A good crew is critical to the success of an ultra runner's race, particularly in 100km and 24H championship events. Crew members, sometimes known as handlers, provide the athlete's food, drink, salt tablets and other supplies, as well as information on race position and time gaps. They also provide encouragement and motivation and can sometimes make tactical decisions for athletes .
Handlers are usually friends, family, other ultra runners or officials. They can travel long distances and sacrifice their weekends to spend lengthy hours waiting at aid stations to cater for an athlete's every whim.
They study the course, attend pre-race briefings, and sometimes face intense pressure to get supplies handed over to a runner within a designated zone.
Crew members are normally exhausted by the end of a race but have great satisfaction when their athlete performs to par.
We'll have an interview with John Collins, who has crewed at the last two World 100k Championships and the World Trail Championships, to get his perspective on the art of crewing.
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