Guest post by Ru Shodai, 2024 SRT 70-mile competitor who completed 57.8 miles
I remember reading about the SRT race, years ago, and learning about the barefoot category, and wanting terribly to do it. Back then I could barely do a 10k on trails, but it was placed on my bucket list. After successfully racing North Face Endurance Challenge’s 10k race at Bear Mountain for several years, I was ready to sign up for the half, when it abruptly discontinued. Fortunately, I had discovered Red Newt Racing’s Breakneck Point Trail Runs. And ran the toughest half of my life. And was hooked. Ran that half several times, and rediscovered the SRT. In 2022, I signed up for the half. I had no idea what I was in for, but it was an amazing journey. I missed a turn, added 5 miles, stumbled into the finish, legs completely shot, and realized I had just done 18 miles on the trails. In sandals. I got my barefoot pin! I immediately wanted to sign up for the 30 miler.