Day 15 The third week began with humid, wet conditions from the leftovers of the rainstorms Saturday evening. Mist descended onto the racecourse but few drops fell and temps stayed cool. The coolest customer was Ashprihanal Aalto who sported a foreign legion hat turned sideways and a grin as the laps cascaded before him. He totalled 77.92 miles and continued an epic performance. Not to be outdone, Atmavir Petr Spacil and Galya Balatskyy continued their own streaks of 15 consecutive days over 70 miles each day. Yuri Trostenyuk passed the 1000 mile mark for the third straight year,with a PB by 10 hours. Vasu Duzhiy in fifth place joined the over 70 mile club again with 71.34, whilst also reaching past the 1000 mark 29 hours faster than he has ever run it. Stutisheel Lebedyev moved into sixth place and was part of the 9 person group who all topped 60 miles. Sadly, Grahak Cunningham had to withdraw due to a hip injury that is arthritic in nature. He had gritted two weeks of pain and swelling before choosing the wise course. He is still ranked third fastest all-time at 3100 miles and is the 2012 champion. He thanks all his friends, family, supporters and well-wishers. Good Luck and Gidday!

Yuri Trostenyuk 1000 miles= 14 days+07:06:27

Vasu Duzhiy   1000 miles= 14 days+12:37:04

Day 14 Two weeks have come to an end, but the 3100 Mile Race moves along. Eight runners passed the 60 mile barrier, with three of the usual suspects reaching 70 miles or more. The forecasted rain moved into the area, with drenching showers lasting past the midnight hour. Still, the runners moved along. Ashprihanal Aalto still amazes, as he reached 77.38 miles today, defying the buffets of wind and rain. At present he is averaging 77.22miles (124.28 km). Atmavir Petr Spacil is averaging 73.65 miles(118.54 km) in second place; Galya V, Balatskyy is reaching 73.26 per day in third(117.91 km). Yuri Trostenyuk is averaging 69.87 miles( 112.44 km) in fourth. The ladies are both above 60+ miles per day, Surasa Mairer leading overr Kaneenika Janakova by a scant four laps. 

Ashprihanal Aalto-1000 miles=  12 days+17:19:40

Atmavir Petr Spacil-1000 miles=13 days+09:30:17    

Galya V. Balatskyy-1000 miles= 13 days+11:09:57

Day 12 Moderate temps and cloud cover offered runners a chance to enhance their placings and fitness in the 52-day race. Atmavir Petr Spacil and Galya Balatskyy led the fray at the front, again posting over 70+ miles each for the 12th consecutive day. Russian Vasu Duzhiy made a run late, however, to garner day leader honors and move back into fifth place with a 72.44 mile day. Ashprihanal Aalto felt the effects of his torrid first 11 days. In wisdom he dialed it back to conserve energy and finished just under 60 miles. Both ladies ran well, particularly after sundown, as their fitness is appearing more frequently. Kaneenika Janakova leads Surasa Mairer by four laps, but the best news is that both are above the line of needed mileage for a veritable finish. In all, seven runners made it past 60 miles. There is still a long way to go. 

Day 11  Weather is good- humidity low, air clear. Let's run. That is what they did. Five slid past 70 miles and nine of the 12 went past 60+. It is a sight to see- runners moving at a good clip, their fitness seemingly gaining, their resolve steadfast. When the dust settled Ashprihanal Aalto led again with 77.9; Atmavir Spacil slammed 75.18; Galya Balatskyy ran 72.99;Vasu Duzhiy ignited for 73.5; and Grahak Cunningham shuffled to 70.24 miles. Surasa Mairer climbed back into the fray with 65.3- a welcome site after nearly three days adrift with GI issues. We have six full weeks left. Anything can happen. But I like the chances of the top ten moving forward. Stay tuned!

Week 2 Day 8 On a summer day full of humidity, sunshine, swirling winds, rain episodes and warm temperatures, the field of 12 advanced into the second week. Eight of the group advanced past 60 miles, led by the group of three at the top- Ashprihanal Aalto(78.47), Atmavir Petr Spacil(70.24) and Galya V. Balatskyy(71.34), who reached beyond 70 miles again. They were joined by Grahak Cunningham, who had his best day since Day 1 with 70 miles. Yuri Trostenyuk kept the group in sight with 69.7 miles. These performances by the top five or six must seem a bit intimidating to the rest of the runners as they try to acclimate to high mileage, hard surfaces and approaching summer weather patterns. Overall, nine are on pace to finish, with the rest a few miles behind.

Ashprihanal Aalto-1000km = 7 days+15:46:29

Day 7    A week has transpired. The runners are feeling the seriousness of the task, but their fitness level is really startng to appear. Ashprihanal Aalto continues to amaze with a 77.3 mile day. He is averaging 79.02 miles for the week, which is his best ever for this race. He is only three laps behind the pace of Madhupran Wolfgang Schwerk, the all-time best record holder for the 3100. Atmavir Petr Spacil moved into second place, snapping a virtual tie from the beginning of the day. Mr. Spacil ran 75.7 miles, five laps ahead of Galya Balatskyy. Both runners have gone over 70 miles on each day of the race so far. They are also at record pace, although it is still early in the event. Grahak Cunningham of Australia is showing better form and has peeled off consecutine 69+ mile days. Kaneenika Janakova has worked her way into ninth place and ahead in the distaff race. Eight of the 12 moved past 60 miles, with the top three over 70. Even Baladev Pavol Saraz had a good day with 100 km and shin splints in his rear view mirror. It is Fathers Day here in the States. Hats off to dads everywhere. And thanks to the Heavenly as well. More later...