Ultra runner and amputee Dave Mackey heads to Moontrekker showing ‘anything is possible’ despite losing his leg
- The 2011 Ultra Runner of the Year suffered a fall in 2015 that cost him his leg, but has since completed the Leadman series twice
Dave Mackey was forced to draw on all the grit and problem-solving abilities he developed over 30 years of ultra running to surmount his latest and biggest hurdle. And this weekend, he is in Hong Kong for the Barclays Moontrekker, hoping to inspire others to push their limits.
In 2015, the 2011 Ultra Runner of the Year was training near Boulder, Colorado, when he stepped on a large rock. It dislodged, and both he and the rock fell. The rock landed on his leg and pinned him for hours. After he was rescued, Mackey went through multiple surgeries but almost a year and a half later he opted to have his leg amputated so he could get back to the trails.
Since then, Mackey has completed the gruelling Leadman series twice. The series includes increasingly challenging runs and mountain bikes around Leadville, concluding with a 100 mile (161km) running race at altitude.
Getting back out there may not have been possible, had he not acquired a wealth of experience in ultra running already.
“Over time you are used to pain,” he said. “Your emotional side, your body adapts to pain and discomfort. When I lost the leg, it was the same thing. I knew I could work through these little problems to get to the bigger goal. Once I finished the Leadman series two summers ago I knew it was because these incremental steps.”
Mackey will help launch the Moontrekker race. The race starts in Mui Wo and heads across Lantau. Runners compete as solos, pairs or teams of four. There are three distances, 30km, 40km and 50km. Unfortunately, Mackey will not be running. He recently had another surgery when a piece of “hardware” in his leg continued to cause discomfort as he finished his latest Leadville 100 mile race. It was “frustrating”, but it is still a blessing to be out there.