Very inspiring. I needed this. I'm 69. Tried my 1st marathon at 67, made it 19 miles before ending up in medical tent. Completed a 4x4x48 at 68 in prep for a "legal" marathon. 4 months later I thought I was just worn out, decided to take a month off to get back on track for 2/2024 Austin Marathon before going to hospital and had a 5x heart bypass (no heart attack!). 8 months later, I'm back on track, just finished a 1/2 marathon. Intend on doing another 4x4x48 in 3 months, a marathon in August and a 50m in December. Goals are in concrete, plans in sand.

Absolutely heart wrenching and heartwarming at the same time. Im a 51 yr old runner. I hope to run an Ultra one day. Lucy reminds me of our youngest daughter. I cried rivers tonight watching this. Congratulations Ash; not only on the monumental achievement of finishing WS but on being such a great father. When you see kids talk about a parent like this, you know you did it right!! Peace

As a Dad, this hits like a ton of bricks 🥲 the excitement from Ash’s kids fills my heart with joy, just as I know it does for him. ❤️

Waitlisted with 17 in front of me for 2024. I’m watching videos to check out terrain and look for some notes. This one hit. I need to show it to my family as a “what could happen”. Thanks for putting this out. This is legit ultrarunning at its finest.

Jesus christ that was the most emotional thing i have ever watched as a runner , i am 55yrs old from Scotland and this year i turn 56yrs and am considering my first ever Ultra run and have been watching avidly everything i could find on youtube and ash bartholomew just broke me , well done sir , took it to the limit and then some ❤

Dear WS organisation team - if someone deserves a second chance in 2024 then surely Mr. Ash Bartholomew -

I think I have not cried like I did watching this in a long time. I would not call myself a good runner (not yet anyway), but I have found my love for running about a year ago. Since then I have taken part in many small races and my first half marathon a month ago. The people surrounding these races have just been amazing, for me this kind of community is so special. There is so much kindness and support. Since I don‘t really have people close to me who support my dream and passion, a story like his just touches my heart. For me it is a mixed feeling of pain and happiness. Because my father has never been there for me or supported me in anything. So seeing his perspective towards his kids just flooded my heart with all of these emotions. Please know that what you have is special. And it is so much more worth than any trophy ever could be (although I can totally understand being frustrated with not achieving the goal you had set for yourself). This is so incredibly inspirational. Thank you for letting me take part in this journey. Keep running! Because that is what we love to do. 💚

Ran Yurrebilla a few years ago (2016) and Lucy aged 20 overtook me in Morialta Gorge like I was standing still. Happily shouted out something like "you've got this". Now I know where she got that attitude from!

Wow. This is an incredible film. Mad seeing what an absolute gentleman Ash is even when his body is betraying him. Also, what insane mental resilience to even get across that line regardless of time - to drive your body forward like that is mad. Huge respect. Also, dammit, Lucy crying makes me want to reach through that screen and give her a hug - in some ways it's harder for her than most of us spectators, because she's got such a better idea of how bad her dad is hurting. The Bartholomews are made of tough stuff.

"It's the company" ... so true Ash. You must be incredibly proud of your family, as they must be of you. What a privilege for you all to share this phenomenal experience together. As a 60 year+ Aussie trail runner, this certainly brought a few tears to my eyes! Loved it.

What a generational legacy moment, not only for his family but many others that were a part of it. Wow! I have chased 100 mile belt buckles and have a few. I have four grown girls about Lucy's age (one who still runs with me) that got to crew on the last one and be at the finish. I have maybe one or two more left in this 59 year old body. My goal is to share the final 100 experience with my wife and girls and to savor the journey, regardless of cut offs and belt buckles. Thank you Ash, Lucy and Salomon for sharing this story. I have crewed and paced at WSER twice (2017 and 2019) and every runner's story there is so much grander than a coveted belt buckle. Your warrior effort reminded me of two things. One - in 2017 a friend of mine and really good ultrarunner failed to break the 30 hour mark. She did what you did - finish anyway. Although more than 10 minutes late, there was still a big crowd at Placer track cheering her in. A moment I will never forget. Two - the Teddy Roosevelt quote that I think needs to be said here: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Ash’s words “I was never going to quit”. Absolutely powerful and inspirational. This man is an amazing role model for all to keep pushing regardless of the obstacles. I will definitely come back to this video when I need that reminder to keep pushing forward and not give up. We are way more capable then we think. Thanks for sharing this story.

still the greatest film ever. so authentic, real and filled with love and family. Ive watched this twice and it stills chokes me up thank you

I’m a Mom of an ultra runner, and cried at this heartwarming video!

As a dude who has Cerebral Palsy and loves trail running! I am coming back from an injury. Have not ran in 6 month. This is inspiring!!! As long as you put your 150%. That what matters. I hope to do a 100 miler one day. This is amazing to watch videos like this ❤🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️💨 Thanks to all who put it together and Ash your inpiring!!!! Much ❤

Bravo Bravo Bravo!

