Elm Creek Backyard Ultra

Elm Creek and Beyond

One of the small moments that meant the most all weekend was when the race photographer caught the back of his shirt.

The words printed on it: "You don't have to move fast to move forward. You just have to start."

Superior 100 is on the calendar — and by the sound of it, there will be some familiar faces on that start line.

Elm Creek 2027?

He answered it the only way that made sense: "Are geese a runner's natural enemy?"

We'll take that as a yes.

7/7
|

facebook.com/matthewlamos

facebook.com/share/17V9xKsW33/

The People

This is a family operation, and it shows.

His wife Alex has been to almost every ultra he's run. She doesn't run herself, but she's helped build Down With Running from the beginning and texts him throughout every race to tell him how proud she is. She was also 10 weeks pregnant on race weekend.

His sister and brother-in-law went all-in. They rotated sleep through the night, always had what he texted them during the loop ready when he got back, and once moved his chair closer to the start line so he didn't have to walk back to the tent. On yard 17, around 5am, Matt flexed on the other crews — his family was bringing him a Croissan'wich from Burger King. He made some friends with that one.

His parents were there too, celebrating their anniversary during the race. His dad ran three 5Ks last year. Even if they're still a little confused about the whole ultra thing, they show up.

And then there were the kids at the start and finish area — endless high fives, every single loop. He knew his family would carry him. He didn't expect how much those kids would.

4/7

|

facebook.com/matthewlamos

facebook.com/share/17V9xKsW33/