Locals Shanna and Michael Swift will compete in the upcoming ultramarathon Vol State 500k, which will track through Lewisburg and Shelbyville. (Submitted Photo)
By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
Distance running requires a different breed of athlete.
Even within distance running, there’s the casual 5k runner—and then there’s the runner who partakes in the ultimate endurance tests and run ultramarathons.
For Shanna and Michael Swift, the interest in the Vol State race came after setting up an aid station for runners, as the course plotted right next to their business.
“We learned about the Vol State 500K because the course comes right by our business on Highway 64. Each year we have set up a Road Angel Station for the runners. We supply them with food, drinks, a first aid kit, and a place to rest. From meeting the first participants many years ago, it has been a goal to complete the race ourselves,” they said.
After their kids got a little older, the couple decided now is the time to take on the daunting task of competing in the Vol State. In preparing for the Vol
State, the Swifts have participated in half marathons and focused their efforts at the gym.
Michael has competed in the Baja 1000 and been amulti-time National Grand Champion Off Road Racer and has always found various methods of competition.
For Shanna, however, a car wreck years ago confined her to a wheelchair with the task of having to relearn
how to walk.
After relearning the basics, Shanna began participating in 5K races, with her first one being at the Horton Haven Christian Camp Trail Run.
The rest is history.
The Vol State 500k starts with a ferry ride across the
Mississippi River and runs from Missouri through Kentucky and ultimately concludes at the top of Sand Mountain in Northeast Georgia.
The entire race spans 314 miles and tasks competitors with finding their own aid and rest stations along the
way.
The Vol State race is set to take place from July 10-20.
To follow the Swifts’ journey leading up to and participating in the Vol State, follow them on Facebook at michaelandshannaswift or track their journey at www.vacationwithoutacar.com.
