WNC Representatives Pass an Ultra Test in the Sierra

Western Nevada College News

Two Western Nevada College employees fully experienced the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs' catchphrase, "A Glimpse of Heaven, A Taste of Hell," during the 2026 event on July 18 and 19.

Cameron Carr and Nigel Harrison joined 298 other participants for the debut of the 100-kilometer race, which served as a qualifier for the Western States Endurance Run. It was among four ultra runs ranging from 23 kilometers to 100 miles during the event hosted by Western Nevada College on July 18 and 19.

While the race took the ultrarunners to breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and Carson City, it also reduced Carr and Harrison to mental and physical exhaustion.

"I was able to prove to myself that I could handle the physical and mental strain this type of race demands, which is something that I'll carry with me forever," said Carr, who finished the 62.14-mile test in under 24 hours. "It was absolute joy and relief to cross that finish line, and one of my best friends was there, too, which was really the cherry on top. Most importantly though, I wanted my kids to see that just because something is difficult, scary, and seems impossible, it doesn't mean you shouldn't try and give it everything you've got. Amazing things can happen when you try."

For Carr, the 100K was more than four times longer than any race he had completed to that point. Last year, he finished 12^th in the TRTER 23K, which covers 14.3 miles, and a few half marathons and shorter distances.

Cameron Carr

"I really wanted to test myself to see if I could meet the physical and mental demands that a race of this caliber would require," Carr said. "Absolutely the most physically demanding event I've accomplished so far."

Like Carr, Harrison significantly stepped up his mileage. His longest footrace previously was a half-marathon. He trained by running 6-8 miles on weekdays and 15-20 on Saturdays.

"Completing this race is a huge accomplishment," said Harrison, who took on the demanding climbs and descents of a course that also provided spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. "I knew I could do it, but didn't have a clue on how difficult it actually would be. Being the head cross-country coach at Carson Middle School, I think this might actually get me some street cred."

However, Harrison said the final third of the race put some doubt in his mind whether he'd finish the race.

"About mile 40 everything in my legs started to hurt," he said. "The 'quit demons' were screaming at me. Especially when my watch died and I had no idea how much further I needed to go to the next aid station. Looking back, I think I pushed too hard, climbing the Diamond Peak ski run. I made it to the top relatively quick, then ran pretty hard down the backside."

For someone who has repeatedly extended himself in a 30-plus-year military career, including multiple deployments, that Harrison persevered to make it back to John L. Harvey Field isn't surprising. He finished in 21 hours, 29 minutes and 31 seconds.

"I love trail running, and wanted to push myself to see if I can run 65 miles," Harrison said.

Carr and Harrison are appreciative of the physical and mental-limit-testing opportunity that TRTER Race Director George Ruiz afforded them.

"I'd like to thank George for the opportunity and for putting on such a phenomenal event. There were some amazing athletes out there and it was a privilege to compete alongside each and every one of them," Carr said. "All the event staff and aid station volunteers were incredible and without them, finishing would have been impossible."