The THANK YOU notes from the U.S. 100k team members:

I would like to thank everyone who helped out the USU Fund.
It becomes easier to compete when you don't have to worry about finances.
Each year USU Fund is getting stronger and better and so should
Ultrarunning in the US.

Thanks again.

Mark Godale
USA 100K Team


Thanks for the generous check for $630.  I can't believe the amount keeps
going up every year.  You are doing a great job.  I also have to give credit
for the rank and file ultra-runners out there who are the ones actually
donating the money.  We team members really appreciate the effort that
Chrissy, you and everyone else have put into raising money for the team.  I
know it is a tough job, and one that I feel USATF should be doing instead.

The second-place Men’s team and third-place Women’s team awards were a
pleasant surprise.  We tried to discuss team tactics this year, for the
first time.  I do not know how that really affected our individual racing
strategies, but the results sure were successful.

Of course I wish I had run a tougher race.  I always am on 7 hour pace thru
60 km, and then fall apart.  Maybe next time I’ll hang on.  Anyway, I am
looking forward to representing the United States at next year’s World
Challenge in Cleder, France, on August 27th.

I also have to thank Carl Touchstone for his efforts.  I never met him, but
I appreciate him requesting that donations be made to the USU fund in his
name.  That meant a lot to me, and the team.  Each of us wore a blue ribbon
during the race in his memory.

Thanks again.  Keep up the good work.

Jim Garcia


Dear USU fund supporters,

     Just wanted to say thank you very much for the great support of the
U.S. 100k team.  It's great that such an organization exists and that there
are people willing to do their part to support it.  I appreciate the efforts
of all to try and support a complete team.  Going to the world's was a
wonderful experience and the USU fund helps to make going a reality.  Thanks
again for the support.
Sincerely,
Tracy Rose



Dear USU,

My name is Luanne Park and I recently participated in the World 100k
Championships in the Netherlands.  It was my first time being on the United
States 100k Team and what a great experience it was.  Our men's team placed
2nd in the world and the women placed 3rd.  Next year the World
Championships will be held in France and I'm sure we can do even better!  A
big thank you needs to go out to all of you out there that contributed to
the USU fund.  If it was not for your generous donations the U.S. Team would
not be able to afford to travel to compete in the Worlds.

Once again, thank you very much for your support.

Sincerely,

Luanne Park



Thank you for your support of the US 100km team. I greatly appreciate the
efforts of the USU fund organizers, and the generosity of all who
contributed to the fund.

Daniele Cherniak


To all of you who supported the American 100K Team - thanks!  Without your
support, many of us would have a hard time traveling to and competing in the
World 100K.  It is this aspect of our sport that unique amongst the others -
the "grass roots" support is unique to ultrarunning.

To top it off, the American team achieved a second place men's team title
and third place women's team title!  Congratulations!

Kevin Setnes


I would like to take a moment to extend my greatest appreciation for all
of your support of the US ultrarunning team.  I know it was alot of hard
work for all of you throughout the year 2000.  Your efforts allowed me to
concentrate on my training and then perform well at the World
Championships.
A special thanks to Carl Touchstone for your generous contribution to the
USU fund.
Being a full time educator and full time athlete is a difficult but very
fullfilling balancing act.  With all of your suppport and kind word
throughout the year you helped the US team bring back two team awards
(men 2nd place, women third place) and several individual awards.

Thanks again
Deb Bollig




To all who donated money this year and in years past to the USU Fund, thank
you very much for your support .  It's hard to believe how much the fund has
grown since it was started in 1995.  Hopefully with
time it will continue to grow and we will some day be able to completely
fund our USA team.

Thanks for your Ultra Support!!

Chrissy Ferguson