Standings after the 10th stage - 432.55 miles:

Dusan Mravlje 61:00.15

David Horton +1:29.32

Pat Farmer +3:26.??

Ray Bell +6:37.??

​

Thirteen runners remain - temps got up to 115 degrees during yesterday's run.

​

Standings after the 11th stage - 480.15 mi total From Mesquite, NV to St George, UT 47.9 miles:

Stage:

Dusan Mravlje 6:51:30

Pat Farmer 6:52:58

Ray Bell 7:02:23

Manfred Leisman 7:08:04

David Horton 7:18:44

 

Overall:

Dusan Mravlje 67:51:45

David Horton +1:56:46

Pat Farmer +3:27:41

Ray Bell +6:48:15

 

Thirteen runners remain - temps were obsenely hot on the roads.

 

Standings after the 12th stage of 64 stages - 531.7 mi total From St George, UT to Cedar City, UT 51.55 miles:

Stage:

Dusan Mravlje 7:40:00

Pat Farmer 8:06:07

Ray Bell 8:06:13

David Horton 8:32:14

Manfred Leisman 9:06:19

​

Overall:

Dusan Mravlje 75:31:45

David Horton +2:49:28

Pat Farmer +3:53:48

Ray Bell +7:14:28

 

Thirteen runners remain -

 

Top 6 runners results for stage 16. Distance for the day was 32.9 miles

1. Pat Framer 5:01:57

2. Dusan Mravlje 5:02:09

3. Ray Bell 5:24:34

4. Nobiaki Kunagi (sp) 5:47:54

5. Juni Onaky (sp) 5:58:58

6. David Horton 6:14:40

 

Top 4 runners overall results after 16 stages. Total distance is 698 miles

1. Dusan Mravlje 99:46:49

2. Pat Farmer +4:25:41

3. David Horton +6:01:27

4. Ray Bell +10:06:45

 

Dusan for the first time in the race dropped below 7 mph but was still clocked at 6.99 mph. David Horton had is worst day of the race and seemed to not fare well with the altitude (8000ft).

 

 

Standings after the 16th of 64 stages - 698.35 mi total From Salina, UT to Meadow Gulch Rest Area 32.9 miles:

Stage:

Pat Farmer 5:01:57

Dusan Mravlje 5:02:09

Ray Bell 5:24:34

Nobolaki Koyago? 5:47:54

Jun Onoki? 5:58:58

David Horton 6:14:40

 

Overall:

Dusan Mravlje 99:46:49

Pat Farmer +4:25:41

David Horton +6:01:27

Ray Bell +10:06:45

 

Thirteen runners remain - 60 Minutes from Australia, filmed the finish of this stage. Finish was at 8000 feet and it affected a few runners. Dusan Mravlje's overall pace fell to 6.999MPH. Manfred Leisman had to walk the entire distance due to an achilles problem.

 

Top 7 runners results for stage 18. Distance for the day was 44.95 miles

1. Dusan Mravlje 6:10:39

2. Pat Farmer 6:11:03

3. Ray Bell 6:27:53

4. Manfred Lysmon (sp) 6:40:54

5. Nobiaki Kunagi (sp) 7:03:34

6. Juni Onaki (sp) 7:37:15

7. Mike Sandlin 7:47:37

    David Horton 7:47:37

 

Top 4 runners overall results after 18 stages. Total distance is 772.85 miles

1. Dusan Mravlje 110:07:19

2. Pat Farmer +4:25:45

3. David Horton +8:52:42

4. Ray Bell +10:30:51

 

Standings after the 18th of 64 stages from Eagle Canyon Rest Area to Green River, UT:

Stage- 44.95 miles: 

Dusan Mravlje 6:10:59

Pat Farmer 6:11:03

Ray Bell 6:27:53

Manfred Leisman 6:40:54

Nobolaki Koyago 7:03:34

 

Overall- 772.85 miles total: 

Dusan Mravlje 110:07:19

Pat Farmer +4:25:45

David Horton +8:52:42

Ray Bell +10:30:51

 

Thirteen runners remain - 60 minutes of Australia filmed most of the stage. This caused Dusan and Pat to battle the entire distance. Temperatures ranged from 45F at the start to the mid 80's by the end - a nice break from previous heat.

 

Standings after the 19th of 64 stages From Green River, UT to Cysco, UT:

Stage- 47.9 miles:

Dusan Mravlje 6:54:18

Pat Farmer 6:54:19

Nobolaki Koyago 7:01:11

Ray Bell 7:03:04

Manfred Leisman 7:17:29

 

Overall- 820.75 miles total:

Dusan Mravlje 117:01:37

Pat Farmer +4:25:46

David Horton +9:57:00

Ray Bell +10:39:37

 

Thirteen runners remain - Another good battle between Dusan and Pat. Pat is psyching Dusan and says he is holding back so he will make it all of the way to NY. David Horton lost an hour today.

