Ultrarunner Charlie Lawrence made history on Saturday, breaking the 50-mile world record at the Tunnel Hill 50 Mile race in Vienna, Illinois. Clocking in at an impressive 4:48:21, Lawrence surpassed Jim Walmsley’s 2019 record by nearly two minutes, pending formal ratification by the International Association of Ultrarunners.
The Tunnel Hill course, with its challenging crushed gravel rail trail, saw Lawrence strategically maintain a 5:40 to 5:45 pace on the flat first half, building a crucial time advantage. Despite the hilly second half, Lawrence crossed the finish line with an outstanding 1 minute and 47 seconds to spare.
Lawrence credited a mental engagement strategy and strategic fuel stops for his success. His crew, comprising his dad, girlfriend, and two friends, played a crucial role in providing support every five miles.
This breakthrough comes for Lawrence, traditionally a marathoner, who overcame a grade-four sacral stress fracture in 2022. Just four weeks prior, he secured a personal best of 2:16:10 at the McKirdy Micro Marathon, earning a spot in the upcoming Olympic Trials.
With an eye on the 50-mile record for over a year, Lawrence expressed confidence in overcoming challenges. Despite his first run at Tunnel Hill, he capitalised on the course’s mix of crushed gravel and pavement.
Post-2022 injuries, Lawrence’s increased weekly mileage and intensified workouts paid off. Coaching himself with input from friend Des Linden, Lawrence now eyes the Olympic Marathon Trials in February, aiming to improve on his 2020 performance.
