Ultra Marathon Runner's legs amputated

Taiwan Ultra-Runner in Coma After “La Trans Gaule”
September 9, 2008 http://trailrunningsoul.com/trs/2008/09/09/taiwan-ultra-runner-in-coma-after-la-trans-gaule/

Sad news from the ultra world. According to several news websites, Chiu Shu-jung, a 51-year-old Taiwanese female ultra runner has had to have both legs amputated after her participation in La Trans Gaule French ultramarathon.

Chiu, nicknamed ‘ultra-marathon mama’, developed blisters during the race which broke on the 16th day - of the planned 18 days race course – but she was able to finish the competition. But then she was diagnosed with septicaemia, a potentially life-threatening infection, and was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Montpellier. There she had her two legs amputated to stop the infection from spreading and remains now in coma.

Chiu, nicknamed "ultra-marathon mama"

It’s always sad to hear bad news, even more if the bad news is about an athlete getting injured or worse amputated. My deepest sympathy for the Ultra-marathoner and her family.

She is one tough lady; she managed to complete the race 17th of the 44 runners even after getting the blisters. And this is not just any race; this is a really extreme ultra.

I hope she will recover soon and hope she will still be able to enjoy the joy of running again some way.

No matter how much you’ve prepared, there’s always a chance that something might go wrong.

So keep safe, train smart and listen to your body.

What’s in La Transe Gaule Footrace ?

• 1150km (715 Miles) solo race across France, from coast to coast
• 18 stages, 18 days
• shortest day: 49km (31 miles), longest: 75km (47 miles), daily average: 63,9km (40 miles)
• supply stations every day at km15, km30 and then every 10km until the end of the stage
• cut-off: 5,5 kmph (3,4 Mph)
• Overall cumulative rankings by adding the times of each stage
• accomodation in gymnasium (bring your own mattress and sleeping bags)
• breakfast included, every morning from 5 AM
• dinners included, all other meals at your own expenses
• Support vehicle and handler(s) allowed
• Organisation : Phare-West Organisation

Are you up for the challenge???