I did 36-miler as I recall four times, found it to be essentially an extended marathon. I did a 50-miler once and did not feel the urge to go back for more--jus

I did 36-miler as I recall four times, found it to be essentially an extended marathon. I did a 50-miler once and did not feel the urge to go back for more--just too long. I did meet a friend in the last hundred or so yards, a woman for whom I later served as handler at the Old Dominion 100; however, she was an unusual type, one who came into her own out past about 40 miles. I will say that one would be reckless to do a road race out beyond 40 miles with a support crew of at least one person to bring dry clothing & fluids, perhaps snacks. At the Old Dominion 100, the runner could have a companion starting at mile 75 one year and 66 another--people were crossing Massanutten Mountain in the dark and exhausted, and the organizers were aware of the hazards that presented.