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The JFK 50 mile: running back in time
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A beautiful setting plus a challenging race equals a great time.
Can you imagine running 50 miles? I definitely can, but not all at one time. Now imagine doing that in the cold or rain, through the unpredictable foothills of Washington, Maryland on what many would call a tough hike. That is what the participants of the JFK 50 Mile plan to do on the 46th running of this race on November 22, 2008 in Washington, Maryland.
Starting in the early morning, the runners traverse the course along the Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal. Runners can replenish their lost calories at fully stocked aid stations. At some points they can even have a “personal handler”, or pacer, to help push them through this race. Whatever the case or the pace, the race must be completed in no more than 14 hours; otherwise you will have to try again next year.
Starting in 1963, this race was a part of President John F. Kennedy’s plan to challenge his military officers to a standard he assimilated from Teddy Roosevelt’s requirements for his military officers to maintain their commission. They had to finish 50 miles in less than 20 hours. President Kennedy had directed that the 50 mile races be organized all over the country. Sadly, after his assassination, most of these events were never held again.
Soon even non-military personal wanted to take place in what was dubbed, “The Kennedy Challenge”. While both civilians and military run this race side by side these days, the race still has strong showing of military personnel. Although everyone is competing for a number of honors, the one considered to be the most prestigious is the Kennedy Cup.
The Kennedy Cup is awarded to the top finishing military team. The top five, of a maximum of ten runners have their times combined, the team with the lowest combined time wins. These runners, along with all participants, push their bodies well past the brink of exhaustion. They take a typical marathon of 26.2 miles, which most people consider long, and almost double it. That is what the world of ultra marathons is all about. People train long and hard to push their bodies to what for many is thought to be an impossible accomplishment.
This race is limited to a 1,000 participants and usually fills up quickly, so make sure to sign up early. Hopefully you will be well into your training by then. To all the participants at the JFK 50 Mile this year, good luck, run strong, and see you at the finish line.
To read more on this race or see the results for the JFK 50 miler check out www.jfk50mile.org
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