Chihping Fu: the most self sufficient ultrarunner

Chihping Fu is an ultrarunner who is at all the tough races, usually taking photos. In the past two years, Fu has run just shy of 4,000 kilometres and that’s not including the 930 he plans to complete this summer. For context, his summer racing alone is roughly the distance from Toronto to the western border of New Brunswick. 

Fu began ultrarunning in 2004 after completing several full and half-marathons. He grew up in Taiwan, where running wasn’t very popular, but fell in love with the sport when he moved to America. Fu is best known for his race photography and rejection of drop bags. Fu keeps everything he could need in his backpack. He has his belongings on hand in order to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Fu enjoys the running, but also loves the problem-solving aspect of ultramarathoning. He carries his own stuff to ensure that he can handle any situation that comes his way. 

Chihping Fu, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Me (l to r). About 26 miles in at #LS50 pic.twitter.com/VjHJAYHnaD

— Jason Chan (@chanjbs) April 16, 2017

Fu pictured left. 

Fu has a tried and true list of items he must have when running an ultra. First, he starts every race, even if it’s warm, with a jacket tied around his waist. Second, he makes sure he has a charged camera. Fu is known all around the ultra community as a volunteer race photographer. Then in his pack he has: night gear, extra clothes, batteries, headlamps, tissue paper/vaseline, food, gels, and a USB charger. 

Taking shelter with this crew! 😀

Chihping Fu seemed cool with me hiding out. Aiding and… https://t.co/8XCS1of6z4

— Chris Blagg (@immortalsrun) December 5, 2016

Fu’s self sufficiency doesn’t stop at his gear; he typically also takes public transit to races. In a podcast a few weeks ago Fu described taking an Amtrak train, to a Lightrail train and then walking with his luggage the final nine miles to his race location. He said his race was difficult because of his sunburn and tired legs. 

Fu has a jam packed summer season. You can find him and his camera at upcoming races on the west coast, such as the San Diego 100 miler on June 8th or the Cascade Crest 100 miler August 25th.