Runner's Motivation: Biggest Little Ultra Participant Ken Shares His Running Story

I have been a runner, on and off, for most of my life. I love to run. It not only keeps me in shape, but it also gives me the opportunity to work through life's problems as I listen to the repetitive sound of my heartbeat and my lungs gasping for air. I always wanted to run a marathon but life kept getting in the way, also known as making excuses. I was 69 years old and it was time for the excuses to stop.

My Inspiration

I was inspired by Todd Leigh, ultra marathoner and octogenarian, who was competing in the 100-mile race at the Jackpot Ultras Marathon in Henderson, NV. I decided to run the 50-mile event. My logic was simple, if an 80+ year old can complete 100 miles, an almost 70-year-old should be able to easily complete 50 miles. Hindsight certainly proved that using the word “easily” and 50 miles together is a mistake.

My 50-Mile Ultra Training Regimen

I started my training about four months prior to the event. I would typically walk/run seven to ten miles a day. One day a week I would extend this distance and gradually increase this distance over the four-month training period. My longest training distance was 26 miles.

My Jackpot Ultra Experience

Race day was full of anticipation, unfortunately the 50-mile event didn’t start until 8:30 a.m. I was up and eager to start at 7:00 so I had to distract myself by watching the live stream of events that started the previous day and were still ongoing. Upon arrival, I could feel the energy of fellow participants. There were numerous race veterans dressed in colorful and unique gear to capture the “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” spirit. Once the race started, excitement changed to the realization “this is going to be a long day."

With the exception of the top tier participants, many runners alternated between running and walking. Throughout the day, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with people of all ages and abilities from all over the western United States. Everyone had their own reasons or inspiration for being there.

I periodically munched on fruit and other light snacks to keep my energy level up. My goal was fifteen-minute miles. I was keeping my desired pace by alternating between walking and running up to the 30-mile mark. After that my legs decided running was no longer an option. I ground out the last 20 miles trying to walk as fast as I could.

Finishing the 50-Mile Race!

I completed the 50-mile event short of reaching my timing goal but by the end I was incredibly happy with an enormous feeling of accomplishment. In talking with other participants, completion and sharing a day together with other runners and supporters, was a day carved in the stone of life.

Gratitude to Ken for sharing his runner's motivation. We look forward to cheering on Ken this October 2025 when he participates in his next ultra race at the Biggest Little Ultra!

If you are interested in sharing your reason for participating in the Biggest Little Ultra or other races, we welcome your voice. Please send to todd.leigh1@gmail.com.