Bob Becker Nationality: USA Age: 67 years

We’re honored that you’ll be racing the Grand to Grand Ultra in 2012. Why did you decide to join us? I’ve been on the look-out for something different this year, ideally a tough test in a very memorable location. Voila! The G2G Ultra seems the perfect fit. In addition, the organizers are friends and I have total faith in Terry, Tess and Colin that “G2G” will be beautifully produced with all the details covered.

Tell us a little about your running background. In the past eight years, I have run the Boston , climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, raced the 150-mile Marathon des Sables stage race in the Desert in , been a top 35 finisher at Badwater, the 135 mile non-stop race through Death Valley, CA in July and competed in the 150 mile Spartathlon from Athens to Sparta, Greece. I have completed multiple hundred and 50 mile races on trails and roads, and helped crew for my friend, Marshall Ulrich on Marshall’s record-breaking race across America in 2008.

Wow…what an incredible list of accomplishments! Has it been all fun and games? It’s certainly been rewarding, but I have definitely faced challenges. I ran my first marathon in 2002 at the age of 57 and my first ultramarathon in 2005 at the age of 60! And I am so very grateful that I survived radical prostate cancer surgery in 2006 and recovered from a fractured femur in 2005.

In addition to being a great athlete, I understand you’re also a Race Director. I am fortunate to create, produce and direct unique and exciting race events. The first is the KEYS100, including 100 and 50-mile individual races and a 100-mile, six runner team relay, across the islands from Key Largo to Key West, Florida. The second is the PALM100, including 100 and 50-kilometer individual races and a 100-mile, six runner team relay along the Florida Gold Coast from Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach, FL, an out-and-back course. Third is Peanut Island 24, a 24-hour fixed-time race on Peanut Island in the Intracoastal Waterway near Palm Beach, FL, raced over New Year’s. The latest is the EVERGLADES ULTRAS, trail races of 50 miles, 50 and 25 kilometers directly through the swamps, grassland prairies and wooded areas of the Florida Everglades. Importantly, each of these races includes a charitable cause, raising money primarily to battle prostate cancer.

Any words of wisdom or encouragement for someone who wants to take on their first stage race? Go to a training camp or hire an experienced coach or, ideally, do both! Stage races are very strategic and training must include building core strength to manage all the weight you carry in a pack while out there, and not just putting in the training miles. And, racing on and in sand and rock in desert conditions is hardly the typical trail or road race. So, make it specific training. Then, head-out for one of the great experiences of your lifetime.