The Crew Survival Guide:

Ok, so now you’re intrigued but how to survive your first crewing gig?

Have a meeting with your runner so everyone is on the same page about who is driving, who’s pacing, who’s grabbing the fries, who’s responsible for the drop bags post-race, etc. You are showing up entirely to be the best support person your runner could have. Find out what they need and talk about how to make it happen. Check the mandatory gear list!
Research the course: Know where crew is allowed and how many cars can be there, which trailheads require a 4×4 high clearance car, distance (time) to the next aid station, and where you can find Wi-Fi or Starlink to track progress.
Research the area: If you’re like me, you need coffee immediately after seeing your runner off at the start. Sometimes what you’re craving is right along the course and other times you won’t be able to bop back into the city for groceries.

Plan to lose service: Download a map of the area on your phone and save all the aid stations so you can still navigate from one stop to the next without service.

→ Navigate Google Maps Offline

Check the weather: But pack for every scenario anyway. Mountain weather changes on a dime and will rain even when not forecasted. As the sun sets in the mountains you can feel the air cool down by the minute. Bring layers, hats, gloves, raincoat, all of it.
Stay Organized: Label everything. Separate your gear from your runner’s so it doesn’t get lost.
Expect the unexpected: Even the best-laid plans are bound to shift. Create a solid strategy but stay ready to roll with the punches. Let that Type A personality shine for the planning and packing and then tuck it away for race day (sorry!). Things will get a little dirty.
Hurry up and wait: The last thing anyone wants is to miss their runner at an aid station. If your runner’s belly ache gets better and the caffeine kicks in, they may speed up. Show up early with patience, a sense of humor, and enough caffeine to keep the energy high!

What supplies should you never forget? Here are my must-have crewing essentials:

Headlamps
UltrAspire Waist Light
Extra batteries
Flexlite Air Chair – only 1 pound
Food, water, ice
Extra food/gels for your runner
Sunscreen, bug spray
First aid kit
Battery Charger
External Charger Carrying Case
Pour Over Coffee (in which case you also need a jetboil and propane)
Quick Drying Towel
Sleeping bag or warm blankets
Books, games
Bluetooth speaker

That’s It Folks!

Regardless of the outcome on race day, the crew and pacers are there for the runner’s safety, morale boosts, to laugh when their hallucinations turn a tree stump into a cooler with ice cold sparkling waters, stop them from taking dirt names in cow dung, and remind them that hard doesn’t mean impossible.

Doesn’t it sound like an epic adventure? It truly is! Since my first crewing gig at LT100 in 2024, I have had a decent share of ultra experiences and my respect for it keeps growing. From the low lows, intractable vomiting, and tough decisions to DNF, to the high highs, successful troubleshooting, and champagne finishes, I leave each race weekend with my soul cup filled and a new perspective on life. It is genuinely an honor to partake in the experience.

If all of this isn’t quite up your alley or you’re a runner looking for a crew or pacer, I am part of a team, CBM Running, who will show up for you. Hit us up and let’s get to planning!