Episode 451 - Delirious Crew Chat - Shannon Dale: The Art of Crewing—Supporting an Ultra Runner at Delirious West

In this special episode, we shift the focus from the athletes to the unsung heroes behind the scenes—the crew! Shannon Dale, crew chief for his wife, ultrarunner Darlene Dale, joins us to share what it takes to support a runner through a gruelling 200-mile event like Delirious West.

 

Shannon shares his experiences from multiple ultras, breaking down the key elements of successful crewing, including organisation, tough love, and knowing when to step in—or step back. From preparing race-day gear bags to managing sleep deprivation and even whipping up mid-race Reuben sandwiches, he covers the highs, lows, and unexpected challenges of being a crew member.

 

Whether you’re crewing for the first time or a seasoned ultra supporter, this episode is packed with insights, humour, and practical tips to keep your runner moving forward when the going gets tough.

 

Key Highlights:

•The biggest secret to being a great crew: organisation and planning ahead.

•Tough love vs. compassion: knowing when to push your runner and when to let them rest.

•Food, gear, and aid station hacks—what runners really need in the middle of a 200-miler.

•The importance of community—how crews come together to support all runners, not just their own.

•Managing sleep, logistics, and the unexpected challenges of an ultra event.

 

Connect with Us:

Subscribe for more ultra-running insights and behind-the-scenes stories from Delirious West! Have you ever crewed for an ultra? Share your best crew tips in the comments!

 

Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

 

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