Jose Runs: Trans USA Run Record Holder Marshall Ulrich

NOTE: This wouldn't be complete without presenting the YouTube (God Bless Chris Douglass), Navy Seal interview, and two Marathon and Beyond cover stories on Marsh. They appear below.

Tuesday Nov 4 from 2-6PM was one of the coolest running experiences yet. Legendary ultramathoner, seven summits summiteer, and only person to complete the Triple Crown of Extreme Sports, Marshall Ulrich, broke the Grand Master's Trans-America Running record.

What a connection with the people I ran with from 165th and Riverside by the Hudson River, heading down Broadway through Times Square, then to City Hall. So much that a Facebook Group, NYC Loves Marshall, has been created.

First met Ira and Todd (Orange Runners Club President). Ira works for United Way as CIO, and Todd, Muse, the comprehensive music database used by music sellers. There was lots of running talk before Robert of VQ Orthocare showed and said Marsh was close after crossing the Washington Bridge. Sam flew from Miami just to run this last leg, impressive.

It was Presidential Election Day, so Theresa informed me Starbucks was giving away free coffee. What a day - Krispy Kreme and Ben and Jerry's were also giving away. Thanks to gracious Theresa and Irene who gave me half a sandwich and cornbread. This was needed given my current and temporary financial situation.

Marsh arrived at an awesome pace. He had gotten tan and like my cross country coach, looks young. Honestly, with the Super 8 cap and upbeat stride, you'd mistake him for a kid. He wore a yellow VitaMix tank and CamelBak. Asked if he wore it because they were a sponsor. Marshall explained his mic was attached to it, for the documentary being made. I then noticed the battery pack in the reservoir.

I met his son Taylor and he was saying how amazed he was by his ability and determination, known as Marshall Law (believing the only limitations are in your mind). I asked Marshall what's the most important thing he got out of this and he said it was his family. He hadn't been on best terms with his brother, and this had brought not only him but the entire family together. Very cool.

It was awesome going through Times Square. Must had been something for Marsh running down the middle of the street. Incessant videographer and adventure racer Rick carried the camera 11 miles, stopping for water and rejoining, making strong, broad strides. Brice, from our local NYC trail running group, stopped to see us running behind Marshall, then came City Hall.

Betsy Magee, former agent for Ted Corbitt and currently Marshall's, had designed finisher tees. Worn by Betsy, Marshall, and others, it read:

TRANS CONTINENT RUN

USA 2008

MARSHALL ULRICH

WITH THE SPIRIT OF TED CORBITT

Marsh had chatted hours with Ted and they had similar humble personalities. I turn out the same here, when it comes to describing my ultrarunning experiences. Met Frank Giannino, who has the current trans continental record, still standing from 1980. You'd never known he'd done it - twice. Marsh told Frank he thought about his achievement during the run, and said it's something he could never do.

Good job Marshall.

More:

1. Times Herald-Record Article
2. Todd's Report
3. rundangerously Blog Entry
4. Running America 08 Blog Entry

Marsh alongside daughter and Betsy, wife Heather, and son Taylor:

City Hall front and center:

Celebration:

Marshall and current trans USA run record holder Frank Giannino:

Frank and Todd Jennings:

If you haven't seen or read what follows, you'll want to; it describes Marsh being the first on two occasions: 1) First solo (unsupported) and 2) First quad (580+ miles) crossing of the Badwater Ultramarathon course, from one of the lowest points in the world to the highest mountain (14,505 ft) in the continental U.S.

Navy Seal interview.

Cover of July/August 2000 Marathon & Beyond with feature story “My Most Unforgettable Ultramarathon (And What I Learned From It): Death Valley 1999” by Marshall Ulrich, Badwater Self-Contained, Unaided, Solo