B.C.’ s Emilie Mann smashed the ladies’s course report on the Run Rabbit Run 100-miler in Steamboat Springs, Colo., on September fifteenth, ending in 19 hours, 48 minutes, and 5 seconds. Mann shattered the earlier report of 20:16:54 (set by Colorado’s Michele Yates in 2013) by almost half-hour—and she or he credit extra than simply logging miles for her success. The race, infamous for its punishing altitude (it begins at over 2,000 metres and consists of 6,000 metres of climbing) pushes athletes to their limits; right here’s what Mann informed Canadian Operating helped her dominate RRR.
It was a powerful 100-mile debut for Mann, who, in 2023, received the Golden Extremely 60K distance, the Sinister 7 50K and the Squamish 50-Mile (working the third-fastest ladies’s time within the race’s historical past). Again in 2019, she received the Canadian Lengthy Distance Mountain Operating Championship and went on to compete on the World Mountain Operating Championships in Argentina, the place she completed 57th within the lengthy distance (41.5-km) class. Mann, who’s sponsored by Merrell, presently makes her residence in Kelowna, B.C.
Operating with legends
From the beginning, Mann discovered herself working alongside by among the largest names within the ultra-trail world. Somewhat than being intimidated, Mann felt lifted up by the highest ladies opponents. “It was so enjoyable to satisfy them in individual,” she stated, of working alongside U.S. runners Leah Yingling (who ultimately completed second in 20:19:25), Emily Caldwell (third within the 2021 version of RRR) and Clare Gallagher (2022 Leadville 100 champ) amongst different elite ladies. “Once I handed every of them, it was like passing your largest fan; even after they had been in a low, they had been so supportive.” These trail-running “celebs” grew to become a part of Mann’s motivation to push by means of, including a particular spark to her 100-mile journey.
A workforce effort
Mann had her companion, Tim Ropchan, crewing for her each step of the best way, and she or he credit their teamwork as a big a part of her success. Their first support station transition didn’t go as deliberate—Mann by accident left sporting two completely different footwear! “Tim sprinted after me with the right shoe,” she says. “We nailed all the opposite support stations, although.” His regular assist was vital in protecting her grounded because the miles piled up.
A coach who set the bar excessive
Mann credit her coach, Dave Stevens of Nelson, B.C. (Stevens additionally received RRR in 2019), with giving her the technique that finally led to her victory. “He informed me to respect the space however set a lofty purpose,” she explains. She fought the urge to begin too quick and held again her pace within the early levels. “It actually paid off. I had no main lows apart from an upset abdomen for possibly 15km.” This cautious pacing, so difficult to do in an extended race, helped her preserve momentum and set her up for a robust end.
Inspiration from one of the best
Mann, who grew up in Fernie, B.C., additionally carried private inspiration together with her within the type of a reputation written on her thigh—that of beloved Fernie race director Abi Moore, who was killed in a automotive accident in July. “I wrote Abi Moore’s title with a coronary heart beside it,” she shared, paying tribute to a fellow runner who continues to be an enormous inspiration. Abi’s husband, Mike, informed Mann that RRR was one of many races Abi had all the time wished to do. “I’d have beloved to race together with her,” Mann stated. Abi’s title was a strong connection that helped Mann energy ahead.
The kindness of fellow runners and volunteers was one other key ingredient that lifted Mann all through the race. Whether or not competing within the elite class or as common runners, “everybody was so variety and completely happy to speak—even at 3 a.m.,” she stated. The path working group’s camaraderie gave her the psychological increase she wanted in the course of the hardest elements of the race. Mann’s unbelievable race-day efficiency was not solely attributable to her health and quick ft, but additionally credited to the assist, technique and inspiration that carried her throughout the end line.
