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B.C. ultra runner Ihor Verys leading the pack at Barkley Marathons

Photo emerges from secretive event of Verys passing race creator Lazarus Lake at start of 4th lap
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Chilliwack ultra runner Ihor Verys begins the fourth lap of the infamously difficult Barkley Marathon in Tennessee, on March 21, 2024. Race creator Lazarus Lake holds a Ukrainian flag to show his support for the Ukrainian-born runner. (Photo by @howiesternphoto)

Chilliwack’s Ihor Verys was one of the last ultra runners left in one of the world’s most gruelling marathons, as of Thursday morning (March 21).

A photo has emerged of Verys passing by Lazarus Lake, creator and director of the Barkley Marathons in the East Tennessee’s Frozen Head State Park, about to start the fourth lap of the race. In the photos, Lake holds up a Ukrainian flag, seemingly urging on the runner who came to Canada from Ukraine, and only recently took up ultra running after meeting his neighbour.

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Jessica Peters

About the Author: Jessica Peters

I began my career in 1999, covering communities across the Fraser Valley ever since.
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