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August 12, 2021 4 min read 245 Comments
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.
September 09, 2021
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!
September 09, 2021
keep on moving forward!! so inspiring!
September 09, 2021
Impressive to say the least…we need more people like you in this world. Keep battling, be safe and Godspeed.
September 09, 2021
Impressive
September 09, 2021
Awesomeness! Go get it, Helgi! You are such an inspiration to us all! Forever Forward! 🤙🏾😎🤙🏾
September 09, 2021
You are such an inspiration! Truly amazing!
September 09, 2021
Awesome stories and awesome adventures!
September 09, 2021
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. 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽
September 09, 2021
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….!
September 09, 2021
Awesome!!Could not do that in my prime and now not even in my dreams
September 09, 2021
Awesome! I’m in awe!!
September 09, 2021
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.
September 09, 2021
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..
September 09, 2021
Just amazing and inspiring, keep going!
September 09, 2021
wow – what an inspiration
September 09, 2021
Way to go Helgi! Keep going!
September 09, 2021
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!
September 09, 2021
Amazing! Incredible! Impressive! You are proving that anyone can do anything with heart and determination. Way to go!
September 09, 2021
Wow. Impressive. Got get it!
September 09, 2021
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!
September 09, 2021
Never forget the “why”
September 09, 2021
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!
September 09, 2021
I wish you the best of luck on your up coming adventures! Keep be an inspiration for humanity!
September 09, 2021
Wow..very inspirational.
September 09, 2021
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!
September 09, 2021
Inspiring story! Good luck!
September 09, 2021
Truly inspirational! I won’t hesitate to go for another block or another mile when I go for a run.
September 09, 2021
How incredible and selfless. Best of wishes!
September 09, 2021
One tough dude!
September 09, 2021
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
September 09, 2021
Amazing!
September 09, 2021
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!!
September 09, 2021
Incredible! I was also a Tahoe 200 entrant. I can’t imagine doing IMTUF twice! Way to go!
September 09, 2021
Best of luck to you in life, in the race and everything you do!
September 09, 2021
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.
September 09, 2021
So inspiring!! Thank you for sharing this amazing story.
September 09, 2021
What an incredible story! It is wonderful, as a physician, to see people like Helgi who overcome illnesses!
September 09, 2021
Good luck son of Olaf.
September 09, 2021
You’re an asinine nspiratiom to a lot of people! Your persistence and determination are legendary!!
September 09, 2021
Ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough, ain’t no river wide enough, to keep you from through…
September 09, 2021
Amazing grit and determination!!!
September 09, 2021
Very interesting story. Best of luck.
September 09, 2021
Amazing!
September 09, 2021
Very Awesome! Wishing you the best…
September 09, 2021
sounds like fun. Wish I had the time…….
September 09, 2021
wow that is so inspiring
September 09, 2021
Way to go . great story
September 09, 2021
Amazing story! Keep on, keeping on Helgi!!
September 09, 2021
Wow, most can only imagine on how hard of a journey that is!
September 09, 2021
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.
September 09, 2021
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.
September 09, 2021
Inspiring! Thanks Helgi for your example of determination, adaptation, and commitment.
September 09, 2021
Well done!!
September 09, 2021
very inspiring story. i have no excuse for being lazy!
September 09, 2021
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
September 09, 2021
Fine. I’ll go run after work today!
September 09, 2021
Nice! What incredible endurance.
September 09, 2021
Wow! That’s amazing! Keep up the inspiring work!
September 09, 2021
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!
September 09, 2021
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!
September 09, 2021
Wow! What a journey!
September 09, 2021
Your story is amazing. Your are such a badass! Such a great inspiration to those that suffer from any illness!
September 09, 2021
Remarkable! Such an inspiration.
September 09, 2021
Amazing !
September 09, 2021
Amazing!!
September 09, 2021
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!
September 09, 2021
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!
September 08, 2021
Amazing!! Keep it up! Thanks for the inspiration!
September 08, 2021
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.❤️
September 08, 2021
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.
September 08, 2021
incredible will power – beyond what I can even imagine…
September 08, 2021
This is inspiring story.
September 08, 2021
So impressive and inspirational.
September 08, 2021
I like how Olafson linked the different events, then adapted when conditions changed and kept the original vision alive.
September 08, 2021
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! 👏
September 08, 2021
Woohoo!
September 08, 2021
Remarkable. Keep pressing forward
September 08, 2021
Amazing! Running that many miles is an incredible feat!
September 08, 2021
💥forever inspiring💥looking forward to following your next adventure💥
September 08, 2021
What an inspiring feat! Best of luck on all your journeys!
September 08, 2021
Man! That’s amazing! Go get it!
September 08, 2021
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!
September 08, 2021
Wow! What an amazing feat!!
September 08, 2021
PUTS THE WORD “AWESOME” TO SHAME
September 08, 2021
Amazing! Keep overcoming those obstacles and inspiring others!
September 08, 2021
Such an incredible story! Good luck.
September 08, 2021
My daughter suffers from AS. Thank you for bringing awareness and hope! Safe travels Helgi!
September 08, 2021
Inspiring story!!!
Keep kicking ass!!
September 08, 2021
You encourage me to keep on going
September 08, 2021
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!
September 08, 2021
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!
September 08, 2021
Inspiring. Thank you for showing us that the human spirit is boundless.
September 08, 2021
I need to walk more! You inspire me. Keep on keeping on!
September 08, 2021
To do all of this with your body fighting you is quite the feat. Talk about being mentally tough! Wow!!
September 08, 2021
Good luck Helgi! You are such an inspiration to others for how much you have accomplished.
September 08, 2021
nice!
September 08, 2021
Positive, powerful and inspirationall. Good Job.
September 08, 2021
Great cause- best of luck out there!
September 08, 2021
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!