09/20/2026
In case you missed it… RECORDS FELL YESTERDAY at the SPEAR 50K!!
Men’s record
Previously held by Mike Cahak at 5:24:55
The new and undoubtedly crazy time of 4:07:11 was set by Alex Cirino. Alex cruised the entire way and never looked in danger of having a let down with his pace. Our wonderful aid station volunteers Russ Lily, Jason Norton, Gary Gray, and Deana Wetzel all commented on how just never looked tired. This record could stand for a looong time. Well done Alex👏
And not to be outdone
Women’s record
Previously held by Alissa Sringman at 5:55:48
The new record comes from Yoshika Lin at 5:38:23. Yoshika also cruised and made it look easy. She came back to us this year after battling an injury last year and crushed it. Each lap she came in with a smile and determination in her eyes. Well done Yoshika👏
Top men
Alex Cirino 4:07:11
John Herling 4:57:27
Francisco Reyes 5:02:08
Top women
Yoshika Lin 5:38:23
Ashley Coffelt 5:57:06
Rebecca Belton 6:17:04
As we usually do we had stories. Several runners finished their first ultra ever. We even had a golden hour finisher.
Christian Borst came in on his 5th lap after having gone through all of the emotions. He was angry, tired, hurt, and confused as to why he does this to himself. Matthew James sat down with him and reminded Christian that he could finish this thing. With about one hour and forty minutes left, Christian got up and trudged back out. We all thought he was done. So we waited and hoped that he found the last reserve of strength he could muster. And wouldn’t you know he came out of the woods and finished in 8:47:01!
Adrianne Rumley and Alanna King had never done an ultra. With the support of their crews cheering them on they both JUST KEPT MOVING! Neither lady seemed to waiver. They both kept a smile on their face (especially Alanna who never seems to stop smiling) whenever they came in.
Thovar Green got talked into doing the race by friends. Thovar also had never ran in an ultra and decided it So he drove all the way from Lorton, MD to test his will. He was steady the whole way. Relying on a lot running, but as he put it, a lot of strength training leading up to the race, Thovar crushed his first ultra vowing to never do it again as he finished. But 5 minutes later he had already started thinking maybe he could do another.
If there were other first time ultra finishers I’d love to hear it. We take inspiration from your stories and commitment.
Official results are up and Jon will have pictures up soon. Thank you so much for everyone who showed up and showed out.
