Ann Heaslett: A Champion Who "Came Up Through the Ranks"

October 2002

Three years of running USATF national championships paid off for Ann Heaslett when she took two national championship titles in 2002. After competing and placing well in seven previous national championships on trails and roads, Heaslett won the 2002 USATF 50-Mile Trail Championship at White River in Washington in 8:13:17 and the 24-Hour Championship at Olander Park in Ohio where she ran 128.55 miles. Heaslett credits her titles to her regular participation in national championships. "I have become a more savvy competitor due to the experience that I’ve gained in running National Championship events with some of the country’s best ultrarunners."

Heaslett’s outstanding performances at national championships earned her a place on the 2002 USATF 100K Team where she ran 8:42:25 to be the third runner to score for the US Women’s Team and claim the bronze medal for the US at the world 100K championships in Belgium. True to her style to prepare for her success, Heaslett ran a notable race as a team alternate at the 2001 100K World Challenge in France.

The 38-year old Wisconsin resident began her ultra career running in her backyard with her 50-mile trail debut at the USATF Ice Age Trail 50 Mile Championship in 1999. Impressed and intimidated by "big-name" ultrarunners at the championship, Heaslett took second. She is proud of the USATF national championship medals that she has won and considers the trail running gear and checks as "perks that add to the excitement" of placing in a national ultra championship.

Compete with Ann at road and trail national championships and participate in the variety of USATF Ultra Championships scheduled throughout the country! 

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Last updated: 09/14/05
Web Author: Lorraine Gersitz