[…] most starters we had were two. Seeing so many runners on the road at the same time served as a negative culture shock.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that. There isn’t. Itmerely placed a spot on the earth some of us revered for various reasons into a whole new context.

The hoopla and the electric energy generated at the start of the 1999 HiTec race was fascinating and a mite disconcerting for a leftover from Death Valley’s early days. I’m thrilled at the success of the race and at the

fine folks taking on the challenge of running the course.

By the time the racers get to enjoy some of the special moments along the course, alone with themselves and the outrageous scenery, they’re already out of Death Valley. But, fortunately, Death Valley is bighearted in that way. You can still skip the hoopla and put together your own team for your own solo crossing. Let’s hope the well-deserved fame of the organized race on the course won’t completely overshadow that option.

—Rich Benyo