Self-sufficiency in this race that culminates with a thousand-foot climb to the finish line is celebrated; participants must carry their running shoes as they swim and may only have a single person assist them during the competition.
[1] In 2007 and 2008, 149 competitors crossed the finish line; among them were triathletes from throughout North America, including Quebec, California, and Florida.
[4][5] The race was originally run unofficially by Davis and two others in secrecy, as they had not obtained permission from private landowners for the competition,[2] but the following year's competition was open to other triathletes,[6] all of whom must have completed a half-ironman triathlon in the previous 18 months, or in the prior year's SOS, within certain time restrictions in order to be eligible.
The race is 50.5 miles (81.3 km) long, beginning at the Ulster County Fairgrounds.
[9] Athletes tuck them into their swimming gear, carry them in a plastic bag, or pull them on small rafts.