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The Triple Crown of 200’s is the pinnacle of all ultrarunning events, and one man is about to add another tier to that crown by linking the three courses in a 2,850-mile journey.
You can't always determine what happens but you can determine your response. Endurance events often require adaptation, improvisation and always determination.
A broken foot just prior to Bigfoot made it a very difficult race and required Helgi to scrap running between races. Not to give up, he improvised determining to cycle to the Tahoe 200 to see if his foot would heal enough to continue.
On the way to Tahoe, wildfires caused the cancellation of the Race. True to form, Helgi adapted and charted a course for McCall Idaho where he will run two laps of the 100-mile, 22,000-vertical-feet IMTUF100 to replace the Tahoe 200 segment of his trek. This race begins Saturday morning September 11.
We wish Helgi the best on his journey! You can cheer him on @helgiolafson on Instagram.
That’s right. On August 13, Helgi Olafson of Pompano Beach, Florida, will not only attempt to complete the 650-mile Triple Crown of 200’s, but he has the goal of connecting each of the three races by foot over a span of 61 days, totaling 2,850 miles. According to Olafson, this journey will serve many purposes: one being to bring attention to ankylosing spondylitis, which is something he has battled for the past 20 years.
When Olafson was just 19 years old, he was experiencing some debilitating back pain so severe that he couldn’t even roll over in bed. His journey to a diagnosis for his pain, led him to a rheumatologist who diagnosed him with ankylosing spondylitis, which is an autoimmune arthritis that fuses joints together through calcification resulting from inflammation. If left alone to progress, this condition could lead to total calcification of joints and the inability to move freely.
The diagnosis, while hard to come to grips with, didn’t stop Olafson from moving forward in a positive and healing direction. With not only the OK of his physician, but the utmost of encouragement, Olafson decided that he was going to enter a fight against his body that was fighting against him. He was going to combat immobility with mobility.
Olafson began running, swimming, and biking, and entered many triathlons. And while racing was a way to help his own body heal, he began looking for ways to help others who might also be struggling with autoimmune arthritis. He began “Racing for a Cure” for the Arthritis National Research Foundation, helping to raise awareness and funds for arthritis research.
One thing led to another, and Olafson found himself running ultra-distance races, and eventually the Triple Crown of 200's in 2018 — completing the 650-mile feat. It was during the final race of this event when Olafson had the idea to connect the three races by foot.
“I had the idea to do a continuous supported run from each of the races in 2020, but with the pandemic, it wasn’t able to happen,” Olafson said. “The route I planned is to complete the Bigfoot 200 in Mt. St. Helen’s WA, and running from the finish through White Pass all the way down to Lake Tahoe to the start of the Tahoe 200. After finishing the Tahoe 200, I will hop onto the American Discovery Trail all the way to Moab, Utah where I will run the Moab 240. It’s my version of a 61-day vacation!”
And while 61 days on a rugged mountain trail is going to be a self-serving endeavor, Olafson is again using his journey as a way to help others by raising money and awareness for autoimmune arthritis.
“I’m hoping that this run will raise money and awareness to this cause,” Olafson said. “My goal is to raise $28,500, which is $10 per mile. If anything, I want people who suffer from similar pain to know that there is help and hope.”
And while Olafson understands that running far distances may not be something that people in general (let alone those with conditions like his) will be able to do, he hopes that what he is doing will at least give people hope in their time of pain.
“I’ve never said go out there and be an ultrarunner and run hundreds of miles,” Olafson said. “I just think being active is very helpful for battling conditions like ankylosing spondylitis. Doing this run is about finding where the other side of my limits are, and inspiring people to go into the outdoors and experience mother nature the way it was supposed to be experienced.”
Going into his run, Olafson has raised several thousand dollars toward his $28,500 goal. To support him in his efforts, go to https://spondylitis.org/helgi-olafsons-triple-crown-of-200s.
Follow Helgi on Instagram @helgiolafson.
Good Luck Helgi!! you are an inspiration to all us mere mortals. Good fortune be with you on your journey, and good luck on your fundraising as well!
keep on moving forward!! so inspiring!
