Happy Tuesday runners,

It’s hard to believe that it was only last week that Harvey Lewis set a new world record with 108 yards (450 miles/724.205km) at the Backyard Ultra World Championship in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. The teacher from Ohio kept thousands of viewers around the world glued to the YouTube stream as one by one, runners dropped out of the last person standing event, and Harvey persisted. This record pushes the boundaries of human possibility. What will we see next? Hopefully more women in the field. The starting line-up included 75 participants, among whom only 4 were women. Read More.

Since Harvey finished yard 108, news of his accomplishment was eclipsed by UTMB’s announcement of a new race in Whistler, stirring up controversy and criticism across the North American trail running community. You’ve probably seen the memes and maybe wondered what the hubub is about. To understand it better, read local British Columbia race director Gary Robbin’s account of his relationship with Vail Whistler-Blackcomb, peruse the piece quickly published in Trail Runner Magazine, then follow up with a read through yesterday’s Trail Mix newsletter by Matt Walsh.

? The party in the desert aka Javelina Jundred, put out plenty of incredible performances this weekend, including new course records in the men’s 100 mile by Jon Rea (?:1) and women’s 100K by Anna Kacius. Former triathlete Heather Jackson led the women’s 100 mile with intensity, taking first place and punching her golden ticket to WSER. Also on the podium we saw Ragna Debats (2nd, golden ticket), and Riley Brady (3rd) join Heather and Blake Slattengren (2nd, golden ticket), and Ryan Montgomery (3rd) rounded out the men’s field. Results @JavelinaJundred.

? Calum Neff (?:2) set a new course record at the Marine Corps Marathon 50K. The runner, coach, Altra athlete and race director at Trail Racing Over Texas called it a top performance in his career.

? Harvey Lewis (?:3) may be the king of the backyard ultra, setting a new world record at the Backyard Ultra World Championships with 108 yards, but runner-up Ihor Verys deserves your attention. The 29 year old Ukrainian-Canadian pushed hard to finish 107 yards (445.83 miles/716.518 km). It was an impressive assist. iRunfar shares a full-breakdown of the event and participants.

Want more racing? Check out Justin Mock’s “This Week in Running,” then take a look at these upcoming events that are still open for registration

Storybook Half Marathon – (Stratford, CT) 11/18/2023 Devil Dog Ultras – (Triangle, VA) 12/02/2023 Palisades Ultra Trail Series – (Irwin, ID) 07/19/2024