 

Standings after the 22nd of 64 stages From: Parachute, CO to Glenwood Springs, CO:

Stage- 40.1 miles:

Dusan Mravlje 5:34:46

Nobolaki Koyago 5:41:28

Ray Bell 5:46:17

Pat Farmer 6:02:33

Manfred Leisman 6:16:08

 

Overall- 961.35 miles total:

Dusan Mravlje 137:32:24

Pat Farmer +4:53:33

Ray Bell +11:06:59

David Horton +12:25:52

 

Thirteen runners still remain - Pat Farmer was very tired today and told Ray Bell to go ahead at one point. This was the first time in 86 Trans America Foot Race stages that Ray can remember Pat telling him to go ahead.

 

Standings after the 23rd of 64 stages From: Glenwood Springs, CO to Avon, CO:

Stage- 36.9 miles (shortened):

Dusan Mravlje 4:54:33

Ray Bell 5:09:45

Nobolaki Koyago 5:17:30

Manfred Leisman 5:26:37

 

11th Pat Farmer 8:13:31

 

Overall- 998.25 miles total:

Dusan Mravlje 142:26:57

Pat Farmer +8:12:31

Ray Bell +11:22:11

David Horton +13:13:36

 

Thirteen runners still remain - Shorter than advertised because the Colorado River was high and flooded a bike path. Runners were transported 17 miles and did the last 36.9 miles. Pat Farmer had shin splints and lost over 3 hours. Dusan got his overall pace above 7 MPH (this is 1 MPH above the record to this point)!

 

Standings after 24 of 64 stages From: Avon, CO to Frisco, CO:

Stage- 37.9 miles:

1 Dusan Mravlje 5:43:38

2 Manfred Leismann 5:54:41

3 Ray Bell 5:58:47

4 David Horton 6:18:53

5 Nobolaki Koyago 6:53:21

6 Jun Onoki 7:10:04

7 Kyoto Ogata 7:16:32

8 Aiko Endo 7:30:00

9 Mike Sandlin 8:03:25

10 Ed Kelley 8:14:58

11 Don Winkley 9:02:11

12 Michiyoshi Kaiho 9:18:53

13 Pat Farmer 9:50:12

 

Overall- 1036.15 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 148:10:35

2 Ray Bell +11:37:20

3 Pat Farmer +12:19:05

4 David Horton +13:48:51

 

Thirteen runners still remain - Hottest day for Frisco stage ever. Next stage climbs over 11,992' Loveland Pass.

 

Stage 25

Stage - 34.9 miles:

Dusan Mravlje 5:10:23

Ray Bell 5:22:37

Dave Horton 5:55:16

Nobolaki Koyago 5:59:41

Manfred Leisman 6:06:06

Jun Onoki 6:21:29

Eiko Endo 6:37:40

Kiyato Nagata 6:45:22

Michiyoshi Kaiho 7:22:54

Don Winkley 7:45:50

Pat Farmer 8:42:02

 

Overall:

Dusan Mravlje 153:20:58

Ray Bell 165:10:32

David Horton 167:54:42

Pat Farmer 169:11:42

 

Today was my first experience with the TransAm race. At the daily 7pm wrap-up, there was quite a bit of emotion, since 2 racers ended their quest. Even though this is an individual event, it was evident that there is a real camaraderie between the racers. Ed Kelly missed the cutoff and is officially out of the race. Mike Sandlin withdrew earlier in the day and was not present at the post race meeting.

 

The most notable thing about the runners is the amount of swelling that has occurred in everyone's legs. Talking to Dave Horton, he is now wearing one size larger shoe than at the start. Everyone's calves seem to be bulging. This may not be news for those used to multi-day events, but was very surprising to the uninitiated.

 

Tomorrow's stage will be shortened by about 6 miles, again due to the swollen creeks of Colorado. Hopefully, we have seen the worst of the melting here in CO. The only problem now is heat!! Hopefully, the high 90's will end before August 19.

 

Scott Hirst shirst@ix.netcom.com

 

Standings after 26 of 64 stages From: Georgetown, CO to Denver, CO

Stage- 34.7 miles (shortened by 6 miles):

1 Dusan Mravlje 4:37:31

2 Nobolaki Koyago 4:46:16

3 Ray Bell 4:49:20

4 Manfred Leismann 5:02:06

5 David Horton 5:11:29

6 Jun Onoki 5:38:45

7 Kyoto Ogata 5:51:34

8 Aiko Endo 6:17:32

11 Michiyoshi Kaiho 6:35:40

12 Don Winkley 7:14:27

13 Pat Farmer 8:18:20

 

Overall- 1105.75 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 157:58:29

2 Ray Bell +12:01:23

3 Pat Farmer +19:31:33

4 David Horton +15:07:42

 

Eleven runners remain - The stage was shortened by 6 miles due to flooding. Pat Farmer feels better and is giving himself time to recover.

