athlete PROFILE
Corrie and Mr. Gus, her favorite running partner
Corrie Crane
Journey to the "Race Across the Sky"
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orrie Crane got into ultramarathons late in life, and now at age 45, she’s running the Leadville 100 this August. She chose the hardest terrain possible for her first 100-mile race to be completed under 30 hours; the trail demands runners climb over Hope Pass (twice) at 12,600 feet and test themselves with a 15,744-foot elevation gain through the forested mountains. After growing up in northern Alabama and graduating college, Crane wanted a complete change of scenery. She was always intrigued with Colorado, and when she moved to Vail, she was “just amazed by what it had to offer as far as mountains,” she says. Prior to moving, the biggest race she
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had ever run was a 10K. About seven years ago, she met Emily Selonick at a yoga studio and acted as a crew member and pacer for Selonick’s 50- and 100mile races. Then, she became curious about what her body and mind were capable of. She began with a 26-mile marathon, then moved up to 50K and 100K races. “I enjoyed being on trails. I wouldn’t do a marathon on a road; I like to be in the forest,” Crane says, adding that she likes “races that take me places,” such as the Beaverhead 100K on the Continental Divide between Idaho and Montana. She and Selonick ran it together last July, supporting one another through stormy weather, lightning strikes and mental doubts.
“She has been with me through all of my races. She just brings an incredible positive attitude and stoke. She’s always game for anything,” Selonick says. “She is just one of those people that you’re always glad to have in your corner, and she’s been with me through some of my darkest times and some of my best times in all those races. She’s just a joy to be with and spend time with in the mountains.” Crane hadn’t seriously considered a 100-mile race until she gave up alcohol two years ago and discovered she had more free time. “I’m clear-headed. I don’t have the anxiety I did. When I wake up, I don’t have to worry about a headache. I’m a better wife, employee and friend. I’m still the life of the party. I’m just a better
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CORRIE CRANE
By Kimberly Nicoletti
