Chris Justice

I've been either running the race, helping crew or pace another runner or just spectating since the mid-2000's but this was the first time that I'd officially volunteered for the race. We arrived early since we were up anyway and hopped right in. Personally I am 0-4 at the LT100. Four starts and zero finishes (2010,2011,2019,2021). After my first DNF in 2010 I decided that I would not go watch the finish. I wanted my first time at the finish line to be when I was crossing it. I am so happy that I decided to volunteer this year and that it was at the finish line! Michelle and I had SO MUCH FUN and felt so incredibly fulfilled afterwards. I saw friends finish as well as strangers (and even got to geek out to see some of our "ultra-celebs" cross the line- Scott Jurek pacing Ryan Van Duzer, Courtney Dauwalter pacing her friend and Harvey Lewis!). Besides watching and helping the incredible finishers the best part, by far, was having the opportunity, honor and privilege to work with and assist Merilee and Ken (as well as Cole and Tamera). Even when it was frantic at times when many finishers were coming in at once and we were running to ensure that there were enough medals and buckles and roses ready to go I could not wipe the smile from my face and kept having to pinch myself to how awesome it was to be able to do what we were doing and who we were doing it with.

One of my biggest take-aways each time I have ran this race is just how amazing the volunteer are. I run three to four races every year, mostly ultras, and there really has never been a comparison with the volunteers at Leadville versus any other course or race organization. I saw it again and again along the course while crewing this year and then got to experience it for myself. All of the volunteers who were working the finish line with us were fun and nice and just so giving. Same for all of the Life Time staff who were helping. Everyone always has a smile on their face and continue to ask, "What else can I do to help?"

Finally, I wanted to comment on Race Director Tamera Jenlink. I go back probably five or six (or even more, I have lost count) race directors for the Leadville races. My first experiences at the 100 pre-date Life Time owning them. I can say without any hesitation that the job that Tamera has done in her first year is nothing short of amazing. It is obvious on so many fronts how much the level of organization within the race series and especially the 100 run has been raised. Not only on the back end in regards to overall information (including timely responses to e-mail correspondence) and content and customer service but I saw Tamera in several places out on the course throughout the day (and night) and she was always busy and always running and always there to answer any question. She was incredibly helpful and supportive with us at the finish line. I have been someone who, in the past, has been critical of Life Time and their handling of certain things regarding the series and the 100 run, it's important that I give recognition and praise where it is due. The decision to bring in Ms. Jenlink as Race Director is one the best decisions that Life Time has made since they bought the series in 2010.

At every stage of the process including registration for the lottery, the announcement of entrants, volunteer and race registration, clear and updated and timely race and volunteer information, I have to give a five star rating. Our volunteer information was clear and easy to follow and I cannot find even one issue or criticism. Thank you all so much!!