I Placed First Female in a 48-hr Ultramarathon: This is How I Did It

My First Place Female Plaque and Belt Buckle

The Hainesport 48-hr ultramarathon was my second 48-hr event and my 36th ultramarathon. My goal at the 2023 Hainesport 48-hr ultra was to collect 120 miles. I had a plan for collecting my miles on the USTAF-certified .9913 mile park loop course.

I divided the 48 hours into four chunks of 12-hr runs. In August. 2023, I collected 45 miles at the Loopy Looper 12-hr ultra. Using that as my baseline, and knowing that I would be slowing down, I created the following strategy and mileage goals to hopefully collect 120 miles.

My Plan

My plan on race weekend October 7–9, 2023 was as follows — divide the 48 hours into four chunks of 12-hr runs and collect the following miles.

First 12 hours — 45 miles

Second 12 hours — 35 miles

Third 12 hours — 25 miles

Fourth 12 hours — 15 miles

Going into the event, I was prepared for the weather with gear. I had food for fuel. I napped. I ran. I walked. I had companions on the course. My husband Jon crewed and fed me.