 

Standings after 27 of 64 stages From: Denver, CO to Byars, CO

Stage- 46.2 miles:

1 Dusan Mravlje 6:35:19

2 Nobolaki Koyago 6:40:56

3 Ray Bell 6:42:11

4 David Horton 6:55:45

5 Manfred Leismann 7:17:09

6 Jun Onoki 7:53:31

7 Kyoto Nogata 8:02:52

8 Pat Farmer 8:13:02

11 Aiko Endo 8:24:27

12 Michiyoshi Kaiho 8:31:25

13 Don Winkley 10:24:49

 

Overall- 1151.95 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 164:33:48

2 Ray Bell +12:08:48

3 David Horton +15:28:08

4 Pat Farmer +21:09:16

 

Eleven runners remain - Everyone is getting stronger by leaving the mountains.

 

Standings after 29 of 64 stages From: Anton, CO to Joes, CO

Stage- 31.0 miles:

1 Dusan Mravlje 4:01:52

1 Pat Farmer 4:01:52

3 Ray Bell 4:03:41

4 Nobolaki Koyago 4:16:28

5 David Horton 4:18:59

6 Manfred Leismann 4:38:47

7 Jun Onoki 4:55:44

8 Kyoto Nogata 5:10:37

8 Aiko Endo 5:10:37

8 Michiyoshi Kaiho 5:10:37

11 Don Winkley 5:59:17

 

Overall- 1236.45 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 176:26:49

2 Ray Bell +12:11:19

3 David Horton +16:00:48

4 Pat Farmer +21:10:25

 

Eleven runners remain - Injuries are a thing of the past. Average pace for all runners on this stage was 9:07 min pace. This is a Trans Am record. Tomorrow runners enter Kansas.

 

Standings after 31 of 64 stages From: St Francis, KS to Atwood, KS

Stage- 41.45 miles:

1 Nobolaki Koyago 5:35:21

2 Dusan Mravlje 5:38:00

3 Ray Bell 5:40:11

4 David Horton 5:57:26

5 Manfred Leismann 6:37:26

6 Jun Onoki 7:09:05

7 Pat Farmer 7:14:33

8 Kyoto Nogata 7:15:29

8 Aiko Endo 7:15:29

10 Michiyoshi Kaiho 7:34:01

11 Don Winkley 8:55:09

 

Overall- 1329.05 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 189:07:13

2 Ray Bell +12:17:05

3 David Horton +16:30:09

4 Pat Farmer +22:50:32

 

Eleven runners remain - A new stage winner by running the last four miles at a 7:03 per mile pace. Weather was cool and wet. The mosquitos are eating some of the runners alive.

 

Standings after 32 of 64 stages From: Atwood, KS to Norton, KS

Stage- 60.6 miles (longest stage):

1 Nobolaki Koyago 8:46:42

2 Dusan Mravlje 8:08:34

3 Ray Bell 8:34:08

4 David Horton 9:07:02

5 Manfred Leismann 10:16:47

6 Jun Onoki 10:45:18

7 Pat Farmer 8:34:08

8 Kyoto Nogata 11:41:52

8 Aiko Endo 12:13:33

10 Michiyoshi Kaiho 10:45:18

11 Don Winkley 13:24:35

 

Overall- 1389.65 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 197:15:47

2 Ray Bell +12:42:39

3 David Horton +17:28:37

4 Pat Farmer +23:16:06

5 Nobolaki Koyago

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Aiko Endo

9 Kyoto Nogata

10 Michiyoshi Kaiho

11 Don Winkley

 

Eleven runners remain - Dusan had a 50 mile split of 6:30. This is the fastest 50 mile split ever by 12 mins. Dusan looked tired for the first time this year. Ms. Aiko Endo had leg pains and slowed.

 

Standings after 33 of 64 stages From: Norton, KS to Kensington

Stage- 47.4 miles:

1 Nobolaki Koyago 6:34:50

2 Pat Farmer 6:44:30

3 Ray Bell 6:44:31

4 Manfred Leismann 6:59:46

5 David Horton 7:01:51

6 Dusan Mravlje 7:12:45

7 Jun Onoki 8:26:19

8 Kyoto Nogata 8:28:22

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho 8:40:15

10 Ms. Aiko Endo 8:59:14

11 Don Winkley 11:19:31

 

Overall- 1437.05 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 204:28:32

2 Ray Bell +12:14:25

3 David Horton +17:17:43

4 Pat Farmer +22:47:51

5 Nobolaki Koyago

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Kyoto Nogata

10 Michiyoshi Kaiho

11 Don Winkley

 

Eleven runners remain - Dusan had a problem with his left quad muscle. Nobolaki started fast, left everyone at 12 miles and cruised to an easy stage win.

