Jack is Back: Jack Denness

By Steve Matsuda

Perhaps the most beloved runner at this year's Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon is Jack Denness. Some of this is surely his engaging personality. But others may say it's because he brings his lovely wife Mags.

Denness, 69, has completed the race ten times. He finished 12th in his first Badwater in 1991, though he's quick to point out that there were only 14 finishers that year. Upon completing number ten in 2002, Denness thought he had reached his "figure". He decided to crew last year for friend Wayne Simpson, though when he heard the roll call, he felt deep down that he should be running. This year, both Denness and Simpson have entered.

Another important reason for Denness to do Badwater is because he raises money for charities, including a cerebral palsy organization in the UK and for playground equipment at a school he works with.

To train, Denness says he walks his dog and runs 1 to 2 miles every other day. He does, however, admit to a 25-mile walk every weekend.

So what is his secret? "Insanity" he says, 'I'm sure that men are behind me in white coats and I try to stay one step ahead." Sure sounds like Badwater, doesn't it?