Utah Ovarian Cancer Alliance

Hi everyone,

Here we are again. The Wasatch Front 100 Mile race is 4 days away.  

It is a noteworthy year- the 40th anniversary of the Wasatch 100.  Wasatch was the third 100 miler in the U.S., after Western States in California (1977) and Old Dominion in Virginia (1979).  The inaugural Wasatch 100 was held in 1980, and had 5 participants- four men and 1 woman. On the unmarked and poorly described course, the runners relied only on Forest Service maps, bushwhacked through seldom used terrain, and found that some sections of 'trail' were on the map but didn't exist.  One woman- Evelyn Baugh- intermittently met the runners in the canyons to give them food and water, but there were no formal aid stations. These were the days before running packs, trail running shoes, and electrolyte drink.   Two runners- Laurie Staton and Greg Rollins- survived the course and finished together in 35 hours and one minute. In truth, Laurie waited for Greg on the last section so that they could finish the inaugural event together. So, a  woman was the first to conquer the infamous Wasatch 100 course! [History courtesy of Dana "Mudnguts" Miller, Wasatch100.com].

Laurie Staton- the first Wasatch 100 finisher in 1980.

This year, those who finished Wasatch in the early years, "Wasatch Pioneers",  have been invited back to try the race again. Twelve runners, age 58-74, will attempt the race together with the regular field of runners. They will get a four hour head start, beginning at 1 am on Friday. They have 40 hours to finish the race.

With the pioneer spirit in the air, it seems only fitting that I, too, do something different this anniversary year.  A new challenge.  This year, I'll run without crew or pacers- just a woman and the trail. Over time, I've become more confident running by myself at night. Last year, at the Old Dominion 100, I ran solo except for a 10-mile "treacherous" segment from mile 75-85.  I ran all night in the driving rain, had trouble finding the way, and got spooked a few times, but I made it. A few weeks ago, I finished the Ute 100 in the La Sal Mountains, running solo through mile 71. And, Wasatch is my home course. While darkness and fatigue can make even familiar trail sections confusing, I know this trail better than any other. Seems fitting that this should be my first race without crew or pacers. 

Ute 100 Miler, La Sal Mountains, August 10th, 2019 (about mile 90?).

For whatever reason, I feel this is an experience I am meant to have.  I know that people don't understand why I do these events...repetitively.  I joke that it must be a personality flaw. In truth, doing hard things gives perspective on life- makes what is otherwise hard seem easier- helps me to see the bigger picture - and is an opportunity to contribute to a good cause. 

I am running on behalf of the Utah Ovarian Cancer Alliance (UOCA), a non-profit organization whose mission is threefold:
-Promote saving women's lives by increasing education and awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
-Promote local and national activities that provide support and networking for the ovarian cancer community, including survivors, families, care providers, and supportive individuals.
-Raise funds for education, awareness, and research in ovarian cancer.
Because UOCA helps patients seen at the Huntsman Cancer Center in Salt Lake City, a referral center for the entire Intermountain West, its influence extends far beyond Utah. 

A special thanks to Jan Byrne, my friend and colleague, an ovarian cancer survivor that started me on this fund-raising journey many years ago. Thank you, Jan.

Last year we raised $9,423! I appreciate your support,  both monetary and emotional, as I embark on my 9th Wasatch 100 start. I'll need your good vibes! Let's raise some money for an outstanding cause.

Love,
Erin