Jon Olsen Sets New 100-Mile American Record - 11:59:23!

How many people do you know that have broken 12 hours for the 100-mile? Well, if you know Modesto, CA's Jon Olsen, you know one! The 39-year-old teachers recent North American record was set last weekend at the Sri Chimnoy Ultra Classic 24-hour race, and his write up is well worth the read (poop cans and all). He took down a nearly 30-year-old record and broke an incredible psychological sub-12 barrier. Congrats fellow Injinji and Vespa teammate!

(Jon Olsen with wife/crew Denise)

Also want to give a shout out to JB Benna who recently set a new unsupported FKT for the Tahoe Rim Trail (140+ miles) of 58 hrs, 43 minutes.

And one last shout out to Canadian Robert Grant who found and returned the camera I lost at Ironman Lake Tahoe! Gracias, my man!

Watch live feed of the IAU 24-Hour Championships in Brive, France on May 13th

Starting at 4am on May 13th, you can follow live updates of the IAU 24-Hour World Championship here.

Here's a quick overview of Team USA.

Follow the Women's team:

Suzanna Bon

Jamie Donaldson

Debra Horn

Amy Palmiero-Winters

Jill Perry

Anna Piskorska

And the Dudes:

Serge Abona

John  Geesler

Michael Henze

Scott Jurek

Phil McCarthy

Dan Rose

All led by the able team leaders:

Roy Pirrung (Team Leader)

Mike Spinnler (Team Assistant Leader)

Dr. Andy Lovy (Team Physician)

Good luck, everyone!

SD

Ultra Centric 24-Hour - The Last US Championship of the Year

Still running strong in the tail end of the season? There is still one US Championship left on Nov 16th, 2007 - The Ultra Centric 24-Hour Championship in Grapevine, TX. This year features over $26,000 in prize money for those who can master the rhythm of the two mile loop, plus some longer and shorter formats to tempt others.

This is the 22nd running of the Ultra Centric, and the second year as the US National Championships. New this year are 6-hour, 12-hour races to join the existing 24-hour and 48-hour formats.

Can the American Records be broken? Race Director Robert Tavernini says "yes", particularly if some of the great 100k and 100m US ultra runners give this format a shot, as well as the excellent 24-Hour runners returning from last year. Philip McCarthy has already run 153 miles in this years Drummondville World Championships, in Quebec, Canada. A similar performance could topple the winning result of 146.4 miles from Alex Swenson at the Ultra Centric last year. Get a top finish with 135+ miles, and you might get a spot on the US National 24-Hour Team.

Based on the results of the San Francisco One Day this weekend, there might be a contender nearby!