Is Crewing Harder Than Running an Ultramarathon?
When people think of ultramarathons, they often picture the runner battling fatigue, weather, and endless miles. What’s less visible is the crew, the small team of family, friends, or volunteers who make it possible for the runner to continue. While the runner gets the medal, the crew often carries an equally heavy load behind the scenes. The question is worth asking: is crewing harder than running?
The Unique Demands of Crewing
Unlike running, crewing is not about pacing yourself through the course, it’s about being alert, flexible, and ready to respond at any moment. Crews spend long hours waiting at aid stations, preparing supplies, and anticipating what their runner will need, often in conditions just as harsh as those faced on the course. Sleep is limited, weather is unpredictable, and emotions can swing from frustration to relief within minutes.
One veteran ultrarunner once said,
“When you sign up to crew, you sign up to run the race in your own way.”
That perspective captures the reality: crewing is its own endurance event.
A Coach’s Reflection: Learning from Both Sides
As a coach and ultrarunner, I’ve experienced both perspectives. At my first 100-mile race, Javelina Jundred in 2018, my crew noticed my fingers had swollen “like sausages.” They made me stop taking salt tablets, something I hadn’t realized was harming me. That decision probably saved my race.
Later, during the 24h Survivorfest, I learned how much smoother things went when communication was clear. I told my crew in advance what I would need every few laps. That way, they weren’t scrambling, and I wasn’t waiting. The partnership was seamless.
Those experiences taught me that crewing is not just about being present, it’s about observing, adapting, and sometimes making decisions the runner cannot.
What Makes Crewing Challenging
For many, the hardest part of crewing is the unpredictability. You can’t always prepare for how your runner will feel at mile 70 of a 100-mile race. They might need food, clothing, or encouragement, or they may simply need silence. Knowing when to push, when to listen, and when to step back is one of the greatest skills of a good crew.
Unlike the runner, the crew does not get a race plan handed to them. They build it in real time, drawing on observation and intuition. This requires stamina, but also empathy and patience.
Preparing to Crew Well
If you are crewing for the first time, preparation matters just as much as it does for the runner. Some essentials include:
Get the details early. Runners should provide crews with food preferences, gear changes, pacing goals, and warning signs to look for.
Stay flexible. What works at mile 20 may not work at mile 80. Be ready to adapt.
Listen first, act second. Sometimes your runner just needs to vent. Other times, they need encouragement to get moving.
Think two steps ahead. Anticipate what your runner will need before they ask. A ready bottle, a jacket, or a kind word can keep momentum alive.
The Partnership Between Runner and Crew
The truth is, neither runner nor crew has it “harder.” Each role comes with unique challenges, and together they form a partnership. A successful ultramarathon is rarely a solo achievement. It is the product of months of training paired with hours of crewing effort.
From a coaching perspective, I encourage athletes to think of their crew as part of their training plan. Just as you wouldn’t show up to the start line without practicing long runs, you shouldn’t arrive without preparing your crew. Share your needs, practice communication, and trust them to support you when your judgment becomes clouded by fatigue.
Final Thoughts
So, is crewing harder than running? Sometimes it can feel that way. Crews give up their comfort, time, and rest for the sake of someone else’s goal. But at the end of the race, the bond created between runner and crew is often as meaningful as the medal itself.
At Philotimo Running Coach, I not only train runners for their races but also help them prepare their crews. A well-prepared crew can be the difference between a Did Not Finish and a triumphant finish line moment.
If you’re training for an ultramarathon, or planning to crew one, reach out today for personalized coaching and advice. Together, we’ll build the plan and the team that gets you to the finish line.
