Last weekend, I had the chance to photograph the Colt 45 ultra race put on by A1 Ultra Events, and I can’t thank Andy and Amy enough for an incredible experience. They always know how to create a fantastic atmosphere for runners and their supporters.

As we arrived, I was juggling my camera gear and my wife’s running essentials. I kept reminding myself to stay calm—after all, I was both photographing the event and crewing for my wife during her ambitious 60-mile attempt. It was a lot to manage, but I was excited to be part of it all, soaking in the energy and passion of the runners around me.

What I Loved About the Race Format

One of the things I really appreciated about the Colt 45 was its loop course. Loop courses are my favorite! They let me dash around and get different angles of the race while ensuring me I'm still on the course. There's been those times. I could backtrack to catch every runner, which made it easier to not get off track. Plus, Andy and Amy did a great job organizing the starts for each distance. Staggering the start times meant there wasn’t a chaotic rush of everyone taking off at once, which really helped set a relaxed tone. Not to mention, by the time they reach me on the trails, they're nice and spread out.

A Story from the Trail

While I was out capturing moments, I got a call from my wife saying she was feeling sharp pains in her knee. I started making my way toward her, trying not to panic. On my way, I ran into another runner who looked like he was really struggling. His legs were locking up, and he was feeling dizzy and lightheaded.I knew I had to help him, but my wife needed me too. I told him I’d be right back after checking on her. He was cool about it and told me to go ahead, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to do more.When I reached my wife, I quickly explained the situation, and we decided to head back together. We found the other runner lying on the ground, and for a second, my heart dropped. I thought the worst had happened, but thankfully, he was still with us. He even laughed a bit, saying his legs just didn’t want to cooperate anymore. My wife, being a massage therapist, jumped right in to help him. She worked on his calves while I tried to keep his spirits up. He looked pretty defeated, but we encouraged him to keep moving since the aid station was just a quarter-mile away.

A Remarkable Comeback

When we finally got to the aid station, he was ready to quit, saying this was his first attempt at anything longer than 13 miles. I mean, skipping the marathon to go straight to an ultra? That takes guts! We got him some water and a few capsules of sports legs, and I told him to give it 20 minutes before making a decision.About 15 minutes later, that same guy—who had been on the ground just a short while ago—came charging past us, looking determined and ready to finish his first ultra. It was such a powerful moment, and it perfectly captured what this community is all about: helping each other through tough times and celebrating our victories, no matter how big or small.

Grateful for the Experience

Looking back on the Colt 45 race, I feel incredibly thankful for Andy, Amy, and everyone who made this event happen. Each race by A1 Ultra Events leaves a mark on me, and I’m already looking forward to capturing more stories like this in the future.The Colt 45 wasn’t just a race; it was a reminder of the strength of community and the shared passion that drives us all. See y'all on the Trails Soon.