The Self-Transcendence 3100 mile

Think 100 miles is long way to run? The Self-Transcendence race in Queens, New York, is a whopping 3,100 miles. Participants have 52 days to complete the distance.

Two long dark braids sprout from the base of her skull, which is covered by a mesh cap and a head-lamp. With her rugged-looking Montrails laced tight and triple-knotted for good luck, she flicks on her light. She looks like she's prepared to go spelunking in a cave but instead sets out at a brisk trot, sticking to a trail that traces the south face of the Boise Foothills. It's 5 a.m. and darker than the inside of a cow, but Joëlle Vaught's eyes glisten with an alert focus that keeps her on her feet.

Scott Jurek: A Snapshot of an Ultrarunner

Scott Jurek took up distance running simply as a way to get in shape for cross-country ski racing.

He grew up in northern Minnesota, and strapping onto skis was simply expected.

Yet, there's been nothing simple about Jurek's run toward history.

Scott Jurek Circa 2002

2002

Scott Jurek will attempt to win his fourth straight 100-mile Western States Endurance Run.

Beads of perspiration mount on his forehead, but he doesn't feel it. With the starting point behind him, his water bottle half-empty, and Clif bars still tucked away in his fanny pack, Scott Jurek glides past the first mile marker.

No sweat. One down, 99 to go.