U.S. Team to Compete in 2003 World Masters 100K Race

October 14, 2003

For the first time in 100K world championship history, the United States will field a team of masters ultrarunners at the World Masters Athletics (WMA) 100K world championship in Tainan, Taiwan on November 16, 2003.

Masters runners will compete for awards in 5-year age groups, starting at age 35 for women and age 40 for men.

Two men and two women ultrarunners comprise the U.S. masters team that will compete in the same venue as the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) 100K World Cup where national teams and individuals from around the world are welcomed. The USA Track & Field 100K Team will compete in the IAU 100K World Cup and the combined American teams will give the USA a strong presence in the race.

The following masters ultrarunners on the U.S. WMA 100K Team responded to a recruiting announcement in August and are funding their trip to WMA 100K World Championships through their own resources, fund raising, and sponsorship: Eric Bindner (46), Colorado, Katy Cotton (37), Wyoming, Molly Gibb (42), Colorado, and Roy Pirrung (55), Wisconsin.

Charles DesJardins from Carson City, Nevada, has been named as the team leader. DesJardins, a veteran competitor and administrator with WMA, is a member of the WMA committee that oversees the WMA 100K race. He has traveled extensively in Asia and looks forward to returning to his “home away from home.” 

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