When Summer Bisharat called her friends two weeks before New Year’s Eve with a crazy idea, to run the entire Capital Trail from Richmond to Jamestown in one go, they laced up their sneakers! No hesitation! Fueled by snacks, determination, and a strong dose of humor, this fearless crew of four (Summer Bisharat, Ryan Nelligan, Kate Fletcher, and Adam Blackwell) set off before sunrise, with one goal - finish the year off with an unforgettable adventure!
At 5:49 am, they hit the ground running (literally!) on a mission to conquer a New Year’s Eve run along the Capital Trail covering 51.7 miles! With quick refueling stops at the Trail’s halfway point and Breez-In (MM 13), Ryan crushed a full marathon while Summer, Kate, and Adam tackled the entire Trail! The first to cross the finish line, Summer completed the journey in just 9 hours, 50 minutes, and 38 seconds, followed shortly by Kate and Adam. Here's their inspiring story of camaraderie, determination, and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve. Ready for some serious inspiration? Keep reading….
Early morning start! 12.31.24
Progress Over Perfection - Always Finish Strong: Summer’s Vision
Summer Bisharat, a lifelong runner with a passion for adventure, began her running journey at age nine, tackling half marathon distances as a teenager. After a brief hiatus, she reignited her enthusiasm for the sport and developed a newfound love for long-distance running, pushing herself to tackle progressively longer distances over the past 3-4 years.
For Summer, running isn’t just about physical endurance; it’s about digging deep and conquering more than you thought possible. Inspired by her online coach’s motto to “finish strong,” Summer came up with the idea to run the entire Virginia Capital Trail.
Bisharat - Richmond Half 2024 (PR)
Bisharat - Shamrock Half 2022 (PR)
The previous year I ran three out and back marathons on the Cap Trail in the wee hours of the morning. So I went for a walk around the lake where I live pondering what I would do to finish strong, then the thought just popped in my head, “I’m going to run the entire Capital Trail on New Year’s Eve.”
Despite battling stomach issues, fluid retention, and too much salt intake, Summer’s sense of humor carried her through. After quickly discovering that this might not be quite like the run she had envisioned, she used laughter to get her through & push forward. Summer’s motto - “Laughter is medicine, use it!”
I think running long distances is a full blown science project in the making because everybody’s body is different and responds different. For me, the ache started at mile 18 and then it just remained through the duration of the run. But when I saw mile marker 45 and knew I only had 7 miles to go I was able to kick it up a slight notch. That was when I knew I was in my element! It was awesome! As I passed people toward the end, I was telling them “I’m at 48 miles, I’m at 50…etc.
Her favorite part? Bonding with the crew and keeping her elite running friends entertained! Summer’s advice to others:
You are capable of more than you know. Never stop beliving in yourself and never give up. Focus on progress over perfection, and always finish strong!
Bisharat - Richmond Half 2018
CRAZINESS IS MORE FUN WHEN IT’S SHARED: Kate’s Journey
Kate Fletcher has been pounding the pavement for the past 12 years, building a reputation as a steady and determined long-distance runner. A familiar face in Richmond’s running community, when Summer extended the invitation to tackle the Capital Trail, Kate didn’t think twice.
Summer’s invitation was all it took! I think we all wanted to celebrate the New Year in a big way that included running.
For Kate, the experience was about more than logging miles.
The camaraderie of sharing such a challenging experience together was the best part. Watching Summer conquer her first 50-miler, while having delerious fun the wole way, was unforgettable.
The run came with added challenges for Kate. Having completed a 30-miler just days earlier, she wrestled with doubts about the wisdom of running a 50-mile run so soon and the toll it would take. But with her crew by her side, Kate stayed focused and finished strong. Crossing the final stretch, one word summed it all up: “Grateful.”
Kate’s advice to others?
“Craziness is more fun when it’s shared.” Followed by a special shoutout to fellow trail users, “Thanks for supporting the trail that got us there!”
PUSHING PAST LIMITS & Creating Shared Experiences: Ryan’s DRIVE
Ryan Nelligan is no stranger to challenges. Inspired by David Goggins’ audiobook Can’t Hurt Me, Ryan tackled his first marathon in 2020.
That book introduced me to ultramarathons, and opened my eyes to the power we all have within ourselves to push past perceived limitations. I now have a burning desire and drive to find out what I'm truly capable of. I've completed 20 ultramarathons and 10 marathons since and am currently training for a 200 mile ultramarathon around Lake Tahoe this summer.
In training for a 200-mile run later this year, Ryan decided to run a marathon during the New Year’s Eve adventure. Serving as a valuable support system, cheering on his teammates every step of the way, he embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, savoring the journey and the friendships it forged along the way.
There's something about running that makes you feel more comfortable being completely open even if you don't know people that well. This makes for fun and interesting conversations. This was actually the first time I met Summer, and by the end of it I felt like we're good friends! My favorite part was the shared experience & spending time with Summer, Kate, and Adam
His advice for runners?
Fuel early and often. Toe socks can help prevent blisters. Go all out the first 5k to give yourself a chance!!
BAD IDEAS & BIG CHALLENGES: Adam’s Perspective
Adam Blackwell, an accomplished ultrarunner, discovered his passion for distance running during the Covid pandemic. After his gym routine was disrupted, Adam ran his first half marathon in spring 2021, followed by his first full-road marathon later that fall. Since then, he’s tackled numerous ultras and is currently training for his second 100-mile race this fall. Never one to miss a challenge, when Summer extended the invite to run an ultra on New Year’s Eve run, Adam was all in!
I’m a sucker for bad ideas and big challenges. Shared misery and suffering is the best part of any long run, especially with a crew like ours that gets though it by laughing at ourselves and each other.
For Adam, highlights of the day included finally being able to grab some hot coffee at MM 39 and watching Summer finish strong!
I got a lot of enjoyment from seeing Summer pull away late in the run. She earned and deserved the chance to finish so well for her first ultra distance.
Reaching the final stretch brought a mix of emotions, relief at ending 2024 with an ultra-marathon accomplishment paired with a hint of paranoia that his phone might die before he could hail an Uber back to Richmond (who’s up for another “short” 51.7-mile return run? 😲)!
As for tips, Adam keeps it simple:
Ramen noodles are a gourmet treat after five hours on your feet. And remember, you’re stronger than you think and capable of more than you can imagine.
A Bond Forged One Mile at a Time- Each Step of the Way
Big goals are rarely achieved alone. It’s the shared moments, overcoming challenges together, a much-needed boost of encouragement, laughing at yourself and pushing through, that makes every mile worthwhile. Nine hours, fifty minutes, and thirty-eight seconds. That’s all it took for this small but mighty group to forge lifelong friendships and memories. As Summer puts it, “Once you’re in the pain cave together, you’re friends for life.”
Where will your next adventure take you? Take a page from this fearless crew: Dream big, invite your friends, and lace up your sneakers. You’re capable of more than you know!
In case you’re wondering how you celebrate after crushing 51.7 miles in under 10 hours, if you’re this crew you:
Hit the tub for a magnesium bath! - Summer
Go home, shower, eat and sleep! - Kate
Go to a New Year’s Eve Party - eat a lot of food and fall asleep on the couch by 8:30 pm - Ryan
Treat your wife to dinner at Fogo de Chão - Adam
Thank you, Summer, Kate, Ryan, and Adam for sharing your drive, determination, and incredibly inspiring story with us! See you December 31st, 2025! 😊