 

Standings after 34 of 64 stages From: Kensington, KS to Mankato, KS

Stage- 43.3 miles:

1 Nobolaki Koyago 6:34:47

2 Pat Farmer 6:10:51

3 Ray Bell 5:51:20

4 Manfred Leismann 6:38:29

5 David Horton 6:11:02

6 Dusan Mravlje 6:32:43

7 Jun Onoki 7:36:59

8 Kyoto Nogata 7:43:25

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho 7:52:44

10 Ms. Aiko Endo 7:56:54

11 Don Winkley 10:29:54

 

Overall- 1480.35 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 211:01:15

2 Ray Bell +11:33:02

3 David Horton +16:56:02

4 Pat Farmer +22:25:59

5 Nobolaki Koyago

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Kyoto Nogata

10 Michiyoshi Kaiho

11 Don Winkley

 

Eleven runners remain - Dusan still had a slight problem with his left quad muscle. There was some bantering between Dusan, Pat and Ray. This spurred Ray to run the stage at an 8:07 min/mile pace (yet another stage record!). (They just passed my year-to-date mileage in only 34 days) Sorry about the missing days. I will be posting all week.

 

Standings after 38 of 64 stages From: Hiawatha, KS to Elwood, KS

Stage- 35.7 miles:

1 Nobolaki Koyago 4:52:07

2 Dusan Mravlje 4:55:26

3 Manfred Leismann 4:57:43

4 Ray Bell 5:00:50

5 David Horton 5:16:43

6 Jun Onoki 5:48:13

7 Kyoto Nogata 6:13:27

8 Michiyoshi Kaiho 6:24:34

9 Ms. Aiko Endo 6:33:58

10 Pat Farmer 7:34:31

11 Don Winkley 8:59:10

 

Overall- 1480.35 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 236:39:46

2 Ray Bell +11:17:59

3 David Horton +17:48:00

4 Nobolaki Koyago +27:53:07

5 Pat Farmer +28:40:04

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Kyoto Nogata

10 Michiyoshi Kaiho

11 Don Winkley +169:38:37

 

Eleven runners remain - It was a muggy day with hail and thunderstorms after the stage. Yesterday's long stage was having a toll on all of the runners. Tomorrow the runners enter Missouri.

 

Standings after 39 of 64 stages From: Elwood, KS to Hamilton, MS

Stage- 48.65 miles:

1 Nobolaki Koyago 6:45:42

2 Dusan Mravlje 6:49:05

3 Ray Bell 6:54:51

4 David Horton 7:10:03

4 Pat Farmer 7:10:03

6 Manfred Leismann 7:53:49

7 Jun Onoki 8:11:26

8 Ms. Aiko Endo 8:25:59

9 Kyoto Nogata 8:28:15

10 Michiyoshi Kaiho 9:11:51

11 Don Winkley 11:53:49

​

Overall- 1709.75 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 243:28:57

2 Ray Bell +11:23:35

3 David Horton +18:08:58

4 Nobolaki Koyago +27:49:44

5 Pat Farmer +29:01:02

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Kyoto Nogata

10 Michiyoshi Kaiho

11 Don Winkley

 

Eleven runners remain - Last night a wonderful dinner was prepared for everyone by Bob and Sara Rister(?) Manfred Leismann had his wife and son flew in from Germany to crew him for the second half.

 

Standings after 40 of 64 stages From: Hamilton, MS to Brookfield, MS

Stage- 49.9 miles:

1 Nobolaki Koyago 6:48:54

2 Dusan Mravlje 6:51:25

3 Ray Bell 6:54:53

4 Pat Farmer 7:03:48

5 David Horton 7:18:02

6 Jun Onoki 8:04:21

7 Kyoto Nogata 8:35:31

8 Ms. Aiko Endo 8:44:51

9 Manfred Leismann 9:18:50

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho 9:18:50

11 Don Winkley 12:12:06

 

Overall- 1759.65 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 250:20:16

2 Ray Bell +11:27:03

3 David Horton +18:35:35

4 Nobolaki Koyago +27:47:13

5 Pat Farmer +29:13:25

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Kyoto Nogata

10 Michiyoshi Kaiho

11 Don Winkley

 

Eleven runners remain - Another hot and humid day in the midwest!

 

Standings after 41 of 64 stages From: Brookfield, MS to Clarence, MS

Stage- 45.65 miles:

1 Nobolaki Koyago 6:31:12

2 Dusan Mravlje 6:39:31

2 Ray Bell 6:39:31

4 Pat Farmer 6:43:03

5 David Horton 6:45:35

6 Jun Onoki 7:27:31

6 Manfred Leismann 7:27:31

8 Kyoto Nogata 7:52:19

9 Ms. Aiko Endo 7:58:20

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho 8:46:51

11 Don Winkley 11:03:40

 

Overall- 1805.3 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 256:59:47

2 Ray Bell +11:27:03

3 David Horton +18:41:39

4 Nobolaki Koyago +27:38:54

5 Pat Farmer +29:16:57

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Kyoto Nogata

10 Michiyoshi Kaiho

11 Don Winkley

 

Eleven runners remain - 5th straight stage win for Nobolaki. Everyone is running strong and smelling the barn with only 3 weeks remaining.

