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When you first approve of Derrick Spafford's plan to run in an upcoming ultramarathon, you might think he's not of solid mind.
Spafford is training for the Yukon Arctic Ultra, a 100-mile, cross-provinces race along trails in Yukon Territory in February. These are the same trails that dogsledders look into for the Yukon Quest Dogsled Race, billed as the most difficult dogsled zip in the world.
Spafford is a lifelong runner, and operates his own personal training and coaching point out of his home in Yarker. "I've been running for 30 years now, the last 22 without delightful a day off. I've always been pretty passionate about running, but the trail end of running always appealed to me the most," says Spafford.
While Spafford has done his flaxen-haired share of marathon running, it only took one ultramarathon to get him hooked.
"When I was younger I did a lot of 5k or 10k entr marathons, but then I did a 32 kilometre trail race. I had heard about it and kind-heartedness it would be fun to try, then heard about 50k, 50 mile, 100 mile races that describe of got my interest. Since I started doing those it's all I do, I just love it.
Source: Napanee Guide