Impressive to say the least…we need more people like you in this world. Keep battling, be safe and Godspeed.
Impressive
Awesomeness! Go get it, Helgi! You are such an inspiration to us all! Forever Forward! 🤙🏾😎🤙🏾
You are such an inspiration! Truly amazing!
Awesome stories and awesome adventures!
My man, that is awesome! You’re like a modern day running stoic. Your perseverance reminds me of the quote by the ancient stoic philosopher Epictetus: “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” Nice job. 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽
Wow, way to step up to the plate. You definitely bested the guy who said that he would walk 500 miles and he would walk 500 more just to be the guy who walked a thousand miles to be right at your door….!
Awesome!!Could not do that in my prime and now not even in my dreams
Awesome! I’m in awe!!
The more time I spend around ultra runners the more I am blown away. So many people overcoming so many obstacles and defining new limits. Helgi, your inspirational and awesome. Best of luck on your journey. I look forward to following it and thank you for reminding us that Motion is, in fact, Lotion.
I cannot for one second imagine the mental strength that you have..let alone the physical.
Just in total awe of you Helping, one incredible human on one incredible journey..
Just amazing and inspiring, keep going!
wow – what an inspiration
Way to go Helgi! Keep going!
Hey neighbor- what a positive article for South Fl and you are truly an inspiration in 2021! Best of luck- stay safe and God bless!
Amazing! Incredible! Impressive! You are proving that anyone can do anything with heart and determination. Way to go!
Wow. Impressive. Got get it!
You had me at SPONDY! You inspire the heck out of me, which is exactly what I need right now! A few months ago I found I was running with that spondy monkey on my back. I hope I can be as crafty, dedicated and focused as you to discover the means to cast off the pain and keep moving, moving, moving on my life’s passionate journey down the trails. Wishing you only the best in all your endeavors!
Never forget the “why”
Wow, that’s a lot of miles! And truly impressive to grit it out despite the setbacks and hurdles that were unforeseeable and out of Helgi’s control. Sending healing energy and wishing you the best of luck on your detour!
I wish you the best of luck on your up coming adventures! Keep be an inspiration for humanity!
Wow..very inspirational.
That’s a funny definition of “vacation”… :)
Seriously, though, I love stories of adapting and overcoming – my daughter has spina bifida, and refuses to let it stop her. I’m definitely going to share this story with her!
Inspiring story! Good luck!
Truly inspirational! I won’t hesitate to go for another block or another mile when I go for a run.
How incredible and selfless. Best of wishes!
One tough dude!
It makes me feel ashamed of myself for bitching and complaining that I’m tired or don’t feel like a run, when there is nothing wrong with me but lack of motivation. Yet, there is this guy who takes his aches and pains, turns them into a motivational fundraiser while doing something he loves! * applause
Amazing!
Wow..this is amazing. I wish you all the best. You are an amazing athlete and you are bringing attention to a disease that you don’t hear much about. God bless you!!
Incredible! I was also a Tahoe 200 entrant. I can’t imagine doing IMTUF twice! Way to go!
Best of luck to you in life, in the race and everything you do!
Holy Cow – What an amazing man you are, Helgi !!
I’ve never heard of ankylosing spondylitis before. It sounds like a terrible condition, but you seem like the perfect advisor for it.
You are an inspiration to many, me included.
So inspiring!! Thank you for sharing this amazing story.
What an incredible story! It is wonderful, as a physician, to see people like Helgi who overcome illnesses!
Good luck son of Olaf.
You’re an asinine nspiratiom to a lot of people! Your persistence and determination are legendary!!
Ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough, ain’t no river wide enough, to keep you from through…
Amazing grit and determination!!!
Very interesting story. Best of luck.
Amazing!
Very Awesome! Wishing you the best…
sounds like fun. Wish I had the time…….
wow that is so inspiring
Way to go . great story
Amazing story! Keep on, keeping on Helgi!!
Wow, most can only imagine on how hard of a journey that is!
