Imagine, two all-you-can eat buffets with more cookies, burgers, soups, salads and bratwurst than any one person could handle.
There's only one catch: To earn that buffet, you have to sign up to run 100 miles.
The food is offered only to participants who will run in the third annual Lean Horse Ultra in the Black Hills. The 30-hour event consists of three simultaneous races that vary in distances from 50 kilometers and 50 miles to 100 miles. Runners from all over the country have signed up to participate in the Aug. 25-26 event on the Mickelson Trail near Hot Springs.
Jerry Dunn, 61, South Dakota resident, creator and director of the Lean Horse, says although a marathon and an ultramarathon are both long distance races, an ultramarathon differs in distinct ways.
One of the biggest differences is running at night, Dunn says. "It is a whole new experience, making the ultra a stand-alone event."
Simply put, Dunn says, being in motion for the amount of time they are out there is a new thing. Twelve aid stations are positioned throughout the course to supply runners with food, water and any extra belongings that will make the race easier.
"They are expending energy for 17 to 30 hours," Dunn says. "Refueling is a must."
Ultramarathons are a new challenge, he says. "They are becoming more popular."
Dunn has witnessed the increasingly popularity firsthand with an increase in participants.
"The 100-mile race is the most popular of the three," he says. "This year, we have 86 people in the 100-mile event, 35 in the 50-mile and 19 in the 50K race."
Participants for the 100-mile event have 30 hours to cross the finish line, while 50K racers have 8 hours and 50-mile racers have 12 hours.
"We have racers that finish in 17 hours and some who are still going in the 29th (hour)," Dunn says.
Bob Lange, 44, of Sioux Falls finished the 100 miles in under 24 hours last year, placing him 11th overall.
"I had a strong finish and was pleased with my race overall," he says. "I achieved all my goals last year and will probably not be running in it this year."
The event is open to anyone who wants a challenge and will pay the entry fee of $165 for the 100 mile, $95 for the 50 mile and $75 for the 50K. There are no other qualifications.
"This course is for runners looking for a challenge of distance, not so much difficulty," Dunn says. "I like to say, it is mindless running on Mickelson Trail."
Dean Karnazes, 45, of San Francisco says if it's possible to believe, the Lean Horse Ultra is an easy 100 miles.
"It's a relatively flat course when compared to other ultras," Karnazes says. "There are some (trails) that change elevations and weave through mountains."
The Lean Horse is great place for beginners to start, Dunn says.
Joe Mallinowski, 59, of Virginia ran the event last year, but unusually cool temperatures and rain caused him to drop out after 50 miles. This year, he will attempt the 100 for the second time.
"I have a motto that if you can run a 10K, you can run a half (marathon), and if you can do a half, you can run a marathon," he says. "I've done a ton of 50s, and now it's time to follow my own advice and run the 100."
The course starts in Hot Springs, where it follows the Mickelson Trail through Pringle and Custer to a turnaround point in Hill City. Runners make their way through small towns and long flowing hills, with some of the most beautiful scenery, says two-time female winner, Kathy Tibbets, 52, of New Mexico.
Training for such an event is no easy task and requires a huge time commitment, Dunn says.
"Runners start to train by the hours and not so much the miles," he says. "It's about the amount of time on your feet."
He trains by putting in six- to eight-hour runs, whereas Karnazes likes to use marathons as training runs and tries to put in two on a weekend.
"You have to be able to find time away from real life to train and do the necessary amount of running," Dunn says.
While the majority of participants will use a combination of running and walking, Ulli Kamm, 60, a German native who lives in Colorado, prefers walking the 100 miles because little training is required and there is less risk of injury.
"I enjoy my time out there by laughing and joking with others," Kamm says. "If I am able to stop and have a beer within the last five miles, it is a good race."
Kamm says a race-walker has to be very fast and efficient to make the cut-off times designed for runners.
"I will continue in events until I am not able to make the cut-off times," he says. "I just like to finish."
Lange agrees that an ultra is about much more than the race itself.
"It is a chance for you to test your limit," he says. "It's not always easy, but you can prove to yourself that you are stronger than you thought and that you are able to do more than you thought you could."
Steve Rudd, 47, of Sioux Falls will take on the Lean Horse for a second year to prove to himself he can do better.
"I made a few mistakes last year that have bothered me a lot," Rudd says. "I pushed too hard after I finished 80 of the miles, and I started having problems with my legs."
Rudd says this year will be different because he has a plan he will follow.
"You just have to stick with what is working and listen to your body," he says. "If I feel good, I am just going to stick to it and try not to overdo it."
Participants who cross the line after the 100-mile trek will not receive a trophy or medal. Instead, they get a gold belt buckle.
"It is a traditional award for running 100 miles," Dunn says. "It was something that was established years ago and a tradition I like to keep with."
Any runner would agree, it is not the prize at the end of the line that pulls you through the race, it is what is gained along the way.
"It is hard to justify why we do it," Tibbets says. "There is the physical and emotional changes you go through, but also the satisfaction of getting through it."
Reach Jacquelyne Taurianen at 331-2300.