 

Standings after 44 of 64 stages From: Pittsfield, IL to New Berlin, IL

Stage- 53.4 miles:

1 David Horton 7:48:23

2 Dusan Mravlje 8:01:42

2 Ray Bell 8:01:42

2 Pat Farmer 8:01:42

5 Manfred Leismann 8:44:33

6 Jun Onoki 8:49:02

7 Nobolaki Koyago 9:23:34

8 Ms. Aiko Endo 9:33:14

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho 9:49:53

10 Kyoto Nogata 10:18:54

11 Don Winkley 12:53:20

 

Overall- 1941.35 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 276:17:29

2 Ray Bell +11:34:18

3 David Horton +19:05:45

4 Nobolaki Koyago +28:47:10

5 Pat Farmer

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Kyoto Nogata

10 Michiyoshi Kaiho

11 Don Winkley

 

First outright stage win for David. He went out fast in front as usual but was not caught by the pack. Nobo has some sort of right leg injury. He will probably be slowed for a couple of days. Aiko Endo and Kyoto Nogata are battling hard for 8th place. Long commentary follows days results.

 

Well here it is, just like I promised, an eyewitness account of the TransAm

Stage 44 of 64, 30JUL95, 53.4 miles, Pittsfield, IL to New Berlin, IL.

Stage Results:

1) David Horton 7:48:23

2) Ray Bell 8:01:42, Dusan Mraulje, Patrick Farmer

5) Manfred Leismann 8:44:33

6) Jun Oneki 8:49:02

7) Nobuaki Koyago 9:23:34

8) Ms. Endo 9:33:14

9) Michiyoshi Kaiho 9:49:53

10)Kiyoto Nagata 10:18:54

 

It was hot today, high of 95 degrees, 75-80% humidity, morning low of 74 degrees, little to no breeze. This stretch of road was primarily flat, a few gentle hills, lots of corn and soybean fields. A few small, rural towns, one medium size town, Jacksonville - good for stocking up. Crews enjoyed the choice of radio stations, with Springfield, the state capital within broadcast distance.

 

We picked up the runners outside of Jacksonville at about mile 24. David Horton was out front by 1/2 mile, with Dusan M., Ray Bell and Patrick Farmer in tow. Nobuaki Koyago, who had nice continuous streak of stage wins, was back 1/2 mile.

 

By mile 36, the order of runners was to be the finish order, distance apart would change. By mile 40, David Horton had 6 minutes on the trio of Dusan, Ray and Patrick. By the day's end David had put 13 minutes on them and was strongly pulling away. He ran tall, focused and seemingly pleased with his very consistent mph. Individually the members of the trio behind him toyed with the idea of chasing him down, but in the heat, they seemed sure that the other two would follow the chase and things would get very tense. Privately each decided not to chase, they celebrated David's strong run.

 

N. Koyago trailed the trio by more minutes every few miles. He seemed happy to be done with the hot day on the road. I heard whispers about blistering feet, but did not pry to confirm. He was weary, but smiling.

 

Ms. Endo looked incredibly strong, her physical build making the male runners look anaemic. Her bright colored clothing faded to her pearly, wide smile. In 8th place overall, her finish times rival that of the winners in 1992 and 1993. Her crew, husband had fresh picked flowers in water for her to enjoy, apparently a daily ritual. Ms. Endo and a few of the other Japanese runners had outlines of bandages with crystals underneath to aid healing of tender, tired muscles.

 

The crew had to work very hard to stay with the runners. Aid stops, 2 miles apart, meant every 17 minutes servicing their runners. I got to witness David Horton's shower from a bucket routine often.

 

Don Winkley stayed with his game plan of 4 mph, no matter what. He runs smooth and tall, enjoying the landscape and sounds around him. He was still on the road when we had to depart for home.

 

This race has really changed over the years! All the runners had crew, many with family members, Patrick has a look-alike cousin crewing for him. Ray's family - daughter, son, wife and dog crew for him, etc. David's crew was the biggest surprise to me, a rotating crew of different friends each week. I missed Lou Peyton who crewed last week, but was entertained by fellow ultra runner, Muffy. Muffy had the stops down to a science, quick training since he started on Friday.

 

With Carolyn Erdman's contribution, we were able to unload 15 subs, a trunk of fruit, cookies, peanuts and sweet breads, plus supply the requested 10 milk shakes at the finish. After a quick shower and naps, lunch began in earnest as the top four runners finished near 1:00 p.m. Following runners would trickle in every 30-60 minutes thereafter.

 

The part I cherish is the conversation with the runners. David talked lovingly of his friends and previous races. Patrick talked about his new 4 month old daughter. Ray, ever quiet, ate. Dusan and Jun Oneki nodded frequently and added commentary. Koyago was busy debriefing himself and the crew from the days activities. All physically appeared in great shape, preventive icing was popular. I did not see any pill-popping, which was quite the surprise.

 

Missing from years ago was Alan Firth, Louise and Brand-mister. G-Man from St.Louis was part of the 15 person Moonbat crew. More organised than each previous year. Michael and Jesse looked good, both sporting longer, sun-streaked hair.

 

The maturity of our sport is more evident each year with the Trans Am. The large, competitive field is pushing these people to new heights! Joining them for a day is a must!

 

I'll add some more thoughts later, back to work for now!

