 20in24 Lone Ranger Ultra-Marathon, Relay Challenge and other assorted races. As the City of Philadelphia, through the Parks and Recreation Department and through providing necessary security and medical services, is a necessary partner to Back on My Feet in holding the race, its decision to postpone the race this weekend was final.
Eat, Drink & Run Philly 