Day 43:

 The runners continued on, the sun beat down on all objects without shade, and Day 43 was like so many of the previous. Yet, the atmosphere is different. In the next few days we will have our first finisher, then perhaps a day later another, and so on. Like time-lapse graduation videos, the runners will taste the fruits of their labor, their tears, their sighs, their smiles, all things compacted into brief moments inside their minds and hearts. The last week and a half are the moment of truth. Are they ready to reach new summits or personal bests?Are they ready to accept what comes and give their best to the very end?

On the more mundane level, five of eight reached the line of even par and beyond. Vasu Duzhiy was the Day leader third day in a row with 64.75 miles, followed by the overall leader Ashprihanal Aalto with 64.2 miles. Mr Aalto has 273.3 miles left to reach the promised land (or the beach) of yet another finish. Ananda-Lahari Zuscin is still 16 miles ahead of his best finish pace from 2006. Harita Davies is still 46 miles ahead of her previous best from 2017. Nirbhasa Magee is 20 miles ahead of his 2017 performance best.  Good Luck to all.

Ashprihanal Aalto-2800 miles- 42:09:27:27

Nirbhasa Magee-2700 miles- 42:02:44:45

Smarana Puntigam-2600 miles- 42:13:04:03

Harita Davies- 2600 miles- 42:15:09:47