Thomas Hofstetter, Founder & Managing Partner of Points Group, completed the 8th Annual KEYS100 Ultramarathon Race on Saturday/Sunday, May 16-17, 2015. The accomplished distance runner and triathlete was among an elite group of ultradistance runners who participated in the 100 Mile running event. He came across the finish line in 28:01:00.8 (28 hours and 1 minute), 62nd place among 130 starters. The KEYS100 is a point-to-point event beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West on the Atlantic Ocean at Higgs Beach.
According to race director Bob Becker, Hofstetter’s accomplishment is remarkable. “Even among ultras, this is a very tough race,” said Becker, an ultra runner himself. Of Hofstetter he commented, “He is doubly accomplished, since there are a number of experienced ultra marathoners who failed to finish this year.” Of the 130 starters, the finishing rate was under 60%, said Becker. In addition to the heat, which peaked at 103 degrees and the humidity inherent to the area, this year was one of the hottest, “without a cloud in the sky.” In fact, the only race record broken this year was the number of runners who did not finish.
As a source of comparison, the most recent statistics reveal that compared to the over half a million marathon finishers in 2013, only 1% of that number completed a 100 mile race in that same year.
An endurance event such as a 100-miler requires rigorous training, as well as a strict regimen of nutrition and hydration during the event. In addition, runners are often spread out during the race, and running alone, particularly at night, takes incredible fortitude.
“Finishing the 100 mile race was a team effort and accomplishment. Special credit goes to Dr. Robert Caccavale from Absolute Health. His insights into nutrition and his very unique program to proactively keep patients healthy was a crucial piece to my success. Lastly, without my support crew which was comprised of my wife, Chris, and my cousin, Kevin Bourke, I would not have crossed the finish line,” said Hofstetter.
