Today we’re gonna roll around the coast to cheer on our friend Christian Burke, who’s doing something extraordinary called The Hermosa 24. To benefit the kids of the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation, Christian will attempt a World Record when he runs from the Hermosa Beach Pier to the Manhattan Beach Pier, in the sand, non-stop, for 24 hours straight. That’ll be over 100 miles. Remarkable.
Christian’s the most fit dude I’ve ever met. An iron man. I’ve gotten dozens of email updates from him over the years while he’s on whatever continent adventure racing, a grueling sport that pushes the limit of physical endurance.
About a year or two ago I was with the dogs in the truck, turning left toward the beach below Trump’s National in Rancho Palos Verdes. While waiting to turn left across traffic, there was a jogger coming my way. When I realized it was Christian, I stopped, called him out, and asked him where he parked. He explained that he ran from his house in Hermosa Beach. He was in fact going for a jog around Palos Verdes, which, when done, would be a jaunt somewhere in the area of 30 miles. I gave him some water and he continued on his way.
After an 11:30AM introduction today, Christian’s slated to begin the run at noon. Here’s the schedule for the next 24 hours.
GO CHRISTIAN!
*UPDATE (EVENING OF 09.05.2010)*
Christian’s hanging in there after a few hours, although his toe is beginning to blister. Here are some photos taken after 20.76 miles, i.e. four hours, i.e. four pier-to-pier laps:
With the unsung hero behind the logistics’ scenes, Mike Naylor:
*UPDATE (LATE EVENING OF 09.05.2010)*
And in the wee hours of 09.06.2010, he’s done it! NEW WORLD RECORD!
Another interview at 9AM after 76 miles!
Video coverage from KTLA:
With daughter Halle on the last pit stop before the final lap:
The finish line at noon:
NBC coverage:
Sandman and crew:
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