Lyon College professor overcomes fracture for ultramarathon victory | White River Now [Video]

Featured image: Dr. Brendan Connell walks with his crew after finishing the Arkansas Traveller 100 in first place.

Article By Colton Strader, Lyon College

OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST, Arkansas – The Arkansas Traveller 100, known for its challenging terrain and immense distance, is not a race for the faint of heart. Yet, it was here that Lyon College’s Dr. Brendan Connell, assistant professor of Political Science, defied the odds, emerging victorious in a remarkable display of endurance and determination.

Earlier this month, Connell achieved a feat that many could only dream of: winning the Arkansas Traveller 100, the state’s most esteemed ultra race. With 182 runners at the starting line, he managed to outlast 126 of them, crossing the finish line in 15 hours, 48 minutes, and 53 seconds. His closest competitor trailed by over an hour, a testament to his incredible performance.

Connell shared his thoughts on crossing the finish line, “It feels awesome to win …