Special Grand Slam for 2008

The details is here - Steve's email

The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning award is recognition for those who complete four of the oldest 100 mile trail runs in the U.S. The "Slam" consists of officially finishing the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, the Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run, the Leadville Trail 100 Mile Run and the Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run all in the same year. The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning Award was established in 1986, when Tom Green was the first finisher.

The first one in the series Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run was canceled last week for this year because of the fire and smoke at the course. This raised a question how the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning can be continued this year.

Steve Baugh met with the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning Committee at Sunday night (6/29). They came up with the solution.

First grand slammers are allowed to withdraw by 7/16 prior to Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run and get full refund ($80).

For those willing to continue the pursuit,

"We are pleased to offer an alternative run which would be the 4th leg of the Grand Slam for 2008. The Arkansas Traveller 100 will be the official alternative for the 2008 slam. It will be held on Oct 4th & 5th, four weeks after the Wasatch Front 100. The Arkansas Traveller is a quality 100-mile run with a rich tradition and history. 2008 will be their 18th running. You can print off an entry form by going to www.runarkansas.com. We are appreciative of Chrissy and Stan Ferguson, the AT 100 Race Directors, for their willingness to allow any slammers to continue with their quest to complete the 2008 Grand Slam. They will also allow us to have time at their awards ceremony to recognize successful Grand Slammers on their accomplishment."


Arkansas Traveller 100 is not in my wish list of epic-like courses, but the course is only one out and back course. I actually would like to do it at least once in future. I should consider doing it now as part of my Grand Slam of Ultrarunning this year.

The problem should be more about race conflict, travel expense (for a Traveller), and family approval. I have Dick Collins' Firetrails 50M a week later, while there is Rio Del Lago 100M a week before. I have not signed up the latter yet, but it's the run I'd like to do year after year. Btw, today is the last day for the lowest entry fee of Rio Del Lago 100M. It will be $15 more from $210 right now!