Ultrarunning, USA – Jan. / Feb. 2002
By John Joseph

…………..said Wardian of his experience at the race, “I thought it was difficult due to the complications of running at high altitude and the potential for illness from the food and water. I came a few days early to acclimatize and I managed to stay healthy. The competition was excellent and it was an honor to meet so many great athletes from diverse backgrounds. It was fantastic to be part of one of the most unique and challenging races ever conceived. I thought I pushed myself as hard as possible and trusted that my efforts would make me successful.” He was effusive about the breathtaking scenery. “Fantastic, unique with uninterrupted beauty. I enjoyed the topography as well as the shifting skies and the angles of the sun on the mountains. To be immersed in a completely breathtaking environment, even for a short time, was heavenly.”

The Final Leg
……..I thought how nice it would be to finish with two of the men that inspired me to run the race. Then Nick took the next curve with bounding strides. I followed. Tony fell behind. Nik stopped at the next checkpoint, listed to the side of the road and puked. With one mile remaining, I saw Steve’s freshly shaved head hobbing around the next corner. I couldn’t catch him. When I crossed the finish line, Helen, a veterinarian from Devon, England gave me an enthusiastic hug. “You did it, I knew you could do it!” she blurted. I finished in the middle of the pack on the last day, and felt like a true runner for the first time in 25 years.