Joe Fejes offers up his analysis of the men’s field. His takes are always bold and equal parts educational and entertaining. His predictions have not always panned out, but he one of the most experienced and credible ultra runners, especially when it comes to multi-day and 24 hour running. Enjoy!!
LAST CHANCE 24 HOUR USA TEAM QUALIFIER
ALEXANDER 24 HOUR Taylorsville, NC Saturday, May 1, 2021 (8:00 am EST)
Who will qualify for the USA 24 Hour Team to compete in the IAU 24 hour World Championship scheduled for October 2-3 in Romania?
The current 6 qualifying spots are held by:
- 1. Olivier Leblond, 171.183 Miles (275.485Km)
- 2. Jacob Jackson, 165.071 Miles (265.649Km)
- 3. Harvey Lewis, 160.702 Miles (258.619Km)
- 4. Jacob Moss, 159.16 Miles (256.14KM)
- 5. Nick Coury, 155.41 Miles (250.11Km)
- 6. Ryan Montgomery, 154.71 Miles (248.97Km)
Weather Forecast: Pretty damn good. 74/49 (sunny). Afternoon hours will be warm but the night should be perfect once the sun goes down.
NOTABLE MEN- Please note: I normally list order descending in age out of my respect for my elders however I feel that is politically incorrect to do so today and in would also give more attention to my arch nemesis age grouper Bob Hearn. Therefore we will ascend.
Issac Schuetz: Age 24
Newcomer to Ultrarunning with uber impressive leg speed. Ran XC and Track for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville 2:41 marathoner; 4:37 miler; 15:50 (5k) 32:17 (10k). If the race were a marathon – Isaac would be my pick to win, but it isn’t and he ain’t. Isaac has only run one ultra (12 hour/80 mile) and this will be his debut at 24 hours. Nevertheless he might be Alexander’s “surprise” version of Ryan Montgomery’s (154 miles) performance in last year’s Desert Solstice. In fact, if the stars align, the other runners might find themselves running in “Schuetz Creek” without a paddle.
Jacob Moss: Age 27
Current holder of the #4 spot with a brilliant 159.16 mile performance at Kevin & Annie Randolph’s “The Stinger 24”. I personally witnessed his performance and it was flawless. He is passionate about the sport and always striving to learn and improve. His conditioning has continued to improve and I expect to see him PR with a low to mid 160 performance even though he is almost assured of making the team. Jacob is my prohibitive favorite.
Nick Coury: Age 34
Anyone remember the three Jones Brothers (Lam, Ham and Jam) that played for the Texas Longhorns football team back in the 70s? Well, the three Coury Brothers (Jamil, Nathan & Nick) are ultrarunning’s equivalent. Nick’s been running ultramarathons for almost 20 years and was actually my teammate on the 2012 USA 24 hour Team when we won the bronze medal behind Mike Morton’s 172 mile AR. Nick is notorious for his uncanny ability to run almost perfectly even splits from start to finish.
Irunfar recently had a great interview with Nick: https://www.irunfar.com/…/catching-up-with-nick-coury.html. Nick is in his prime and ready to bust out to yet another PR though he may back off if it isn’t needed. Kudos to Nick for traveling all the way from Arizona to defend his #5 spot. That is EXACTLY the mindset Team USA needs to be successful.
Sho Gray: Age 33
15:24 Pistol 100 mile race a few years ago is solid. Sho has struggled a bit with the 24 hour in recent years, so he is due to put a solid one together.
Mark Manz: Age 35
137 miles four years ago at Hinson Lake 24 hour which in my opinion equates to a likely 143+ miles on the track. 14:16 Umstead 100 miler back in 2012. 3rd place 5:13 at Strolling Jim 50k in 2014. He has the ability for 150+ 24 hour but really hasn’t raced much the past few years.
Padraig Mullins: Age 39
Good friend of mine. 142 miles at the North Coast 24 hour in 2018. He is in his prime agewise—I wouldn’t be surprised to see a PR if he is fit and in right mindset—lack of racing due to Covid however makes this a crapshoot.
Lee Whittaker: Age 47
Local boy–Rock Hill, South Carolina-high school track coach who has had a couple solid ultrarunning experiences including a 14:11 at the Daytona 100 and a 4th place 28:13 performance at Badwater. This is Lee’s debut at the 24 hour.
Dan McHugh: Age 50
14:34 100 miler at 2020 Jackpot Ultra and a 15:22 at 2020 Tunnel Hill suggest ability to run 150+ miles in the 24 hour.
Bob Hearn: Age 55
Did Bob make a mistake with his event calendaring? Maybe he really meant to sign up for the pickleball championship at the Villages? To my detriment, Bob dominated the age 50-54 age group, setting American records in virtually (pun intended) every ultrarunning category (except the 6 day-dammit!). Don’t let his geeky, techy exterior fool you, beneath that computer chip surface is a cold blood ultrarunning assassin ready, willing and able to make Team USA. I see Bob + or – 1 mile from the required qualifying mark.
If I were Ryan Montgomery I’d be concerned…very concerned.
Joe Fejes’ Podium Picks:
1. Jacob Moss
2. Nick Coury
3. Bob Hearn
Podium Wildcard: Isaac Schuetz
Outlaw Runs 