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Team DART-nuun\'s Jen Segger-Gigg will apply all of her AR toughness to California\'s Badwater Ultramarathon

Jen Segger-Gigg (photo Jacqueline Windh) / 09.07.2008

The time has come for me to make my way down to Death Valley, California to compete at the toughest footrace on the planet – Badwater!

In this grueling 135 mile paved ultra running race, I will make my way from the lowest elevation in North America (85m below sea level) to the Mt. Whitney Portals at 2533m (trailhead to the Mt. Whitney summit which is the highest point in the contiguous United States). The race course will take me over three mountain ranges while accumulating a total of 3962m of vertical ascent and 1433m descent. With temperatures soaring well above 55c (130F), staying healthy and hydrated will be the key to success.

As you may recall, I have spent many years building a race resume that would allow me entry into this event. Back in February, my dream came true when I received word that not only would I have the opportunity to compete at this year’s Badwater Ultramarathon, but that I would be the youngest female EVER to toe the start line. As you can imagine, I am excited for the opportunity to partake, grateful for the experience that lies ahead and eager to hit the race course. Months of preparation and dedication only leave me with one thought…READY. SET. GO.

The race gets underway on July 14th (Monday). I will be racing with the elite runners and have been given a start time of 10am. My race # is 100 and I feel confident that this number will bring me good luck. Follow me live on the internet at www.badwater.com and be sure to check out my blog www. challenge-by-choice.blogspot.com for updates along the way!

The current women’s record stands at just below 28hrs. My goal is to race hard, use my mental strength when the going gets tough and to compete hard with the other woman. CTV out of LA (owners of Discovery & TSN) will be documenting my every move for a later film & the national news with Lloyd Robertson will be covering it sometime during the week (details to come). I have an amazing crew of 4 individuals who will be out there supporting me throughout this entire journey. Without their assistance and ALL YOUR SUPPORT, this would not be possible. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

See you at the finish line. Jen.