2nd Annual Haiti Ultra Run a Smashing Success!

News Release / 16.02.2013

Haiti is quickly becoming an underground hot spot for adventure tourism with its stunning scenery and vibrant culture. Last weekend (February 7-9, 2013), 18 American and Haitian runners gathered together to complete an extraordinary journey from the streets of Port-au-Prince all the way south to the Caribbean Sea.

The event took participants through the heart of Haiti’s Mon le Selle Mountain Range with its dramatic 6,000 ft peaks and jaw-dropping views. In three days the Haiti Ultra Runners completed a physically and mentally demanding course, which covered nearly 100km and climbed over 10,000 ft of elevation. Running across the majestic mountains of Haiti was only the beginning of each runner’s personal journey.

“This was the greatest experience of my life,” stated John Block of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Other runners used powerful expressions such as “Amazing”, “Unbelievable”, and “Transcendental”.

Before beginning, all runners were first invited to spend the evening at the Clinique Saint-Espirit in Coix-des-Bouquets. This medical and rehabilitation clinic run by Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis (www.haitimedicalmissionsofmemphis.org) provided the inspiration to create this epic event.

“We wanted to share our love of Haiti with people who have never been here and also to share our love of running with the Haitian people” says race co-director Jeanie Zelinski.
 

“So many of our patients are suffering from preventable strokes. We want to educate people about the benefits of running and proper nutrition to help prevent disease” echoes co-director Erin Cottos. Holding an incredible annual fundraising event is the best way to provide both exposure to running and help generate financial resources for the clinic. This year over $8,000 dollars were raised in support of Clinique Saint-Espirit.

This is much more than a race; this is a cultural immersion into the beautiful community of Haiti and a life-changing experience to everyone who comes with open eyes and an open heart. The running will challenge even the most elite athletes but all your preconceived notions of Haiti will be challenged even more.

The 3rd Annual Haiti Ultra Run will return in February 2013.

View our website at www.runhaiti.com for more information, photos and videos of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.