PITTSFIELD, VT – JULY 1, 2014 – There are millions of running races, thousands of marathons, hundreds of triathlons and even dozens of ultra-marathons … but there is only one Death Race. Held annually since 2005 in Pittsfield, VT, this year’s race began on Friday June 27th and finally ended 66 hours later in the early morning hours on Monday June 30. The annual ultra- endurance test began with over 300 registered entrants from all across the world and in the end, a record 64 racers finished including 9 women.
The obstacle and challenge-driven race required competitors to complete more than a dozen unusual grueling mental and physical challenges throughout a 50-mile course in the dense Vermont woods.
The theme of the 2014 Death Race was “The Explorer.” According to race organizers, the competitors were advised to read the exploits of Sir Edmund Hilary, Shackleton and Lewis & Clark to prepare for their journey. Past themes have included; gambling, religion and money. Competitors were also provided a gear list of more than a dozen items weighing in excess of 50-pounds in advance of the race.
Unlike other endurance races that offer a detailed map, Death Race competitors have no idea what to expect next as the course map and list of challenges are kept secret. For an endurance athlete, not knowing where the light is at the end of the tunnel can be sheer torture.
“The Death Race is designed to push and aggravate people to such a point that even the most stoic eventually fail,” said Joe De Sena, co-Founder of the Death Race. “Only those people possessing incredible discipline under the most insane and even delusional circumstances can call themselves a finisher. These athletes are willing to complete the journey at all costs. The fact that these people endured for 60+ hours to see what they are made of, is just remarkable and awe-inspiring.”
Here’s a look at the athletes who earned a coveted 2014 Death Race Skull.
[column size=one_quarter position=first ]MALE
Andrew Andras
Justin Atteberry
John Balcazar
Rob Barger
Robert Belley
Brandon Bonser
Jeremy Bucalo
Jesus Chavez
Pete Coleman
Sean Collier
Ryan Creagh
Robin Crossman
Dallas D’Aoust
Matthew Dolistsky
Ilir Elezaj
John Fagan
Joseph Falcone
DJ Ferguson
Joshua Fiore[/column][column size=one_quarter position=middle ]
Lou Fisher
Christopher Givens
Christian Godmer
Jim Goundry
Luke Gregory
Dan Grodinsky
Brian Hennessy
David Homa
Drew Jett
Mark Jones
Daniel Kaali
Stuart Klaas
Adam Klaucke
Luke Kovacs
Harrison Lessans
Nick Martin
Anthony Matesi
Eric Matta[/column][column size=one_quarter position=middle ]
Tim Midgley
Marc Miller
T.J. Nomeland
Dustin Partridge
Robert Perednia
Allen Phillips
Ben Sexton
Bryan Shane
Yitzy Sontag
Eldar Spahic
Joshua Swink
Hugh Tower-Pierce
Louis Turnbull
Mark Webb
Richard Weiss
Brandon Welling
Bradley Wells
Geoff Wrenn[/column][column size=one_quarter position=last ] FEMALE
Stefani Bishop
Carolyn Degan
Rebecca Hansen
Amie Meyer
Michelle Roy
Erin Spahic
Valerie Smith
Ashley Sturgeon
Amy Palmiero-Winters
[/column]
For more information on the Death Race, visit www.peak.com/death-races
[cbtabs][cbtab title=”Friday Photos (photos courtesy of Amy Parulis)”]
[/cbtab][cbtab title=”Saturday Photos (photos courtesy of Amy Parulis)”]
[/cbtab][cbtab title=”Sunday Photos (photos courtesy of Amy Parulis)”]
[/cbtab][cbtab title=”Skull Finishers (photos courtesy of Peak Races)”]
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