Race Reports — Will to Run

Southern States is a 200-mile, point-to-point route on the Pinhoti Trail through Georgia and Alabama. I signed up for the inaugural year, excited for a new adventure.

With my return to Tor des Geants in September, I was looking for a 200 miler in the first half of year that fit with the family schedule. While Tor went well, it was my first time going past 30 hours. I felt I left some time on the table with sleep management and multi-day nutrition. Plus, another 200 miler under my belt might make me less terrified at this year’s Tor. Sure, I’m sure that will work.

Will WeidmanMay 26, 2024Comment

Lessons Learned at the 2024 HURT 100

In a break of tradition, I decided not to do a full race report for HURT. It is a beautiful event with a warm and vibrant community. However, a course with 5 laps that each contain loops and out-and-backs within the jungle rainforest may not make for exciting reading. There were roots, there were rocks, I went up steep climbs, I went down steep descents. Overall, it went well, and I was happy to finish in 11th place in 27 hours.

Will WeidmanMarch 15, 2024Comment

2023 Recap & 2024 Preview

2023 was another amazing year in this crazy sport.

At the start of the year, I set the out-and-back FKT on the Bull Run trail and was pumped to hit a 7min PR and finish in 3rd place at the Terrapin 50K.

Will WeidmanDecember 25, 2023Comment

Courmayeur Vertical Trail 60K Race Report

I’ve become quite fond of the Aosta Valley over the years. Since Tor des Geants last year, a little part of it has stayed with me. When looking for a pre-UTMB training race while in Chamonix, I was excited to find the Vertical Trail Courmayeur 60K. Not unlike Tor, it looked rugged and tough with 36 miles, 15500 feet of climbing, and lots of time spent up over 9,000 feet. Was it too challenging of a course to be optimal training for UTMB? Most definitely. But it would also be a whole lot of fun.

Will WeidmanAugust 20, 2023 Comment

Canyons 100M Race Report

My intent for 2023 was to try some new races, and that left me looking for a 100-mile race in April / May with 20,000+ feet of vertical. The new 100-mile distance at Canyons was an intriguing option, featuring 24,000 feet of climbing, a taste of the Western States Trail, and a 4,000 foot net uphill course.

Will WeidmanMay 10, 2023Comment

2023 Terrapin Mountain 50K Race Report

Terrapin Mountain 50K is one of my favorite races, and I returned this year for the fourth time in a row. Last year I felt fit leading in the race, executed perfectly, and managed to finish in 4:51, a PR and 2nd place. It seemed like a stretch to beat last years’ time, but I was excited to give it a go.

I intentionally was more aggressive on the first climb. Usually, I sit back and steadily move up the field throughout the race, but I had to take a bit of a risk if I wanted a shot to improve on last year.

Will WeidmanMarch 23, 2023Terrapin 50km, Terrapin Race Report, 2023 Terrapin Race ReportComment

Tor des Geants Race Report - Part 4 (and final)

The race was starting to seem impossible. I had reached the point where the only question was how badly you wanted it. On the way up the climb out of town, I gave Jen a call. She had landed on her flight over to Geneva and was en route to see me and join Christophe in crewing. This was a huge boost, and I couldn’t wait to see her in 22 miles.

Will WeidmanSeptember 26, 2022 Comments

Tor des Geants Race Report - Part 3

I dubbed the Donnas to Gressoney section “the thunderdome”. 35 miles with 20,000 feet of climbing across the most wild and rugged part of the course. At this point you have done around the equivalent of UTMB (100 miles with 35,000 feet of climbing) and have 120 miles and ~50,000 feet of climbing remaining. Wait, what? This was so far beyond what I had ever done. I just had to shut off my brain and exist in a world of moving, eating, and occasionally sleeping.

Will WeidmanSeptember 24, 2022Tor des Geants Comment

Tor des Geants Race Report - Part 2

This is a much-feared section of the course. In a little over 50km, you cover 16,000 feet of climbing with some seriously high altitude. There are 3 major mountain passes, with the third one at 3,300m (almost 11,000 feet). You push through the night on this section, and most people report feeling terrible at Cogne. My primary goal was to manage this section well and arrive at Cogne actually feeling good. That would be a tall task, but it was a good mindset going in.

Will WeidmanSeptember 23, 2022Tor des GeantsComment

Tor des Geants Race Report - Part 1

This was the moment. The dragon had arrived, and it was FIERCE. People say that you start the Tor in a counter-clockwise direction, and a dragon starts clockwise. At some point, you will face your dragon. Will you make it through or will the dragon take you down? I called Jen and Christophe and told them I was done – I couldn’t go on. I asked them to meet me where the trail hits the road into town. My right leg hurt so much, and I didn’t know if I could hobble through town to the aid station. They approached in the night, without headlamps even but with warmth and encouragement. Decisions had to be made.

Will WeidmanSeptember 22, 2022Tor des GeantsComment