How competitive is ultrarunning at the top level in the USA?
JG: When the smoke clears, it is the same old guys in front, race after race. There are not too many low or sub 2:20 guys entering ultras, maybe since there isn’t any money to be had for moving up in distance. There is a steep learning curve when it comes to ultras and not many people fast young guys are able to jump right in and be competitive. We have several guys who have done well for their 2:25 to 2:30 marathon PR’s, but we really need some sub 2:18 guys. Heck, we don’t barely even have any 2:18 Americans any more. CR: Is there good camaraderie between the members of the American team? JG: Superficially, at least. Anyone of them would give out advice if asked. Since I have been the lone New Englander (and I’m not even a real one) I have been a relative loner. There is an unstated rule that everyone must finish, which I don’t really agree with. The northern Californians, with their Western States race and Buffalo Chip Running Club, have historically had the best runners. They are b
