TRAIL THERAPY WHATEVER IT TAKES WORDS & IMAGE: SOPHIE GERAGHTY
WHATEVER IT TAKES Volunteers at trail races are deserved of no less than The Order of Australia. From hugs and words of encouragement to rousing runners from the pits of despair and certain DNF’ing and popping blisters with their bare teeth to keep them moving. But why? Unsung glory, hours sitting in hot/cold/wet/dark/lonely aid stations, waiting hand and foot on tired runners trying to make them eat, handling their bodily fluids and fluid-soaked belongings and touching their mangled feet! Surely no one would sign up to that? Yet somehow these utterly gross experiences are outweighed by the humanity and connection in being part of something bigger than yourself. Disclaimer: there is also a very fair chance you will be utterly inspired by these runners and decide to enter the race the following year. IMAGE: Michelle Hanlin at Irrational South, Flinders Ranges, April 2023.
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