An estimated 467,000 people participated in, and finished marathons during the past year. Not too shabby--especially when considering that most runner's legs begin screaming, Are you crazy?! around mile 20. This is when adrenaline kicks in and carries the body that last 6.2 miles. Imagine reaching the homestretch of a marathon, and still having 115 mile ahead of you - maybe even above you.
Cincinnati's David Corfman, 47, of West Chester set off yesterday to compete in the Badwater Ultramarathon on July 12. An ultramarathon is an organized footrace that extends beyond the standard 26.2-mile marathon. The length of these races are virtually limitless. According to ultrunr.com, the longest certified marathon in the world is the 1,300-mile annual Sri Chinmoy Ultimate Ultra held in New York.
The Badwater Ultramarathon that Corfman is currently participating in, is known globally as "the world's toughest foot race," - covering 135 miles and reaching over 100-degree temperatures. I'd say that's a pretty accurate description! The three-day race commenced in Death Valley, and ends tomorrow, July 14 in Mt. Whitney, California.
Like the prestigious Chicago and Boston marathons, this race does not accept just anyone. Unless you have the athletic prowess, stamina, and mentality of an ironman, you will not make the cut.
The Badwater Ultramarathon Official Website suggests, "To plan a few years in advance for this race, not only to prepare yourself mentally and physically, but also to line up the qualifications that will give you a decent shot at being invited to compete."
Approximately 90 people, selected from a worldwide pool of applicants, are invited to compete each year--and Corfman, who has run in 51 marathons and 42 ultramarathons--was one of them.
His training regimen centered around three main factors, which included the racing surface, the mountains, and the heat. Corfman, who often commutes to and from Chicago, told the Cincinnati Enquirer that he takes advantage of his car time to prepare for the intense temperatures.
"While driving, I will, for an hour or so, turn the heater on full-blast to 140 to 150 degrees," Corfman said.
Also, he spent extra time in the sauna and power-hiking on a treadmill set at maximum elevation to prepare for this epic feat.
Corfman, who is racing with a competitor's crew of four others, including his twin brother, Dan, will undoubtedly be accompanied by the spirit of his father, Charles Corfman, who died last September from heart complications. Corfman is running Badwater to raise money in his dad's memory for the American Heart Association.
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