Half marathon course cutter Ashley Paulson, who served 6 month contamination suspension, wins coveted Badwater 135.

Maybe it's just a thing they do at crewed races like this. All part of the team spirit.

I've run lots of crewed races and never seen this. There is sometimes a team t-shirt, but not an identical outfit. Given the outfit doesn't prove anything, but the fact that she beat a former 24 hour world record holder's time definitely seems fishy.

Agree. Once a cheater, always a cheater.

That is "The Doping Cheater Course Cutter Ashley Paulson."

Honestly, her final 13 miles are extremely questionable. Some extraordinary people have raced here and not done so finishing that hard by a long shot.

I stand corrected and came to post- after looking into that course cut and the circumstances with her doping allegations, along with her “ look at me” IG presence , I think she will forever be tainted.

Her time at Badwater is 6 HOURS faster than last year’s women winner

The "Challenge of the Champions"?

More the like "The Race For Those With *A LOT* Of Discretionary Income"

Look at the age group breaks downs (94 starters)

0-20 Years Old - None
21 to 29 - None
30 to 39 - Twelve (12)
40 to 49 - Thirty Nine (39)

50 to 59 - Thirty One (31)
60 to 69 - Ten (10)
70+ - Two (2)

Only in death do we have names.

Were the conditions comparable? How does the time compare with other years?

Yeah, everyone knows if you cheat, not to set a course record in the process. Think of it as the Rosie Ruiz Rule.

The idea behind races like Badwater and some of the other popular ultras really intrigue me as someone who appreciates running. But the drama, over-production, and general ridiculousness that surrounds these types events makes it all seem more like a TV game show than a serious sporting event.

I wouldn't put too much stock in the women's winning times being "off" by 6 hours. They vary a lot year to year.

2022 - 24:09
2021 - 30:48
2020 - No Race
2019 - 24:13
2018 - 28:23
2017 - 34:34
2016 - 25:53
2015 - 27:23

Indeed. She was 33 minutes behind course record pace (again, by the verry acomplished Patrycja Bereznowska, 48 hour world record holder) at mile 122 and then broke the record by 4 minutes at the finish (mile 135).

So at the hardest part of the race, she made 37 minutes for a half marathon distance on one of the best female ultrarunners? Sure...

Where is derek when you need him...

Okay, so:

1) This athlete has a history of nefarious behavior;

2) This athlete posted the above-referenced extraordinary split;

3) This athlete set a remarkable course record; and

4) This athlete had one, and only one other crew member, dressed in nearly identical kit (identical prominent singlet).

Who happens to also be a female and also with almost the exact same build and height.

The similarities are striking. Same singlet. Same shorts. Same skin tone. Same build. Same visor. Same headlamp around the waist. Same white watch on the left wrist, both rotated the same way, with the watch face inward. Same green light on the same (left) side of the singlet. Essentially identical in appearance if seen from afar, or in the dark.

Everything about this is extremely suspect, agreed. She beat Harvey Lewis by 3 hours?!

I smell another Letsrun investigation.