 

Bonnie Busch HS00453@deere.com

 

Standings after 45 of 64 stages From: New Berlin, IL to Decatur, IL

Stage- 55.7 miles:

1 David Horton 8:44:49

1 Dusan Mravlje 8:44:49

1 Ray Bell 8:44:49

1 Pat Farmer 8:44:49

5 Manfred Leismann 9:11:34

6 Jun Onoki 9:13:27

7 Ms. Aiko Endo 10:19:44

8 Michiyoshi Kaiho 10:44:26

9 Nobolaki Koyago 11:15:19

10 Kyoto Nogata 11:23:39

11 Don Winkley 14:30:38

 

Overall- 1941.35 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 285:02:18

2 Ray Bell +11:34:18

3 David Horton +19:05:45

4 Pat Farmer +31:04:42

5 Nobolaki Koyago +31:17:40

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Kyoto Nogata

10 Michiyoshi Kaiho

11 Don Winkley

 

Lead pack ran smoothly. Heat was again a factor 95F with very high humidity. Nobo still has serious pain in his right leg near ankle. It is taped and he is not in danger of missing cutoffs. Pat Farmer regained 4th place overall. A very nice dinner was put on by the Decatur running club for all participants.

​

​

Standings after 46 of 64 stages From: Decatur, IL to Tuscola, IL

Stage- 37.85 miles (shortened):

1 Pat Farmer 5:36:58

2 Ray Bell 5:37:05

3 David Horton 5:39:46

3 Dusan Mravlje 5:39:46

5 Manfred Leismann 5:58:41

6 Jun Onoki 6:05:48

7 Michiyoshi Kaiho 6:37:51

8 Ms. Aiko Endo 6:49:00

9 Kyoto Nogata 7:36:08

10 Nobolaki Koyago 8:18:24

11 Don Winkley 9:42:57

 

Overall- 2034.9 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 290:42:04

2 Ray Bell +11:31:37

3 David Horton +19:05:45

4 Pat Farmer +31:01:54

5 Nobolaki Koyago +33:56:18

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Kyoto Nogata

10 Michiyoshi Kaiho

11 Don Winkley

 

Stage shortened and location changed due to late harvest and farm hands occupied all hotels. Nobo still has serious pain in his right leg. He may have been recovering by the stage end. Kyoto became very dehydrated and required 2 IV's after the stage.

 

Standings after 47 of 64 stages From: Tuscola, IL to Rockville, IN

Stage- 55.9 miles:

1 Pat Farmer 8:47:43

1 Ray Bell 8:47:43

1 Dusan Mravlje 8:47:43

4 David Horton 8:48:21

5 Manfred Leismann 9:18:31

6 Jun Onoki 9:38:27

7 Nobolaki Koyago 9:57:48

8 Michiyoshi Kaiho 9:59:01

9 Ms. Aiko Endo 10:20:32

10 Kyoto Nogata 12:14:17

11 Don Winkley 15:04:07

 

Overall- 2090.8 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 299:29:47

2 Ray Bell +11:31:37

3 David Horton +19:06:23

4 Pat Farmer +31:01:54

5 Nobolaki Koyago

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Kyoto Nogata

10 Michiyoshi Kaiho

11 Don Winkley +213:35:08

 

Dusan's overall pace slipped to 6.98 MPH in the heat and humidity. There was welcome rain by the end of the day. Nobo is getting stronger and should be back up front in a couple of days. Kyoto is improving after his bout with dehydration.

 

Standings after 51 of 64 stages From: Lewisburg, OH to South Vienna, OH

Stage- 52.65 miles:

1 Pat Farmer 8:10:31

1 Ray Bell 8:10:31

1 Dusan Mravlje 8:10:31

1 David Horton 8:10:31

5 Nobolaki Koyago 8:30:09

6 Manfred Leismann 8:36:05

7 Jun Onoki 9:05:29

8 Ms. Aiko Endo 9:35:01

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho 9:45:27

10 Don Winkley 14:29:28

 

Overall- 2288.5 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 329:59:23

2 Ray Bell +11:34:54

3 David Horton +19:08:44

4 Pat Farmer +31:51:23

5 Nobolaki Koyago

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho

10 Don Winkley

 

Kyoto Nogata dropped out in Indianapolis due to complications from dehydration. He returned to bid farewell to the group and is returning home to recover for a couple of weeks.

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Standings after 52 of 64 stages From: South Vienna, OH to Reyonldsburg, OH

Stage- 43.7 miles:

1 Manfred Leismann 6:18:17

2 Pat Farmer 6:50:39 2 Ray Bell 6:50:39

2 Dusan Mravlje 6:50:39

2 David Horton 6:50:39

6 Nobolaki Koyago 7:04:14

7 Jun Onoki 7:14:46

8 Ms. Aiko Endo 7:48:36

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho 8:08:00

10 Don Winkley 11:53:17

 

Overall- 2332.2 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 336:50:02

2 Ray Bell +11:34:54

3 David Horton +19:08:44

4 Pat Farmer +31:51:23

5 Nobolaki Koyago

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho

10 Don Winkley

 

Manfred took off early and maintained all morning. The pack was content to maintain a 6 MPH pace because the next three days cover 170 miles with hills. Overall standings are pretty well set with the runners spaced by several hours.

