-15 hours and counting

I wish the lads the very best of luck with their challenge but as an ultra runner who has traveled all over the world I can assure you all we are the most welcoming community you will meet anywhere. In the past we have had many people making false claims and like any sport we cannot have people making a mockery of our sport.
I personally know of 2 challenges which have been ruined for all other future attemptees by outlandish claims which have escaped the scrutineers. This has happened to me when someone cheated me out of a record but I got it back after 4 years. Believe me the lads don't want this to happen to themselves either.
We just like to get things sorted out in advance. Transparency is key to us! There is nothing we love better than a challenge like this. I am sure I am speaking for almost all ultra runners when I say we would offer any help or assistance possible. I know Richard personally and am aware he has been advising the crew since last September.
Helping our rivals is the norm for us ultra runners. For example it is normal for a rival who is planning to break one of our own records to email us for advice on how we did it! We will invariably spend hours doing research and if possible even physically help them. We help our biggest rivals in a race and even share our food and crew with those in trouble.
We go to races in a foreign country and invariably trust our wallets,credit cards and passports with total strangers or just leave them unprotected in a tent without a thought of mistrust. We love to promote our sport. Perhaps we were not very diplomatic in this case, for that I am sorry. I am currently involved with 3 cases of people making false claims and there have been more in the past. It would be terrible for the lads and their much appreciated crew to get this far and not have their record ratified. I can assure you there is a huge danger of this if you do not address the issues Richard has addressed. Nobody on the planet knows better than him,as he has been there before. If we hated you we would not be pointing this out in advance...We would be just sitting back with a smug smile on our faces.. But that's not our nature. I hope the 4 of them continue running and look forward to seeing them in future events. You are winners as you got one of the biggest qualities, self belief and the winner mentality.Stay focused. Think only of the moment as you will expend so much energy thinking of the enormity of it all.Every step is a step nearer and a lifetime to celebrate.
Happy St.Patrick's Day and enjoy a green beer when you get a chance!
Tony Mangan
www.tonymangan.com

So, did you make it? Is everyone still in one piece?

Hey Chris,

Good luck...you are running for a great cause...

Way to go Chris - I'd love to be running with you guys! I'll be watching Saturday! - Linda

GOOD LUCK CHRIS!!

I believe you can do this and as for the so called "ultra community" I cannot believe that they would some would worry about thier ego's and not support you and the great cause that this is for. I will be following you every step of the way and hoping for the best for you and the team.
Good luck,
Wade