Connections: Summing Up the 4th Greensprings 24 Hour Race
Going into Greensprings 24 Hour this year I was a bit anxious about how the race would go. Last year was an amazing event and how does one top that? In the back of my mind was the fact we had 145 runners signed up – a large increase in the numbers! What if something goes wrong? What if I did something wrong or forgot some important piece of coordination? Back in January I started my own coaching and event direction company, Adventure Up Coaching and Events, LLC. Prior to that, I always simply assisted Ellen at Happy Cat Events – I just did the planning and some of the heavy lifting on race day, but it was really her risk. This year it was mine – something entirely new. Two months after forming my company, signing up 10 coaching clients, taking over Greensprings 24, and planning several other events, our condominium building was destroyed in a fire. We were out for a run that morning and literally only had the clothes on our backs left when it was all over.
Following that, we were not sure we could make anything happen or if I would have the emotional ability to deal with the stress that comes with planning and executing a major event. Gradually, Heather and I came to the realization that simply surviving was not us. We had to thrive and continue to live a life of challenge, adventure, and Greensprings 24 was part of that. So, we pressed ahead with planning the event and wow, I am sure glad we did. I won’t lie; it was not easy. If you have never experienced that type of loss, let me share something. For a long time, it makes you exceedingly anxious and worried. The smallest things scare you. Prior to that I always believed I could run through the rain drops and not get wet. I had taken so many risks in my career as a Marine, as a rock climber, and as an endurance athlete – I simply believed I was untouchable. The fire conjured up a level of vulnerability I did not know existed. Regardless, we decided to “be us” and the result was this year’s 2026 Greensprings 24.
Let’s talk about the 2026 race. What makes this event so special? Simply put it can be described by the word “connections.” The definition of connection is “a relationship in which a person or thing is linked or associated with something else.” The format of Greensprings 24 is quite conducive to connecting with others – unlike some ultra formats where you pass like ships in the night. We used Ground Hog Day to describe this event and well, it seems to fit. I think I asked the same guy 47 times “what can we get you” at the aid station. I am sure he, like others, was tired of hearing that from our volunteers eventually! Timed events also attract more senior runners as well as newer ultrarunners. Running a lap or two with someone you just met seems commonplace at events like this. I have been on other ultras where I am often alone in the middle of nowhere and don’t see people for hours – not so on this race. Watching new runners at their first ultra event connected with some of our senior performers is really quite inspiring. It reminds me of the Marine Corps tradition on 10 November (Corps Birthday) every year where the oldest Marine passes a piece of cake to the Youngest Marine symbolizing the passing of culture and tradition. Having been in this sport for 25 years there is something motivating about seeing someone new to the ultra-world completing their first 50K or 50-mile event. On the flip side, seeing some of the sport legends competing in their 70-80s is inspiring in a different way – that’s who I want to be when I grow up! Then there was Tolbert, a blind man, finding his way around the course – I will never forget that. I did not even know that was possible without a guide!! Being at the finish line and watching the emotions of those who went beyond what they thought they could do reminded me why I love this sport so much. I have been asked a thousand times why I or anyone would want to suffer so much on an event – stand by the finish line at one of these events in the wee hours of the morning and you will see the answer.
Other key themes this year are the growing competition amongst the top runners. I thought last year was amazing and them bam, look at Trish Rice setting a new course record at 115.18 miles. It will be interesting in year five to see how long this record stands. There were a ton of great performances with five going over 100 miles and grabbing a buckle. As always, there were many other amazing performances and tons of personal records out there. Phenomenal effort by the entire group of runners. Team 1790 won the team competition with over 350 miles completed by their top six runners. I will figure out how to enhance the team competitions going forward and hope to have even more participate next year.
Going into any race the directors are faced with several key worries and volunteers are always at the top of this list. I had no idea if we were going to have enough to make it through the roughly 30 hours required to put on this race. We had a lot of “we have got you” comments from friends and locals. I should have listened and known it would go well. The volunteers were amazing and I have already thanked all of them, hoping I did not miss anyone, but the bottom line is I had no reason to worry. Several runners jumped in to help after putting in big miles, especially when we had to tear down and clean up. The local support was tremendous, and we even had a friend drive up from the OBX and spend most of the weekend helping. The generosity of these volunteers was essential, and I know many runners benefited from this. I will do my best not to lose so much sleep next year worrying about this!
We have always been proud of our association with Pam McGregor and The Arc of Greater Williamsburg. This year it was great again to support this organization that does so much locally for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Connecting with this wonderful organization is one of the best decisions we made regarding this race. There is no doubt in my mind that our relationship with them provides the positive vibe that this race embodies.
Lastly, it was great to have the awesome support of my fellow race directors, Ellen Alexander from Happy Cat Events and Dan Pulskamp from Virgina Adventures LLC. Both put on amazing races and were instrumental to our success. As I mentioned in an earlier email, Ellen provided support, supplies, and mentoring to get us to the start line this year. Dan provided his usual great support with our automated timing system and effective advice. Ok the real lastly – my wife Heather did so much this weekend and in the months leading up to it…I think you all know I owe her A LOT.
There were a ton of great things that happened during the weekend and as always, some not so good. I will work on making this race even better in the future – your ideas are welcome any time, I listen to everyone. Thank you for being a part of this event and for your contribution to the exceptionally positivity it embodies. You can expect to see Greensprings 24 Hour race sign-up open early in January this year. Until then, see you next year. Get out there and challenge yourselves!
Darrin Denny
Race Director, Greensprings 24 Hour Race
Owner, Adventure Up Coaching and Events, LLC
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