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Standings after 54 of 64 stages From: New Concord, OH to St. Clairsville, OH

Stage- 52.6 miles:

1 Pat Farmer 8:24:58

1 Ray Bell 8:24:58

1 Dusan Mravlje 8:24:58

1 David Horton 8:24:58

5 Manfred Leismann 8:47:19

5 Nobolaki Koyago 8:47:19

7 Jun Onoki 8:57:34

8 Michiyoshi Kaiho 9:50:05

9 Ms. Aiko Endo 10:06:39

10 Don Winkley 14:41:31

 

Overall- 2443.8 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 354:25:03

2 Ray Bell +11:44:54

3 David Horton +19:14:15

4 Pat Farmer +32:52:10

5 Nobolaki Koyago

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho

10 Don Winkley

 

Very long and hilly stage was run on mostly secondary and dirt roads.

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Standings after 55 of 64 stages From: St. Clairsville, OH to Monongahela, PA

Stage- 60.25 miles:

1 Manfred Leismann 9:16:57

2 Nobolaki Koyago 10:08:20

3 Pat Farmer 10:18:01

4 Ray Bell 10:20:07

4 Dusan Mravlje 10:20:07

6 Jun Onoki 10:22:39

7 David Horton 10:27:25

8 Ms. Aiko Endo 11:08:30

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho 11:42:41

10 Don Winkley 16:34:17

 

Overall- 2504.05 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 364:45:10

2 Ray Bell +11:44:54

3 David Horton +19:21:33

4 Pat Farmer +32:50:04

5 Nobolaki Koyago

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho

10 Don Winkley

 

Spirits were high as the entire group passed 400Km and 2500 mile marks on this long stage. Don Winkley finished 5 hours off 9th place but is in good health. He is just taking it easy and avoiding cutoffs to finish.

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Standings after 58 of 64 stages From: Schellsburg, PA to Mc Connellsburg, PA

Stage- 41.65 miles:

1 Nobolaki Koyago 5:56:51

2 Pat Farmer 6:17:20

3 Jun Onoki 6:23:47

4 Dusan Mravlje 6:31:23

5 Manfred Leismann 6:34:24

6 Ray Bell 6:40:23

7 David Horton 6:55:54

8 Ms. Aiko Endo 7:38:42

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho 8:12:06

10 Don Winkley 11:24:23

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Overall- 2626.95 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 384:21:14

2 Ray Bell +13:02:42

3 David Horton +20:55:05

4 Pat Farmer +33:06:15

5 Nobolaki Koyago +37:10:00

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho

10 Don Winkley

 

Nobolaki took off early and is still trying to take 4th place but is 4 hours behind. Jun Onoki is still trying to get a stage win but the battle for fourth is keeping the pace too high.

 

 

Standings after 59 of 64 stages From: Mc Connellsburg, PA to Gettysburg, PA

Stage- 47.05 miles:

1 Nobolaki Koyago 6:30:44

2 Pat Farmer 6:55:15

3 Dusan Mravlje 6:58:13

4 Manfred Leisman 7:03:20

5 Jun Onoki 7:07:54

6 Ray Bell 7:13:05

7 David Horton 7:27:13

8 Michiyoshi Kaiho 8:11:06

9 Ms. Eiko Endo 8:28:26

10 Don Winkley 12:43:27

 

Overall- 2674.0 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 391:19:27

2 Ray Bell +13:17:34

3 David Horton +21:24:05

4 Pat Farmer +33:03:17

5 Nobolaki Koyago +36:42:31

6 Manfred Leismann

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho

10 Don Winkley

 

Nobolaki averaged 8:19 mins per mile for the stage. Jun Onoki slowed (a relative term) to save energy for another stage win effort. Everyone is getting very excited for New York. Michiyoshi laid out his 50 pairs of shoes worn for the race (one per day). His theme was something like, an Asics per day keeps the injuries away.

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Standings after 60 of 64 stages From: Gettysburg, PA to Lancaster, PA

Stage- 49.75 miles:

1 Nobolaki Koyago 7:09:03

2 David Horton 7:27:13

3 Pat Farmer 7:37:43

3 Dusan Mravlje 7:37:43

3 Jun Onoki 7:37:43

3 Ray Bell 7:37:43

7 Manfred Leisman 7:49:56

8 Ms. Aiko Endo 8:45:06

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho 9:09:58

10 Don Winkley 13:35:34

 

Overall- 2723.75 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 398:57:10

2 Ray Bell +13:17:34

3 David Horton +21:17:53

4 Pat Farmer +33:03:17

5 Nobolaki Koyago +36:13:51

6 Manfred Leisman

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho

10 Don Winkley

 

Runners are all doing fine. Nobolaki is still pushing for fourth place with only 3 competitive stages remaining. Will Campbell (Board of Directors of Ultra Runners Assoc.) put everyone up for the night and all had a nice evening. Mr. Okata, MoonBat sponsor arrived from Japan to escort the runners into NY.

