09/15/2025
We would like to share this update in regards to the 2026 registration process. Today is the deadline for the deferrals to commit to 2026 or 2027 (we allowed free deferral to either year in an email that was sent out last week). In an awesome feat or grace and understanding, 166 deferrals have been processed with a couple coming in every few minutes. That deadline to commit to either 2026 or 2027 will expire tonight at midnight and then we'll have to go through each one of them to confirm that no non deferrals came through. With that said, it looks like, we'll be less than 100 spots away from filling up when we wake up tomorrow morning. That means this might be the 3rd fastest fill up in race history and I want to share a personal note in regards to that, if I may...
I had no idea what the future would hold for the race because of my mental and physical health, the last few years and my decline in energy. BUT, I have worked hard each day to respond to the emails that come in and although it takes me a couple of days sometimes to clear all of them, since this year's race weekend, when I am able to, I feel a moment of inspiration and accomplishment.
I spoke to another runner yesterday who said that all he is hearing is positive energy about the event next year. Well, that is a motivator too, to keep that communication door open and striving each day to do better than the previous.
I will admit, in between this past year's race and today there have been some times where I felt overwhelmed, but when we have good moments, it's like taking another step up that hill. He also said, in our conversation yesterday, that some runners who have not run in a few years have signed up again. Well, that means a lot too, because it will lead to our expectations to show we have done better for them.
In fact, I just spoke with my Aid Station Supply directors and in early October, they're going to do inventory and provide the replenishment list so that, by the end of this October, we can be ready with everything ordered and in for next year, that we can.
You have no idea how energized I (and we are), to make this the best race possible. Having you there to experience it, will be the best mental health medicine, and trust me, I know there will be ups and downs over the next year, but forgiveness, grace and love is something we're wrapping ourselves around.
So thank you for being you!
- Chris
