“Yesterday was EPIC” - Arun Dogra, TPU2021.
TPU is EPIC…but importantly this event would be nothing without our racers and volunteers who continue to fold into and make the TPU Tribe real. Congratulations to all the racers and a BIG thank you to the volunteers who made TPU2021 possible. What started out as the biggest field of 38 registrants we have ever seen quickly dwindled down to 26 brave souls who arrived to Big Bend, passed medical checks, and met at the start line. With only 17 who finished our two race distances it appears that…
TPU is one of the most challenging stage races in the world!
First, a shout out to Joseph Taylor from the USA, who’s first place finish time of 31:49:35 on the OFFICIAL 6-stage course set a new course record. This man seemed to leap and bound from hill to hill with ease. His calm, positive demeanor at the finish line continued into camp each night. It’s apparent to me - his nutrition and recovery plan was dialed in - and it showed with a massive performance. Congratulations, Joseph Taylor!
Second and third place overall went to Sean Crosson and Garth Reader, respectively. Sean, bested his previous TPU20219 overall race time by almost 3hrs finishing at 38:51:43. While Garth, a first time TPU racer, but no stranger to stage races, finished third with an overall time of 39:50:34. Welcome to the TPU Tribe, Garth, and congratulations to Sean for his stellar performance at TPU2021.
On the women’s stage, there were 3 competitors in the 6-stage race. Unfortunately, a knee injury took Clara, our veteran TPU racer out early, which left the two TPU newbies left. With an overall time of 44:58:58, our top woman finisher was Tricia Hepworth from AB, Canada. Tricia seemed to be getting stronger all week - and probably could have raced a whole second week. Her performance on the long-stage was phenomenal and left her in tears at the finish - tears of joy we hope!
Representing Oman and the UK, Lisa Fenton’s 53:34:25 time was second in the women’s field. Lisa definitely conquered the Chihuahuan Desert at this Big Bend Multi-Stage Race. Lisa, entered TPU as a ‘training’ run for the famed MDS. Little did she know, this desert would literally bite, scratch, poke, and otherwise keep her on her toes at every step of the way. ‘Bloody hell’…welcome to the TPU Tribe, Lisa!
In the 4-stage race, which covers 85+ miles, we had solid performances from all, including first place finisher, Christopher Edwards from the UK with an overall time of 20:46:11. We think he’s ready for the big 6-stage race! The rest of the field was no less impressive with ‘local’ San Antonio resident, Jeff Gambrell taking second place, and Boulder, Colorado resident Beverly Amico at third. Well done to Allen, Curt, and Steve as well as our three member group from Florida - April, Cheri, and Marilyn who at 67yo is our oldest TPU competitor to finish the 4-stage race.
Congratulations to all of the TPU2021 finishers:
4 Stage: Christopher, Jeff, Beverly, Steve, Curt, Allen, Cheri, and Marilyn
6 Stage: Joseph, Sean (2-time TPU finisher), Garth, Cameron, Tricia, Michael, Doug (3-time TPU finisher), Lisa, and Arun
No two stage races are quite the same. Ours is a more intimate and truly off-grid race experience that is founded on the principles of adventure and camaraderie. Our intentional approach to every detail results in a truly personalized and unique experience for racers and volunteers alike. I am personally both honored and humbled to even be a part of this event - much less be the race director - and for this I must thank all the wonderful TPU Tribe members - past and present - for this event would not be what it is without all of y’all!
In closing, let me especially thank our event coordinator, April, for her assistance and counsel over the last 6 years, our medical director, Aaron Reilly, and his team for their dedication and innovative support, our course team this year, Nick, Scott, and Bob, utility players Jake and John, Pavel Paloncey who provided the live GPS tracking of the event, all the volunteers both near and far who provided support, and of course to my wife and family for their acceptance and unwavering love and support for me, Big Bend, and this event we call Trans-Pecos Ultra.
What an amazing year - it was definitely ‘The Ultimate Big Bend Adventure’…See y’all next year!!!
-Chris Herrera