I remember watching this moment on the live stream. Such a crazy finish seeing all the people there to support him. So glad to have more insight into his journey and experience it with him in a way.

I’m not crying, you’re crying! Wow! Good on you Lucy’s Dad! What a great achievement! ❤

In tears. I was late by 3.16 mins in my first 100K. And exactly 13 days back i completed 100 Miles in the same race in a decent time. Truly greatful.. Its absolute pour of emotions from oneself of the efforts and the pain put in to complete the race. After a point not finishing on or before cut off becomes irrelevant. More power to Lucy's Dad❤❤

Last part made me cry. All the people cheering and making him cross the finish. So close ❤️

Whoever edited this did such a good job! It is very smooth and pieced together will!

This is what a real family looks like!

Tears of joy for this dad. It’s never about the finish, it how you finished dad. You are very special to your daughter just how I felt for my dad who passed away years ago. My dad out of everyone that stood there and watched a house burning ran inside and saved 2 young girls that were sleeping. My dad is very special to me 😢

As a runner, this is the best movie I’ve ever seen

A lesson to learn: just because the delegated time is finished, doesn't mean you have to quit. Ash what a fucking story and an example to us all. races may have time limits but that doesn't have to put limits on what you can achieve. You can still finish and accomplish what you dreamt of. Thank you Ash and lucy for this story. I am going to push myself more than ever this year in dedication to you two's drive and determination

What a great accomplishment. 100 miles . It takes a,lot of courage especially in his age category.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 bravo.

Wow! What a story! What an accomplishment. What genuine inspiration for all🤗

❤🥲🥹 amazing.

My dad passed away in May. He used to love running and I used to be like Lucy, biking alongside him in my childhood. Watching Ash push himself to these limits and never give up really made my heart full. What a beautiful relationship Ash has with his children. There is nothing more precious

A really inspirational run by Ash! I was touched by the story and the relationship he shares with his children, and as a new dad, I want to thank him for being an amazing role model to those of us that are new to parenting. Cheers mate.

I sat on my couch crying at the end of the video. I remember watching the Live Feed at the end. As a dad of 3 daughters I hope one day my girls join me on the trail too.

Such a beautiful story, its more than a major physical achievement that love in their family is incredible ❤️ well done sir

This was AMAZING! so much love for my fellow Victorians

Congratulations Ash. What an amazing and beautiful story you have to tell. Well done

Wow just wow!

I wasn’t prepared for this 🥹 so inspirational 👏🏽 thank you

Watched twice in a row and teared up twice in a row. What a great story!

Inspiring!!!🤗

The amount of pure joy this family has for each other is truly something.

Ash, You make me cry -- Super Emotional Salomon TV you dit it again , all so love Lucy's family

Wow. As a father of two boys, watching his kids' love and support throughout his life and taking him all the way to the finish, I know he's already won.

I adore you Ash. My own father had polio when he was 3, and was in a wheelchair his whole life. He never got to run. He never joined me on the trails. But he was so proud of everything I did, and he showed me that everything is possible. The world might think you can't, but you can. Nothing ever stopped my dad, it might have taken him years to work out how he could do something, but he always knew he could and he would. I lost my dad a couple years ago and it still hurts ever day. But last year I got to watch my own son run the kids race at UTA and I knew my dad was there. Please know that your amazing courage and positivity will live beyond this race. It will be present in the hearts and minds of everyone fortunate enough to have witnessed your greatness. It will be in the things we all do, and we will see it in the world around us when we need it most.

Amazing effort Ash, a very emotional and inspiration video. I did a boot camp once and was lucky enough to have Lucy come and talk to us, it was the year she smashed the 21km Women’s record at UTA. She was 19 I think but spoke with a confidence that left me speachless. I now know how she got her determination, spirit and character. Every child should have a dad like you.

one of the best KZfaq videos of the year

This reminds me of something from a book that always struck me. Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination. Well done Ash you lived these words!

I think his biggest victory in all this journey is bringing his family together after 10 years apart.

What an amazing supportive family. Well done Ash, you are not only an inspirational runner, but you are the kind of parent I aspire to be. Thanks for sharing your story.

My father was a Warrior Of Life! He passed away this January and I was by his side To His Last Breath! He left a great example for me to live until my last breath ❤

So good! Great storytelling, beautiful visuals. I remember watching this on the Livestream, not a dry eye in the house. Well done!

This was one of the most incredible performances I‘ve ever seen. So emotional. This guy is a legend. Thanks Salomon for documenting this story and for sharing this piece of art of a video.

Amazing movie. We need more movies like this that show the stories of real people doing extraordinary stuff

More people need to watch this!!!! Soooo good!

Simply awesome! Watching the video, I kept saying "It's running", but why am I balling like a baby! Way to go Ash!