Fantastic inspiration. Most inspiring is hearing of the plan, seeing that obstacles were laid in the path, and finding adaptations were made to overcome. He found the light to continue no matter what.
I went back and forth with Helgi a few times during BF 18’ and the man is like this untamed, barbaric brute yet warm hearted to the core. He’s a true Maverick.
Inspiring! Thanks Helgi for your example of determination, adaptation, and commitment.
Well done!!
very inspiring story. i have no excuse for being lazy!
What an inspirational story! Words can’t even begin to describe the grit and determination he has to persevere not only through his own personal battle with this disease, but to try and help others
Fine. I’ll go run after work today!
Nice! What incredible endurance.
Wow! That’s amazing! Keep up the inspiring work!
You are a beast, physically and mentally. It always amazes me what the body and mind can overcome even when roadblocks pop up constantly. Run well!
Wow. Way to go Helgi for not only setting an example of incredible fortitude and pushing the bounds of human endurance, but also for demonstrating what it looks like to adapt as challenges throw themselves at you. Bravo!
Wow! What a journey!
Your story is amazing. Your are such a badass! Such a great inspiration to those that suffer from any illness!
Remarkable! Such an inspiration.
Amazing !
Amazing!!
I’m inspired reading about people like this. Running with a broken and healing foot is borderline stupid, but not wanting to fail his project he powers on. Impressive! Thanks for the updates!
What an inspiration! This needs a book and documentary as I’m sure the 61 days of adventure will have a great story to tell!
Amazing!! Keep it up! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you for doing this! I’m impressed with your ability to move and motivate others. I also have Ankylosing Spondylitis. It is a challenge and I’m grateful for your message of hope.❤️
What an inspiration. I know the pain from Rheumatoid Arthritis can be very debilitating. My mother inlaw has it and I feel so badly when she is in pain. Way to go and what an inspiration for so many of us that don’t even have RA. Good luck on your journey.
incredible will power – beyond what I can even imagine…
This is inspiring story.
So impressive and inspirational.
I like how Olafson linked the different events, then adapted when conditions changed and kept the original vision alive.
I’ve been FB friends with Helgi for years. I’m a fellow autoimmune warrior (rheumatoid arthritis) and Helgi is the epitome of a warrior, fighter, good human and an incredible advocate. Helgi inspires us all. Reading the article gave me chills. Keep going, Helgi! 👏
Woohoo!
Remarkable. Keep pressing forward
Amazing! Running that many miles is an incredible feat!
💥forever inspiring💥looking forward to following your next adventure💥
What an inspiring feat! Best of luck on all your journeys!
Man! That’s amazing! Go get it!
You are an inspiration! So much of ultra running is fighting to stay strong and doing whatever possible to conquer your goals. Good luck on your adventure! Keep persevering and never give up!
Wow! What an amazing feat!!
PUTS THE WORD “AWESOME” TO SHAME
Amazing! Keep overcoming those obstacles and inspiring others!
Such an incredible story! Good luck.
My daughter suffers from AS. Thank you for bringing awareness and hope! Safe travels Helgi!
Inspiring story!!!
Keep kicking ass!!
You encourage me to keep on going
Always awesome when someone takes a trial and turns it into a triumph that helps others set BIG goals and strive to conquer them as well. Improvise, Adapt and Overcome!
Let’s go Helgi! My bro in law also has AS and spends all day on his feet as a dentist. He inspires me and I’m sharing this article with him to hopefully inspire him! Best of luck!
Inspiring. Thank you for showing us that the human spirit is boundless.
I need to walk more! You inspire me. Keep on keeping on!
To do all of this with your body fighting you is quite the feat. Talk about being mentally tough! Wow!!
Good luck Helgi! You are such an inspiration to others for how much you have accomplished.
nice!
Positive, powerful and inspirationall. Good Job.
Great cause- best of luck out there!
Great job man! Wow, double IMTUF! You got this and so inspirational. Stay hungry!
Bruce
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Chris Young
September 09, 2021
You are amazing. You go Helgi! Thanks for doing something so meaningful and inspirational!