"It's an ask made on the start line of many trail races: If you see someone in trouble, stop to help. This year, on the rugged backcountry trails of the 2025 Speedgoat 50k, a group of racers showed that caring for each other came before race results when they happened upon another runner lying motionless on the ground. It's a nightmare scenario no one wishes to encounter - on or off a race course - but in this case, everyone involved quickly realized that their own races were now of secondary importance and helping the fallen runner was their top priority."
"One of the runners, Majell Backhausen, applied his wilderness first aid training to check for responsiveness and assess the runner's possible injuries. After a few long seconds, the injured runner, Scott Klingonsmith, responded by lightly squeezing Backhausen's hand. While others ran ahead to the next aid station to get help, Backhausen stayed with Klingonsmith, sacrificing any race goals for the day."
The Speedgoat 50k runs in Utah's Wasatch Mountains near Snowbird and features over 11,000 feet of vertical gain across 31 miles. About 14 miles into the 2025 race, a runner was found motionless on a rocky descent from Hidden Peak. Majell Backhausen used wilderness first aid to check responsiveness and assess injuries while other racers ran to the next aid station for help. Injured runner Scott Klingonsmith responded by squeezing Backhausen's hand. Klingonsmith's evacuation was slow but he ultimately walked out with assistance from the race medical crew. The incident shows racers prioritized helping over competition.
Read at iRunFar
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