When I did the WS-100 in 1980, to get an actual belt buckle, you had to finish in under 24hrs, so when I finished in 28:40, all I got was the wall the plaque which is a flattened belt buckle on a board. But my hat’s off to Ash; been there, done that, and I know how you have to reach way down into your soul on that long, long steep, dusty, slippery climb out of the canyon to Devil’s Thumb. Good on ya, Mite!

Congrats man. Love your videos. Inspiring stuff and keeps me from despair while we wait for snow here in BC. 😂

What a beautiful documentary, what a role model he is for his kids, just amazing

Loved this. Thanks for inspiring.

SALUTE! from the philippines!

my nth time watching since its release and every time is just waterworks. What a man, this man Ash!

Awesome Ash! So inspiring, you never gave up! An experience to last a lifetime💕

What a great story. I know that turn like the back of my hand, but after Jim missed it you’d think there’d be spot lights marking it or a flagged stationed there. Unmarked, it looks like a deer trail

What an absurd strength of will, my utmost respect for people like that.

Well this hit me right in the feels. Allez, Salomon!

I cried like a baby! Such a well put story! What an inspiration you are , Ash!

What an incredible effort Ash, how special having your family with you on that journey. That’s making memories

Damn... that was the hardest running film ive ever seen

Holy shit, thanks Lucy for setting us all off!! Massive respect to you Ash. Thank you for sharing this inspirational story 🙏

Wow, what a wonderful story on so many levels. Congrats Ash, amazing.

Oh my God what an emotional roller coaster!!! Cried like a baby watching this… total kudos Ash what a display of utter physical and off the scale emotional strength, surrounded by true love from your friends and wonderful family. An hour in the wrong direction must be heart breaking, however to watch you fight to the very end is so special and utterly inspiring! From Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 I salute you dude, just amazing 🤩💪💪👍

I want to say. As a father as a runner, I’ll be it not an ultra runner. So emotional so uplifting so glad you were able to share that amazing experience. I wish you guys all the best.

Wise man, f*ck the buckle, you finished. That was absolutely beautiful. Lucy’s dad rocks

Wow!!! Such character, I’m crying 😢

Benzer yaşlarda ultranmaraton koşan birisi olarak durumunu çok iyi anlıyor ve kutluyorum.Esasen 60 lı yaşlar hiç de ileri yaş değil.Ash ,in daha başaracağı çok yarışlar var.Tebrikler. As someone who runs an ultramarathon at a similar age, I understand his situation very well and I congratulate him. Actually, the age of 60 is not an old age at all. Ash still has many races to achieve. Congratulations.

So Ash Ran More Than The 100 miles That Day! He Is Legendary In My Heart 💖

Cried! My god what an amazing story. Such tenacity, such love… and how hard to watch, the ‘kids’, particularly Lucy’s distress… heart wrenching and yet… it’s the company. Kia kaha Ash!

What a guy!! I hope one day my own daughter is that incredibly proud of me

I was watching his finish during this year’s WSER. Inspirational. It was my favorite moment of the entire event. And something I’ll never forget watching.

What a profoundly beautiful attitude Ash has to life. Bravo.

Congrats to Ash!!! Lucy is such a sweet soul. I cried w her. 😭

Ash, you're a true warrior and an inspiration. Thank you. You pump me up.

Beautiful film❤. Definitely lots of feels!

Such an awesome and inspiring film. What trail running is all about!

What an animal! What a film! What a man, dad, daughter, family. Champions all. Congratulations!

Incredible film. Well done Dylan and Isaiah for capturing this story. Ash is an inspirational man.

even though I watched this then, today crying from begin to end, people so beautiful. the race rules didn't recognise him as finisher, but what the heck: we all recognise Ash as one great runner/father/ fellow human being🎉❤

Fuhhh, too emotional for me to watch this 😢. The spirit of not giving up at that age is so inspiring. This is the true spirit of trail running. Great job to Ash/Lucy’s Dad and the whole family.

There's so much more than getting a buckle, it's the grit and determination what has value. Love this movie, many can relate including myself. You just keep going because it's not about the buckle.

Absolutely incredible!! Thank you for sharing this story!!

Incredible. Thank you.

great inspiration - thank you!!!

Wow... just wow ♥

Full freaking tears in my eyes

I can’t really remember having cried like this as i did watching this, as a father of 2 toddlers i hope so much thst my kids will be proud of who i am as their father and as a runner i can only hope to do things like these and be called things like an inspiration. 💖💖💖🥹🥹🥹. Such a great film, such an amazing human being, way to go Ash

Ciao from italy..amazing video❤

Amazing story, the message that delivers, loved all of it!! Congrats Ash!

Great Video! Thank you for putting it together!! I saw this on the live stream and now I understand how incredible his journey was. It is so true how it is more about the process and experience than the award. I could not stop crying at the end. Thanks again!!

All the feels!!! Congrats Ash on an incredible effort!

Bloody legend Ash, well done mate, so inspiring!

I am crying this is amazing. Well done Lucy’s dad, Ash 🎉❤

such an amazing story. so much resilience, so much love