Introduction
With rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and relentless ascents, trail running, and Ultramarathons may be a solitary pursuit for runners. Yet, behind some of my own longer events, I found true value in something far greater. More than just my own experience and effort. It was a silent force, unsung heroes that made the experience more rewarding and fulfilling—my Ultramarathon crew.
In the world of trail running events, the importance of a dedicated crew is easy to imagine. Their role is selfless and important to ensuring success, safety, and sanity for the runners. The direct support is undeniable, however, I found there is greater value in the team aspect and the shared stories.
Below we will discuss the ways in which an Ultramarathon crew contributes to the shared experience. A runner runs the race but it is the crew that makes it an adventure well-traveled.
If you would like to read more about how a crew influenced my Divide 200 effort, read my “Journey of a Million Steps” that covers preparing and running 200 Miles!
Crew Categories
There are three main categories of crew members:
- Crew Chief/Crew Members
- Pacers
- Coach
Crew Chief / Crew Members
The crew chief helps morph the experience into a team effort. Their role is pivotal and makes the difference between an enjoyable adventure and a miserable one. The crew chief will organize and orchestrate the details of the event, among other things.
Often volunteering their time selflessly, a good crew chief will know their runner inside and out. The runner and the crew chief will thoroughly review timelines, gear requirements, nutrition, and every aspect of the race. This will help shake out any expectations and requirements as the event goes on.
The crew tends to be more transient. As runners come and go, participants may offer to crew at certain checkpoints and volunteer for a stop or two. The coordination of the whole crew and pacers falls on the crew chief. That’s a lot of weight to carry!
Pacers
Additionally, we have the pacers – they are an extension of the crew but deserve their own section. Although not necessary, they will ideally be familiar with the route and leg(s) that they will be alongside the runner. Their key role is to provide a fresh set of eyes, inserting well-timed jokes, and silent moments. A good pacer will be able to read the signs and keep their runner safe.
It is a skill to know when their runner needs motivation, encouragement, silence, or tough love. It is almost magical how miles shared on the trail can build and form bonds. This bond will make it seem like you were long-time friends even if you started as strangers.
Pacers are capable runners in their own right, however, they share in the experience first-hand. They enable the race runner to go the distance and with as positive a mindset as possible.
Coach
Having a coach in your corner to guide you through training and offer advice through experience can be invaluable. Their value will be well worth the price of access to their knowledge. Training plans, gear recommendations, techniques, heck, even life advice can all be within a coach’s scope of work.
Leading up to the event and even during the event a good coach will offer sage advice. A well-timed text of encouragement may just be what the runner needs. A friendly reminder to just keep it simple.
Eat, drink and move.
6 Ways Ultramarathon Crews Unleash the Unstoppable
Below, we will cover six ways an Ultramarathon crew can make a positive difference in their runner’s effort.
- Navigating the Logistics,
- Moral Support and Motivation,
- Nutritional Assistance,
- Gear and Equipment Management,
- Emotional Resilience,
- Shared Experience & Creating Memories.
1. Navigating the Logistics
Trail running events are not your typical road races with neatly marked paths and water stations at every mile. Navigating and planning of a trail race, especially those covering long distances or challenging terrains, can be a monumental task.
Furthermore, a dedicated crew is the logistical backbone. They ensure that the runner’s needs are a priority at every opportunity, gear is accessible, and any issues considered or communicated. Beyond that, there is picking up and coordinating pacers and managing their own personal needs on top of their runner’s.
The crew forms a team, and the coordination of these undertakings is ‘Ultra’ in itself! Navigating the logistics of these adventures is no small task and a runner and crew work together long before the event.
2. Moral Support and Motivation
Ultramarathons on the trail become more of a mental grind than a physical one early (depending on your distance, this is relative). As miles and hours click by, mental fatigue sets in and the miles stretch endlessly. The time warps and everything becomes dreamy and distorted.
This is where the crew can step in and have another profound impact on a runner’s event. Encouraging words, friendly and smiling faces, good light humour, and the unwavering support of a crew can make all the difference in a down swing. Maybe even some tough love along the way to snap their runner out of a mental funk!
A well-timed cheer, a friendly face, or a reassuring presence along the route can go a long way. Literally.
3. Nutritional Assistance
Proper nutrition is paramount in long-distance trail running events. The runner will have an idea of what works and what does not prior to race day, but a crew is still instrumental in providing runners with the right fuel at the right time.
They can prepare and pack energy-dense snacks and ensure a steady supply of hydration. The crew plays a pivotal role in maintaining the runner’s energy levels and preventing the dreaded bonk.
The crew does well in reminding the runner of when and what to eat, or even what is available, and to be patient with the indecisiveness – and oddball cravings – of a tired runner.
4. Gear and Equipment Management
The crew will be monitoring the weather forecast and reminding the runner of what gear requirements are for the next leg or two, ensuring the understanding of terrain and conditions. The trails can be uncertain and unforgiven on the best of days, but a little preparation goes a long way. Especially when things, and rain, go sideways.
They can make quick adjustments based on the evolving trail conditions and weather forecasts while their runner continues on. A solid crew ensures that the runner is prepared for every potential challenge, from torrential rain to dropping temperatures. Even a sock change or shoe swap out based on the climbs (or descents!) ahead can make all the difference.
Having the right tools for the job is always beneficial, and a good crew is one of the best tools anyone can ask for!
5. Emotional Resilience
When the brain is tired, emotions can boil to the surface. There is no telling where the runner’s mind goes on any point of the trail. These endurance events, especially those in the wilderness, can be emotionally taxing.
Having a crew that is supportive and understanding will not only provide physical assistance but also emotional resilience and support. They function as sounding boards, motivators, and, at times, comic relief. They help their runner maintain a positive mindset throughout the challenging journey.
A calming hug, a hand on the shoulder, and a knowing smile may just make the difference between an epic finish or a DNF! Even taking some goofy pictures for posterity will help set the tone of timelessness. Enjoy the moment, these are forever!
6. Shared Experience & Creating Memories
This is what it is all about. Having a dedicated crew, a crew chief to orchestrate, a crew to look out for you, and pacers to share in the adventure – Ultramarathons become a team effort. A runner can rely on and look forward to their crew at every opportunity for any wide range of human needs, physical or emotional. But the memories and stories are the true gift.
Sharing the experience and creating memories with this small group of people will be something everyone carries with them for life. Whether the effort is successful or not pales in comparison to sharing the ultimate human experience with friends old or new. The raw emotions, the trials by trail, the tales that will last forever. That’s the true meaning of Ultramarathons.
Ultramarathons can create epic stories, and it is best to have people to share them with!
Conclusion
Within the realm of trail running events the runner may be the main character, however, it is the crew that weaves the narrative together. Their commitment, adaptability, and unwavering support make the difference between a good Ultramarathon and an extraordinary one. As celebrated as the achievements of trail runners are in any form of Ultra, let us also tip our hats to the dedicated crews standing behind them.
They truly do turn each Ultramarathon event into an unforgettable adventure.
A crew is not just about the aid they can provide but also in the spirit they bring to the trails. Stories and shared experiences of the adventure will continue to hold value for a lifetime. The vested interests in having their runner, one more checkpoint, one more mile, one step at a time to the finish – the team aspect becomes something they will always share together.
Eat. Drink. Move. Share.
Simple.
Share some of your own Ultramarathon crew experiences or stories below in the comment section!