TPU is unique among ultras and stage races, which might make you wonder… who first thought of it? Like cheese… it’s a great idea, but who first thought to bite into curdled milk??
Let me introduce you to the people who thought going out into one of the most remote areas on the continent, with all your gear for a week’s running loaded on your back, was a great idea!
First up, the “father” of TPU, Race Director Chris Herrera. Chris was a seeker for many years before he founded TPU, and in many ways, TPU has brought him home to find himself.
With a doctorate in health sciences, he worked overseas as a researcher for years, before soul-searching revealed he wanted to direct his own life rather than be directed by others.
“In late 2013, I finally understood my own unhappiness with my chosen life path so I quit my job and decided to take a year to travel and pursue a new lifestyle and career, ” says Chris about his decision to repatriate home after 7+ years living and working overseas.
In this self-directed gap year, Chris traveled throughout the Middle East, Europe and South America in pursuit of adventure and personal discovery. Finally with the stage-race idea in mind, Chris came home to Texas and scoured the state for the right place to share with the world.
When you grow up in Texas, you hear about Big Bend, usually in mystical, dreamy tones, even if you’ve never been there. When he first arrived to explore the area its appeal hit immediately, and TPU was hatched, along with a move to Alpine, the town that is the “Gateway to Big Bend.”
Now a permanent resident of the Big Bend area, with an Assistant Professorship at Sul Ross State University, a house and his first child on the way, Chris is home in a way he never could have anticipated.
Looking forward to the fifth anniversary year of TPU, Chris believes that the race is on the cusp of growth. It has remained small in its formative years, allowing the team to fine-tune all the moving parts of ushering a group through a truly remote wilderness area.
“The fifth anniversary year is already bigger and better than ever before, but most importantly we will commit to maintaining our “tribe vibe” and personalized support to racers”. Read more of the TPU backstory…
Introducing another key player… Dr. Aaron Reilly, the medical director for TPU since its inception. A race as remote as TPU simply could not happen without a crack medical team.
As director of Wilderness and Austere Medicine at the University of New Mexico, Aaron brings specialized expertise and a team of medics that enrich the whole TPU experience.
There is a medic at every aid station on the TPU course, and medics sag the back of the course. Every stage, every mile.
“The medical team starts prepping several months before the race, covering logistics, medical topics, communications, treatment and evacuation plans, medical supplies, etc. For the medical team, it’s not just a week long race. It’s the culmination of several months of prep,” says Aaron.
This year, the medics gave nightly presentations in the medical tent for anyone interested in foot care, sports nutrition, prevention of musculo-skeletal injuries and more.
You might think that racers who’d just run 26 miles in the desert would not be able to sit still for a lecture, but the tent packed a rollicking crowd every night for these trainings.
Several of the medics return regularly every year, but Aaron also recruits new fellows from his program at UNM. It’s a learning experience for the medical team, who learn about the stage ultra environment, as well as the physical and mental struggle that the runners go through.
Aaron’s most valued part of the TPU experience is the people. “Absolutely the people. Every year, I look forward to getting back down to Alpine, and hanging out with the TPU Tribe family.”
And finally, April McAnally, assistant (to the) race director. Every successful organization has an April, the one who does a million backstage jobs that go unnoticed except for the smooth public picture that emerges as a result.
As Chris came into the Big Bend area with his notion of a stage race, what should Alpine have waiting for him but someone with experience organizing races for North Face… April! Pretty amazing when you consider how tiny Alpine is and what a specialized niche race directing is. What stands out about TPU for April is the remote vastness of the location.
“Each year, I send an email to participants and volunteers trying to explain the remoteness of the state park. It’s this remoteness that creates the amazing bonds between people,and promotes self-reflection.”
From the beginning, April has been involved in press releases, website updates, newsletters, marketing and advertising. She is the other end of the emails to volunteers and participants and handles back-end logistics like hotels, meals and apparel.
April also believes that TPU is about to hit a growth spurt. She has seen the attention given to fine detail every year that has made the race a smooth operation, giving VIP treatment to every participant.
“I’m excited for the future of TPU. I think TPU is going to have such an impact on educating people about not only Big Bend but giving them a reason to push themselves to do something that seems impossibly crazy.”
Come join us in 2019 for our fifth anniversary blowout year. It’s your chance to experience suspended time, remote beauty, a professionally- produced race and a whole new tribe of friends.
For questions about Big Bend or TPU, contact the race director, Chris Herrera at hello{at}trans-pecosultra.com or call 432.294.5284
