'The High' takes toll as runner pulls out

LEH: Catherine Todd, one of the seven participants for the 222-km La Ultra - The High ultra marathon, has pulled out of the competition. The run is scheduled for August 11, 12 and 13.Todd, who struggled to acclimatize to the high-altitude weatherin Leh, "thought long and hard" before finally deciding to return to Abu Dhabion Sunday.Todd found support from fellow runner Ray Sanchez, who said it was a courageous decision and that going ahead with the race despite her health would have been difficult.She thanked Sanchez "for setting meup for another race next month" that ensures she remains at her competitivebest.Race director Dr. Rajat Chauhan, though saddened by Todd's pullout, respected her decision. "As a runner myself I appreciate what she has done. I understand what she would have gone through as she trained 6-9 months for the race and deciding to not compete at this stage is heartbreaking.""If she had participated and was not able to finishwould have been very tough. She said 'I do not want a DNF (did not finish)against my name,'" Dr. Chauhan said. "When we went for a trek to the base ofMount Stok Kangri as part of the acclimatization process, she did great. So tolearn that she wasn't going to participate only a couple of days later wasshocking."Dr. Chauhan added that the medical team or the crew of LaUltra had in no way influenced her decision.Todd had earlierparticipated in the 100-km Bangalore Ultra marathon in 2010 and had won. LaUltra, however, is not only longer in distance but involves crossing the twohighest motorable roads in the world.Dr. Chauhan said the six fellowrunners were also shocked to learn of Todd's withdrawal. "They are all seasonedrunners and have respect for each other. But tackling high-altitude is trickyand can lay the best of us low. She did mention that the pollution affected her.She had a bout of sinusitis as well."No runner has shown any signsof altitude-related problems and Dr. Chauhan hopes the race achieves its targetin terms of strong competition.