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The temps were warm, the pavement still hard, and the miles are still many to go. Yet nine of the Dizzy Dozen made it to 60 or more miles. Sarvagata Ukrainskyi keep his streak alive at four straight days over 70 with a dazzling 74.63 mile day. Ashprihanal Aalto increased his lead over second place by 16 more miles. Ananda-Lahari Zuscin, a six time finisher of this long race, had his best day today with 64.75 miles.Sopan Tsekov of Bulgaria is only four laps behind being on pace to finish. Four more days of strong sun and nary a cloud await the hero runners.If they get through this stretch confidence will grow. Stay tuned.

During a sunny, hot Fourth of July in New York, 12 runners continued their struggle with the elements, the distance, and themselves. An intense afternoon sun saw the overall lead change, with Ashprihanal Aalto of Finland reaching 68.6 miles to overtake leader Atmavir Spacil, who is suffering from an illness and tired legs. Sarvagata Ukrainskyi moved into fourth overall with a sparkling 74+ mile day, leading all runners. Vasu Duzhiy in third remained inspired with a 68+ mile day himself. Seven slipped past the 60 mile barrier as temps soared in the high 80’s with an occasional breeze. More later
Sarah Barnett: 1000 miles = 18 days+03:09:35

On a sticky, hot New York summer day replete with sun, clouds, humidity,temps in the high 80ºF, rain showers, thunder and lightning, and maybe a rainbow or two, the Swell Twelve ran and ran. Seven made it past 60 miles for the day, with Sarvagata Ukrainskyi leading the pack for the second day in a row(71.69 miles). Atmavir Spacil felt effects of a cold and a little weariness as the sun beat down on the course. Mr. Ukrainskyi and Ashprihanal Aalto(70.24 miles) motored on after an early evening shower cleared the sidewalks and ball fields except for a stalwart group of soccer folks. Mr Aalto has whittled a lead of 39 miles behind Atmavir to nine. Surasa Mairer and Nidhruvi Zimmerman both topped 62+ miles as the evening finally cooled a little. A happy Fourth of July to all our friends, worldwide, whether American or not.Good luck to all runners.
Nidhruvi Zimmerman: 1000 miles = 17 days+02:39:01
Baladev Saraz :1000 miles = 17 days+04:20:59
Ananda-Lahari Zuscin: 1000 miles = 17 days+11:17:40

On a sticky, hot New York tuesday in July, Sarvagata Ukrainskyi from Berdansk,Ukraine ran 72.44 miles to add more ammo to a fire already starting to smoke a little. It was the best day of the race so far for the 2011 winner. The embers catching fire are the fit runners who have reached the point to realize that it is time to move.The sparks and flames are their mobile efforts to run mega miles and to promote camaraderie. Ashprihanal Aalto ran 71.34 miles to inch closer upward the standings.Two more runners joined the 1000 mile club today: Surasa Mairer- 1000 miles = 16 days+01:43:51
Sopan Tsekov- 1000 miles = 16 days+13:26:14

On a rainy, humid,sticky day in NY three runners moved past an unmarked boundary in their brains. A thousand miles:an after-thought. A brief pause for some, ecstasy for others. But surpass it they did with twice as many more to go and then some. Yuri Trostenyuk was the first thru 1000 today, his first time ever to eclipse the kilo. He was later joined by Pranjal Milovnik and Sarvagata Ukrainsky, the veteran duo fighting for fifth place supremacy. Ashprihanal Aalto led the day with 71.34 miles, followed closely by Atmavir Spacil(70.24).
In all seven warriors made it past 60 miles
Yuri Trostenyuk- 1000 miles = 15 days+08:50:19
Pranjal Milovnik- 1000 miles = 15 days+11:00:53
Sarvagata Ukrainskyi-1000 miles = 15 days+13:01:28

