@the.guidebook: You think it’s going to be the hard work you put in that’s going to get you across the finish line, but I owe 100% of my performance to my crew. Most of them had never crewed or even spectated an ultramarathon before, but you wouldn’t have known because every time I rolled into an aid station, they were like seasoned pit crew. When I had tough moments, thinking about seeing them soon lifted me up. They weren’t just the best crew for me, they were cheering on and helping other runners along the way. When I was in so much pain, my pacers kept me moving, and kept my spirits high. Without them I may not have made it across that finish line. Most of my crew flew from across the country, took off work, booked accommodations, and dedicated so much of their time and energy to helping me get through this race. So I knew that if my crew would dedicate this much for me, the least I could do was keep putting one foot in front of the other and make it to that finish line. You know that a 100 mile race will change you, but you never know exactly how. Going into this race, I thought crossing the finish line would feel like this massive accomplishment, but seeing my crew, how well they worked together, their undying support for me, and their dedication to support my wild goal was what changed everything for me. They believed and supported my goal just as much as I did. When Katherine and I turned the corner onto 6th street and my entire crew was there, in their matching shirts, it showed me that when you have the right people around you, you can truly accomplish anything. So no, I don’t think it’s the training, the dedication or the grit. It’s the people you surround yourself with that you do it for. The best thing about the Leadville 100 isn’t crossing that finish line, it’s the dedication that everyone out there has to helping support this experience for the runners. Leadville is such a special community of incredible people, and it is such a magical experience! To my crew, to the race staff, to every other crew member or spectator out on the course, and all my fellow racers, from the very bottom of my heart, thank you! You are all absolutely incredible!

Katherine & Derrick

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Tuesday 25 August 2026 00:31:42 GMT