Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images courtesy of Ran Crump
Jasper native Ran Crump made a remarkable achievement on March 4 by competing in the Delano Park 12-Hour Solo Run in Decatur, Alabama. Crump finished in 10th place, running a total of 58 miles.
No stranger to the pavement, Crump has been a runner throughout his life for mostly fitness and recreational purposes. Still, before the beginning of 2022, he had only competed in a handful of 5K races.
Upon his graduation from The University of Alabama with an Executive Master’s in Business Administration and starting a new job with MTSI in Huntsville, Ran decided to take on running at a higher level to challenge himself physically and mentally.
“I’m a very competitive person, and I enjoy physical exertion as well as skill-based things that make me use my brain, so I thought, ‘how could I combine all of that?'” he says. “That’s where ultra-running came into play.”
Ran’s journey into more intense, long-distance running initially began with a 10K. He continued to build on that by participating in half marathons, 50Ks, and finally, ultra-marathons. However, the Delano Park race was Ran’s biggest challenge yet. Although a 50-mile race option was available, Ran opted for the 12-hour open run as he didn’t think he could run 50 miles successfully.
“The most I had done up to that point was 31.06 miles, and I was in excruciating pain after that, so I decided to opt for the 12-hour run and go as far as possible. That ended up being 58 miles.”
Ran plans to continue running at this level and accomplish other high-intensity physical feats like 100-mile runs. He also plans to compete in a half-Ironman triathlon in Chattanooga, Tenn., this summer, and a full Ironman triathlon in Panama City, Fla., in the fall.
When asked if he’d do anything differently surrounding the Delano Park run, Ran laughs and says, “I might’ve tried to push for two more miles and made an even 60, but mostly, I would just go back in time and tell myself to wear sunscreen.”
He says he owes his achievement to his then-fiancé (now wife) Christine, and her continuous support throughout his training and the race, and His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for blessing him with the health and ability to run. WL