Today, heavy rains and thunderstorms stayed away from the race for the most part.First and second place,Atmavir Spacil and Ashprihanal Aalto each ran 70.24 miles to garner day mileage honors.The day’s tally ended with three men going past the 1000 mile mark and seven overall went through 60 miles or more.This was the seventh time for Atmavir and the 12th time for Ashprihanal. Vasu Duzhiy reached the milestone for the second time in his running life. Sarvagata Ukrainskyi has started to show better form after sustaining a leg injury.He chipped in with 65.8 miles. Eight of the 12 runners are still on pace to finish in 52 days. It is not too late for the lower four to move along and make up the deficit. But every day that a runner dips below 59.618 miles is not a good result unless they are coming off injury or can sustain a faster pace when healthy. In the meantime, we shall wait and see.
Atmavir Spacil: 1000 miles= 14 days+04:26:52
Ashprihanal Aalto: 1000 miles= 14 days+14:53:59
Vasu Duzhiy: 1000 miles= 14 days+17:25:31

After two weeks of sun and fun around the famous block known as ‘The 3100’ Atmavir Spacil leads the group, just 36 laps shy of 1000 miles. He should be joined later today(Sunday) by Ashprihanal Aalto and Vasu Duzhiy as the race moves into its third week. Surasa Mairer, the 54 year-old wunderkind(she is always smiling and laughing like a young child) has moved into seventh overall with a nice 32 mile cushion so far. It was deceptively hot Saturday afternoon but all of the warriors seemed to cope at least. Eight of 12 made it past 60 miles, so fitness is starting to arrive almost on schedule. The last three nights have been moderate to cool, so the wise have taken advantage of near optimum conditions. Plus in some respect, 1000 (miles) seems like a nice fat number to have on the board. More later..

Thirteen days in, the even dozen keep going- weather or no weather.They do not hesitate, they just go. It is inspiring. This race is difficult enough without expectations from others, whether friend or foe. Yet they toe the line, day after day. We tell people’ They actually get stronger.’ Do they really, or is it just Grace or fate, or good genes. Might be for a first timer. But for someone coming back, year after year, to do this race again takes even more courage than the first time. So all props to the Delirious Dozen, who defy all odds and do it again and again. While we are at it, Atmavir Spacil ran 69.14 miles to garner day honors and extend his lead to 35 miles. Seven of 12 broke sixty, so the race struck back at those who thought it was a pushover.Good luck to all multi-day runners around the world.Remember to toe the line and embrace the challenge.

On a day mixed with injuries to several runners, flights of sticky heat and cooling thunderstorms, and an athlete oblivious to all that stuff, the race continued on. Ashprihanal Aalto was going great guns until about 9:00 pm when the first thunderstorm hit. He managed to call it a day an hour and a quarter later with 70 miles in hand, and the feeling he could go for much more. Leader Atmavir Spacil danced through the raindrops for 65.8 miles before calling it quits. Pranjal Milovnik slogged on until just before midnight with 65.3 miles, solidly in fifth place and looking upwardly mobile for the time being. I knew he was feeling pretty good when we put out some fresh baked blueberry pie and he quipped,”Ah, finally some real health food.” The race is just starting to take shape. Can’t wait to se how it unfolds. Every year is different, so hang on folks. It is bound to be entertaining if nothing else. And a shout-out to all the folks who brought extra food, goodies and snacks. We love you and so do the runners.

Day 11 extracted its share of joy and chagrin from the dangerous dozen, but as the story continues the heat of the last few days is still a factor. Eight people made it past 60 miles, led by Ashprihanal Aalto with 70.24 miles. He was closely followed by leader Atmavir Spacil, whose effort netted him one less lap but a lead still well protected. Surasa Mairer still leads the ladies by 12 miles over her friend Nidhruvi Zimmerman, who, incidentally observed her birthday with a 60 mile day as well. Sarah Barnett continues the late evening blitz to reach 60 with very good straightway speed. The group fitness is good, but individually people are still not there yet. Soon the automatic button might appear, where effort translates into more miles with fewer setbacks or injuries. Soon…..