12/03/2017
IMPORTANT TICK TOCK ULTRA News:
Shortly after moving to Florida almost 5 years ago, I was sitting at the dining room table when I called out to Phil in the living room and said, “Hey, I think I’m going to start a 12-hour ultramarathon!”
I loved Lake Hollingsworth from the very first time I saw it, and I knew it was the perfect venue for a time-specific ultra. I was excited about the idea of organizing and directing an event that would introduce the sport of ‘more-than-a-marathon running’ to a new population while affording the opportunity for so many to realize running goals they never knew possible. The TICK TOCK ULTRA was born, and the past four years with the event have been amazing!
From its conception, the TICK TOCK ULTRA has grown from a 12-hour ultra, to a 6 AND 12-hour ultra WITH a 12-hour ultra relay! Participation has grown each year by more than 10%. Athletes from all over the country (and out of the country) have made the TICK TOCK part of their annual running calendar, and running achievements of a lifetime have been realized on the TICK TOCK course. The TICK TOCK has dependably brought the community together while supporting meaningful non-profit organizations every year.
I cannot take credit for all of the wonderful success of the TICK TOCK. Sponsors, volunteers, family and friends have all dependably pitched in to make this fantastic annual event possible. And on race weekend, Phil was always the one who made sure race day flowed smoothly. I miss him every day, and I missed him INCREDIBLY at in in preparation for this past year’s TICK TOCK.
While I want the TICK TOCK ULTRA to continue to grow and thrive for decades, I knew after this past year’s event, that I have completed my part in making that happen. Because ‘TEAM’ is what is required to continue the TICK TOCK’s success story, I knew that it was time for a new team to take the driver’s seat. However, I also knew that ‘just any team’ would not do. The TICK TOCK needed and deserves a special team that knows and cares about the TICK TOCK – and that knew and cared about Phil.
I am therefore thrilled to announce, that my friends, fellow Race Directors, and runners who have been part of the TICK TOCK ULTRA since its very first year, Justin Radley and Jill Patrick Bunnell will be assuming the roles of Race Organizers and Race Directors of the TICK TOCK ULTRA beginning with this coming year’s TICK TOCK ULTRA event! I am also thrilled to announce that the TICK TOCK ULTRA event will benefit Phil’s non-profit organization, the PHEEL GOOD Foundation (www.pheelgoodfoundation.com), year after mile-filled year!
Your 2018 TICK TOCK ULTRA event will be on Saturday, September 22nd. As with previous years. TICK TOCK ULTRA Race Registration will open on CHRISTMAS DAY at 12 a.m!
A new website is in-the-works (www.ticktockultra.com), and the J & J (Justin & Jill) Team will be sharing more information with you soon.
Choosing to pass the TICK TOCK ULTRA baton was a challenging and emotional decision, but knowing firsthand, how Justin & Jill treat their runners, their events, and their responsibilities PAIRED with the knowledge that they have heartstrings to the TICK TOCK ULTRA, the PHEEL GOOD Foundation, and their beginnings, I can smile with confidence that the TICK TOCK ULTRA is in the BEST of hands and that it will only continue to get better and better while honoring and preserving its roots and keeping the spirit of one of its original founders alive and very well.
See everyone at the 2018 TICK TOCK!
Mary Marcia
