Ultra-Runner Shelley Sparks, Extreme Climbing

Ultra-runner Shelley Sparks eats mountains for breakfast. Her long list of alpine trail conquests includes Pikes Peak marathon (26 miles) twice, eight 100-milers, three 90-mile stage races, and numerous races with distances of 50k to 100k. She currently is training for a 100k ultra-marathon in Colorado next month.

Sparks will share her experiences and tips for success on Saturday, June 24, at 10 a.m. in the Union Museum of History and Art-Discovery Place, 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. The hour and-a-half clinic is entitled, “Becoming a Runner: What Does It Take?” and will be of interest to anyone of any age who is a runner, is thinking about taking up the sport of running, or who simply admire such athletes. She will discuss how to prepare physically, mentally, and nutritionally.
To reserve a spot for the clinic. Call the museum at 318-982-8020. Attendance is free. Door prizes will be awarded.

Sparks is a high school health teacher at D’Arbonne Woods Charter School; over the past 20 years she has coached K-12 PE, track and field, cross country, and volleyball. She and her husband James have two grown children and a one year-old grandson. James also is her “crew” during her long-distance runs, many of which span 24 hours or more.
This event is a feature of the museum’s current exhibit, “Beyond Human Limits,” which is on loan from the Science North museum in Canada until August 30. Sponsors of the local showing are the Louisiana Office of Tourism, Origin Bank, Anytime Fitness of Farmerville, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.