Team Geared Up

DUBLIN, IRELAND (Team Geared Up) He’s off again! Our own super-ultra athlete, and World Record Holder, Tony Mangan is off to Surgeres in France for a 48 hour track race. I reckon himself and Robin should swap tips on sleep deprivation! Tony flies out tomorrow to compete in what is considered to be the World Championships for 48 hour races and it’s held on a road track of 301 metres. Tony’s accounts of all his crazy races are really well worth a read and you can find them over at Tony Mangan.com or Planet Ultramarathon or Multidays. They really are incredible accounts of the kinda struggles most of us could never even imagine.

From his account of his World Indoor 48 hour record in Brno:

Here in Brno, I took the lead with 10 hours to go. I was running like a man possessed. No way did I want to finish second again in a big race. Passion, ambition and a hunger to win were the fuel that drove me on through that second long night. This Japanese runner, Kenjai Okiyama, is some competitor, courageous full of running, never-say-die attitude - we had an incredible tussle! On each of those 4 attacks I managed to hold him off by raising my pace steadily so he found it hard to keep his attacks going. I took a half hour nap after 20 hours and another half-hour at 32 hours. Upon returning to the track I got sick and wasted another 15-20 minutes. The only time I walked was for 3 laps immediately before my first nap.

The race website is supposed to be posting updates during the race so we’ll keep an eye on Tony’s progress. Best of Luck Tony!

-Aisling-

Image from Tony Mangan.com of the race referee and race director marking the final spot for the world record in Brno 2007.