 

 

Standings after 61 of 64 stages From: Lancaster, PA to Kutztown, PA

Stage- 47.45 miles:

1 Nobolaki Koyago 6:49:01

2 David Horton 7:21:05

2 Pat Farmer 7:21:05

2 Dusan Mravlje 7:21:05

2 Ray Bell 7:21:05

6 Jun Onoki 7:47:18

7 Manfred Leisman 8:11:23

8 Ms. Aiko Endo 8:26:45

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho 8:35:56

10 Don Winkley 12:43:30

 

Overall- 2771.2 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 406:18:15

2 Ray Bell +13:17:34

3 David Horton +21:17:53

4 Pat Farmer +33:03:17

5 Nobolaki Koyago +35:41:47

6 Manfred Leisman

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho

10 Don Winkley

 

Nobo gained another 35 minutes on 4th place. Runners can smell NY. 

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Standings after 62 of 64 stages From: Kutztown, PA to Washington, NJ

Stage- 52.15 miles:

1 Nobolaki Koyago 7:31:53

2 David Horton 8:08:10

2 Pat Farmer 8:08:10

2 Dusan Mravlje 8:08:10

5 Jun Onoki 8:24:58

6 Ray Bell 8:39:09

7 Manfred Leisman 8:45:34

8 Ms. Aiko Endo 9:18:10

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho 9:48:58

10 Don Winkley 14:28:34

 

Overall- 2823.35 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 414:26:25

2 Ray Bell +13:48:33

3 David Horton +21:17:53

4 Pat Farmer +33:03:17

5 Nobolaki Koyago +35:05:30

6 Manfred Leisman

7 Jun Onoki

8 Ms. Aiko Endo

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho

10 Don Winkley +299:11:06

 

Nobo is 2+ hours behind with one competitive day remaining. Everyone is in great shape and eager to finish. 

 

I would like to thank Scott for keeping us up to date with the TransAmerica Foot Race this summer. Those guys (and woman) were awesome. Maybe in my next life! Thanks for bringing it to us, Scott.

Anstr Davidson Arlington, VA

asad@tmn.com

"Applying for the August record for low milage and high beer comsumption."

 

New York NY USA (UW) - Waving a Solvenian flag, Dusan Mravlje of Slovenia ran triumphantly into the Big Apple on Saturday morning, August 19, to win the 1995 Moonbat Trans America Footrace. The 42-year-old professional soldier, sponsored by a Slovenian brewery and the Slovenian Army, grinned broadly as friends, race organisers and spectators applauded him across the finish line at Columbus Circle, located at the southwest corner of Central Park.

 

Mravlje set a new record for the 64-day race, which began June 17 at Huntington Beach and included stages ranging from 28 to 61 miles a day. The daily average was 46 miles for a total distance of more than 2900 miles.

 

Japanese runner Aiko Endo, the second woman to finish the race, also set a new women's record for race, which follows roughly the same course as the historic Bunion Derby races across the continent in 1928 and 1929. Each day on the road was a race against the clock. Dusan's combined time after all 64 daily stages was more than 13 hours faster than his nearest competitor. Ray Bell of Hudson, Florida was second, followed by David Horton of West Virginia, third and Pat Farmer of Australia was fourth.

 

Mravlje is easily the most accomplished runner yet to win the race. In the 1980s he won the Sydney-to-Melbourne Westfield Run in Australia. His credits also include: running 568 miles in six days, covering more than 250K in 24hours and finishing a 100K race in under seven hours.

 

Trishul Cherns, a Canadian multi-day runner who lives in South Ozone Pary, New York, said Mravlje was greeted at the finish line by a crowd of about 100 New York area ultra runners, race organisers and curious bystanders. "He was very happy. This was a real race the whole way across the country," Cherns said. "In fact, the field was so good this year that every day they went for broke. It's incredible. Dusan is a world-class competitor, no doubt about it."

 

A party was held Saturday night in Manhattan for runners, race organisers and friends. Moonbat, the Japanese company that has become the race's major sponsor, has agreed to continue its support for another three years.

 

 

Final Standings

Overall- 2906.05 miles total:

1 Dusan Mravlje 427:59:00

2 Ray Bell +16:50:31

3 David Horton +21:27:51

4 Pat Farmer +33:14:50

5 Nobolaki Koyago +34:25:58

6 Manfred Leisman +53:32:18

7 Jun Onoki +89:07:04

8 Ms. Aiko Endo +123:46:01

9 Michiyoshi Kaiho +141:54:26

10 Don Winkley +307:37:43 (735:36:43 total time)

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Dusan set a course record by 59 hours! The first six runners all broke Ray Bell's two year old course record. Ms. Aiko Endo set a womans record by 30 hours. Congratulations to all of the runners in the race.

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From www.coolrunning.com.au

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