Running the Baker Ultra at 74
When Lee Dougherty glided into the finish at the Baker Trail UltraChallenge, a 50-mile ultramarathon, he made it look easy. Which is impressive for anyone, but for someone over the age of 70, well that is truly impressive. Dougherty, 74, completed his second UltraChallenge in August and already has his third in sight for 2025. “That will be my south section revenge race which will give me the third piece of the UltraChallenge unique medal. And also, it is the ‘Rolling Pin Year!’” he said. Dougherty referred to the medals given to successful race finishers, each section having a separate piece of a three-part medal. Once a runner successfully completes all three sections, he/she receives the commemorative rolling pin holder to display all three medals.
The 2025 Baker will cover the southern 50-miles of the 134-mile Baker Trail. The first time Doughtery attempted the UltraChallenge, it was on this section but he didn’t complete the event, thus his “revenge race.”
The Mt. Lebanon resident grew up in rural Illinois and began running 10ks in the early 1970s, his first marathon was in 1973. “Someone asked me if I had ever run in a marathon before, and I said, ‘No, but I think I will,’” he said. Since that time, Doughtery has run over 130 marathons including the well-known Boston Marathon 10 times, and three 100-mile races including the Leadville 100, a race in Colorado known for its grueling course and high elevation. These days, Doughtery said the only marathon he participates in is the one here in his hometown of Pittsburgh, mostly participating in trail races and runs, such as the Baker. “Running on trails is easier on the body. I run primarily with South Park Trail Runners, North Park Trail Runners, and City of Bridges Running Club,” he said, running four or five times a week.
Dougherty first heard of the UltraChallenge from some of his fellow runners. “I was looking for a 50-miler close to Pittsburgh. The UltraChallenge also had the challenge of running three-50-mile sections - one every year of course,” he said. Although he claims that he doesn’t have a favorite section on the trail, Doughtery said his fastest time was when he ran the middle.
The event is now one of the veteran runner’s favorites. “I love the Baker Trail and the community. The race is very well organized and there are very good volunteers. There's nothing I don't like about the UltraChallenge, however, there is the challenge of completing all three sections. If you DNF during one of the races, you have to wait three years to finish that section,” he said.
For those considering competing in the UltraChallenge in the future, Dougherty strongly suggests taking advantage of the training runs offered through the Conservancy.
As far as his own efforts, Doughtery plans to continue running for the foreseeable future. “I just enjoy it so much. Running is really part of my life and the running community is just great,” he said. Doughtery often runs with friends, but joked, “Runners in my age group do thin out as time goes on. Sometimes all I have to do is show up to a race to place in my age group.”