About the author:
Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.
Today the first runner reached the goal, filled with joy and gratitude. Andrea Marcato, 41 an Italian, living in Zurich, Switzerland, gave to the helpers and his good friend - and main helper Arpan DeAngelo, as well as the large crowd, his sincere feelings and support. He finished the 3100 Mile Race in 43 days+13:33:23. His effort was worth observing over the six weeks plus a few days. He averaged 71.155 miles/ 114.513 km per day. This effort was his fourth first-place finish in consecutive 3100-mile races. He was only one hour and 26 seconds slower than his third-best effort. After thanking everyone who helped him throughout the race, not to mention posing for photos Andrea started to run 13 more laps to reach the 5000 km mark- a post-race extra moment that was started ever since the first 3100 Mile Race in 1997. He soon reached the extra effort in 43+16:37:29.
Today was also a switch between second and third places. Lo Wei-Ming, the two-time finisher of the 3100 Mile Race, emerged out of third place to second place. He has summoned over sixteen 70-mile days to place himself past the amazing Tsai Wen-Ya, who is on the way to breaking the women's 3100 Mile Race Record. Wen-Ya is a formidable runner and competitor. She still remains seven miles behind Lo Wei-Ming as both runners have reached 2984 and 2991 miles.
Andrea Marcato Video
Andrea has recorded his 4th win in this most arduous of multi-day events. His time of 43 Days, 13 Hours, 33 minutes, and 23 seconds was ten hours slower than his victory last year. He will not be concerned. The time will be forgotten, and fade away, but the memories of his effort, like his three previous victories, will stay with him forever. Forty-three days of relentless forward motion around the 0.5484 mile 3,100 course is no joke!
It tests the physical in so many ways. Pounding the hard asphalt pavement surface is relentless. Trail runners appreciate tremendously the changes in surface and gradient together with the constant change of scenery. At the 3100, you have to run the same block several thousand times. Some things do change. Since the race started on August 30th, Summer has turned into Fall, Leaves are swept up daily now, around the caravans and tents that make up race base camp. The early mornings and late evenings have a distinct chill. All the while, our intrepid adventurers have been on an inner and outer journey.
From Day One, Andrea has had a steely focus as if he was on a mission. His three previous victories in the event have given him so much experience to be able to deal with whatever running three thousand miles can throw at you. Within a week of the start, he had assumed a lead that steadily grew as the early weeks progressed. The last two weeks, he has occasionally looked a little tired, and at one point he asked Arpan, his trusted helper, “Are they going to catch me?”
His victory was never really in doubt. As bystanders, watching his progress as we go about our tasks at the race, we can only watch and guess what he and all the other runners have been experiencing and going through. Andrea has remained solid with that same relentless, focused gaze, as he concentrates on just being in the moment and ticking off the laps. It is very humbling for all of us to watch them as the days pass by. As the laps have counted down to the finish today, Andrea's smile has got ever wider. He will no doubt speak with others, relaying his feelings and thoughts on his endeavours, but for now, he can relax and savour the moment, grateful that the “Golden Goal” has been reached for the fourth time.
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