A Good Ultra Crew: The Anatomy

It’s weird that I have only used crew a handful of times, but each time I learned some huge lessons.  Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, so this article is sharing more of what I have found important in a crew.  Several people will think I am dead wrong and that’s okay.  My experience has come from my own races, crewing for others, and most importantly, from almost a decade of volunteering. Here is what a good ultra crew looks like. 

Having the right crew can elevate your race or take your head out of the game.  From having crew that are inexperienced in crucial roles to asking someone to help and not knowing their capabilities, the responsibility is on us as the athlete to choose wisely.  

Crew Chief

The most important role by far is the Crew Chief.  This is the leader of your team and your most trusted source.  When you feel like your feet are going to fall off and you don’t want to continue, that person knows how to get you back out there (assuming it is safe to do so).  Sometimes it’s a foot massage and a pickle milkshake.  Sometimes it’s tough love with, “Here is your bag of quesadillas and watermelon, now get out of the aid station”.

The Crew Chief should know the course, your whereabouts, have a pace chart, and know what foods you like and what to have ready at the next aid station.  The list could go on forever, but that’s a good start.   

It is best to have a conversation with the team, but especially with the crew chief about your race expectation. Discuss other crucial information that can help the team know how to make aid station stops more like a pit stop at the Indy 500.  

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Pacers

I like to have my pacer roughly 10 feet in front of me. That allows me to see any rocks or snakes to long jump over. I can also focus on their shoes and push cruise control for a while we chat.  One red flag is if your pacer likes to run off.  I suggest picking someone you have run with and even do a few runs together prior to the race. You can discuss strategy and what you like when racing.  Sometimes it’s talking and sometimes it’s running in silence. When you get in a dark hole, do you like to throw on your favorite soundtrack from your youth?

Another good topic is when things aren’t going well, do you like to be pushed, or do you need your pacer to take a gentler approach? Have the conversation with your pacers about critical turns in the course, ribbons, areas you are having difficulties (running down steep hills) and if you want them to lead or follow.

Best Memories in my Life

Running races is a blast and some of the best memories in my life have been at races.  They aren’t the memories you’d think though. It’s not crossing the finish line, but the conversations 16 miles into a race about how they make bologna or sharing dad jokes in the middle of the forest while your runner is seeing bigfoot.  

The Best Gifts in Running

The best gifts in running have been when I’ve had the opportunity to help a friend achieve their dream. I’ve surrounded myself with some of the most amazing people from this community.  While they are grateful that I am taking time off work, driving hours, and pushing through extreme exhaustion while crewing.  I don’t think they truly understand how grateful I am to be a part of their journey to greatness.

For a Purpose

Remember that the people we choose to crew us are there for a purpose.  They are there to make our race easier so sometimes we want to have our best friend crew us at a big race, but do they have the experience?  When things fall apart and you need to adapt, will they be ready?  You know the right people and if you don’t, I suggest local running groups and running stores (not the big box ones). Look for weekly group

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