Visiting my first ultramarathon to becoming a 100-mile Race Director

By Michele Hartwig- Race Director at Ornery Mule Racing

Written after Hennepin Hundred 2022

My first ultra-race I went to was Kettle Moraine 100. I was in full on marathon training and sulking about an injury that was keeping me from running at the moment. I was curious about these "ultramarathon runners" and decided to come and watch this local event. I arrived at the Southern Kettles State Park. I was sure I did not belong. I intended to blend into the woods and have no one notice me. I was a curvy sized runner that needed to buy soccer shorts to run in because they were the only ones that fit my thighs. I barely classified myself a "real runner". I certainly did not qualify to be a runner in this world of ultramarathon racing.

I watched as people that did not look a lot different than me were running 100k or a 100 mile race. The aid station volunteers generously took care of these athletes as they passed through aid stations. Families and friends were there helping their runners. People were kind, said hello, and even though I came alone, they made me feel welcome. I was inspired. It was crazy to think that you could run 100k or 100 miles, but these people showed me it was possible.

There are many things happening on course throughout the race. Then there are people there that care, problem solving and making their best effort to help each runner succeed.

I did go on to run 100k, 100 miles, 50 miles and many ultra marathons after that. I was inspired to be a Race Director because the joy of distance running was so important to me. I wanted everyone to have the chance to finish an ultra marathon and to believe they could.

When I decided to organize trail races and become a Race Director. I had no idea it was the biggest challenge I would ever face. There is an incredible amount of work, organization, and reliance on others doing the jobs I have tasked them with. Our races have grown yearly, we have learned lessons, made improvements and will continue to do this. We have made lifelong friends and witnessed extraordinary generosity and accomplishments.

Funny story- This year at Hennepin Hundred I had a volunteer that signed up last minute to help. I had him scheduled to park cars on Saturday morning but he wanted to do more. He showed up Friday for packet pickup and stayed until Sunday afternoon cleanup. He watched for things that we needed help with and quickly jumped in, barely even taking a nap the entire time. He said to me, "Michele, I had no idea how much you are juggling as a Race Director on race day. You make it look easy". He then went on to say, "I learned this weekend, I never want to be a Race Director".

If I had truly understood how much work it was before I decided to put on trail running events I am not sure I would have felt up to it. There are many positive highs in the job because of all the kindness and strength we witness. There are also lows in the many stresses along the way.

Our family and key staff pour our soul into working towards making each race be a great event for every person that comes on race day. Runners, volunteers, crews, family, friends and the surrounding communities. We appreciate that the events are successful because of all these people. If you want to see the best in humanity, come to an ultra-marathon race.

I am here for the highs and lows of Race Directing. I do it because we love this community. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.

With gratitude,

Michele Hartwig- Race Director