Dave's Crew at Badwater
My name is Jay Riley and I live in Marysville , Ohio ( USA ). I have been an endurance athlete all of my life. I have completed twelve marathons, half-ironman, and several trail ultra marathons. I am the Assistant Fire Chief in Marysville, a suburb of Columbus , Ohio. I live on a small farm with my wife (Susan) and two kids (Cole 12, Kara 9).
By chance, Dave and I met online and I am so excited to help pace him to the finish and support a fantastic charity. As a firefighter for twenty years, I see the pain that burns inflict on families. We are determined to get Daveto the finish
at Badwater and to get the needed resources for The National Burn Centre at Middlemore Hospital.
My name is Barb Owen and I live in Maple Ridge BC Canada with my husband Mike on an acre in an old farm house that we are renovating. I work at a hospital as a Carpenter and have 2 grown children Steven 28 and Marie, 26 and a stepdaughter Hannah, 18.
I am so happy to be part of David’s crew at the Badwater Death Valley Ultramarathon. I have crewed and paced ultra runner Mat Sessions at Badwater in 2005 and it remains one of the most intense and awe inspiring experiences I have ever taken part in. I can hardly wait! David and I met through Jon Ackland our Coach and friend from Performance Lab in NZ. I have completed many Ironmans and did the Ultraman Canada in (2006). I am currently running ultramarathons and will compete next at the Lean Horse 100 miler in August.
I think it is awesome that we are working towards a goal – to secure a microscope for the NZ National Burns Unit and this gives the run an extra dimension ie giving back to the community - it will be a source of strength for us during our journey through the harsh elements we will encounter.
My name is Jon Olszyk and I am from Virginia Beach, VA (USA), where I live with my wife, Carrie. I grew up as an athlete, playing all sports from baseball to soccer and tennis. After college, I picked up longer distance running and after completing a few marathons, wanted to see if I could go further. I have completed many ultramarathons, on both the trail and the road, and have done several 12 and 24 hour runs.
Like Jay, I met Dave online and am looking forward to the challenges of reaching two finish lines: Badwater and raising the money for a great cause. Just knowing that we are raising money for such an important thing will provide us with a little more motivation to reach the finish line at Badwater and will help us through the tough times.