Running Man with the Running Food

Congratulations to our very own, Dr. Wayne Coates for his outstanding performance in the 2009 Zane Grey Highline Trail 50-Mile Endurance Run this past April 25.

The race runs through the Tonto National Forest from Pine, AZ to Christopher Creek, AZ and is thought to be the toughest ultramarathon in the country. Even the most experienced ultramarathon runners have difficulty completing this event due to the combination of difficult terrain, heat, elevation, and tricky navigation. About 60% of the more than 100 starters actually crossed the finish line.

Despite the challenges, Dr. Coates finished 58th overall and 1st in his age group.

“This was an extremely demanding course,” said Dr. Wayne. “During the last leg of the race, which has the toughest terrain, I really had to push myself. I don’t think that I did too bad for an old guy!”

This is the fourth time that Dr. Coates has participated in the race and credits his endurance to nearly 20 years of consuming Salvia hispanica L.