Day 4: Run Across Ethiopia support van provides sustenance

Michigan Land Use Institute executive director Hans Voss, one of the original activists behind the Run Across Ethiopia, saw a different side of the run today. Voss sprained his ankle early on Day 3 but gutted out the entire 30-mile run yesterday. But extensive swelling last night convinced the competitive athlete that riding in the support van today might be wise. Earlier today, Voss talked about his injury, the importance of the “sustenance” van for the runners, and why Coach Dan Zemper — a late addition to the Run — has been nothing short of a godsend to this ambitious endeavor. (And scroll below for more videos from Day 4)

Coach Dan Zemper and Hans Voss prepare salted avocados in the “sustenance van” on Day 4 of the Run Across Ethiopia.

The Run Across Ethiopia van remains close to the harriers, and waits for them by the side of the road to facilitate water and food breaks intermittently.

Before Day 4 of the Run Across Ethiopia, Englishman Nigel Willerton rocks out to Eminem in order to pump up his fellow harriers.

Traverse City-resident Chris Girrbach leads the harriers in prayer before Day 4 of the Run Across Ethiopia.

Village children have been jogging alongside the Run Across Ethiopia since it began on Jan. 9, but today may have been the first appearance by a local schoolgirl.

Shortly after beginning, Norm Plumstead talks about how he feels on Day 4 of the Run Across Ethiopia. The harrier from Empire, Michigan, found today to be mighty challenging — the second of four consecutive 30-mile days.

Finally, at the risk of self promotion, Jacob Wheeler talks in this video about the importance of an immersion journalism approach to cover the Run Across Ethiopia. (He’s trying to keep up with the runners on the trail.)