We understand the upset. Over the past three days, these phenomenal athletes captured our hearts while we watched them overcome the most mind blowing physical feats. And what this race deserved was a fairy tale ending wherein one athlete reached their absolute limit, while the other achieved a new record. Both overcoming obstacles and coming out the other side triumphantly. That would have been the perfect ending to the perfect event. However, as it is in life, not everything ends the way you would like it to and no one wanted it to end like this. After weeks of preparation and 62 sleepless hours, Radek, Mike, the organizing team, and the world needed that fairy tale ending. And we (Travis and Ashley) took it away. It was our decision alone, and we made the call.
We fully believe it was the right call, but we also completely understand the disappointment and upset. Having never directed a race before, we were supremely naive and thus ill-prepared for that pivotal moment. As such, we did a terrible job of navigating it. The way we delivered the news to Radek was appalling. We robbed Michael of a proper celebration, and we put Lazarus and Sandra in a very awkward position. All while the world watched. And we regret it wholeheartedly.
And although we make no apology for the official decision, we would like to apologize for how we handled it. To everyone who watched, participated, and helped us throughout this event, we are deeply sorry. For 62 hours we were a community together, rather than a world apart. The level of love and support during those hours was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced and when it all came to an end, we did not know how to navigate it. We fumbled. We failed. We let you all down, and for that we are deeply sorry.
We have so much more to say about this event. The last few days have changed our lives in a very meaningful way, and we have so many people to thank. People who put in just as many sleepless hours with frantic productivity as we did. People we owe the world to. But this event has taught us many things, and we are committed to learning those lessons. Primary among them is not trying to celebrate someone’s win while you’re in the middle of regretting another’s loss.
As such, we will save those thank you’s until tomorrow when we can give them the spotlight they truly deserve. Thank you all <3
Travis & Ashley
For more information about the Quarantine Backyard Ultra click HERE