Tonawanda native determined to "defy death"

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TONAWANDA, N.Y., JUNE 8, 2012 - John Walsh is flipping a large tire as part of his practice for the Spartan Death Race, an endurance event held in Vermont, and is at his home. (120608 DEATH RACE1 - DOUG BENZ/NEWS)

June 13, 2012

Tonawanda native determined to "defy death"

By Brandon Koch The Tonawanda News The Tonawanda News Wed Jun 13, 2012, 10:24 PM EDT

TOWN OF TONAWANDA — Statistics show only 15 percent finish.

The challenge-driven race, which requires some of the toughest athletes to complete a series of roughly 15 to 20 exhausting tasks during a period of up to 48 hours, is not for the faint of heart — or mind.

The mantra of that race, dubbed the Spartan Death Race, is "Every man dies but not every man lives."

And that's just how Town of Tonawanda native John Walsh sees it.

Walsh, 21, a member of the Air Force reserves who served in Afghanistan for seven months, will try to "defy death" in the annual endurance race beginning this Friday in Pittsford, Vt.

"I'm excited just knowing only a certain amount of people go out and try this and a certain amount actually go out and finish," he said.

Walsh said he registered only about a month ago and had to pay the required $400 fee — most of which is donated to charity — to compete. He came across an article online about the race, sparking interest in the challenge.

"It's not just a 5K race, it's a lot more physically and mentally demanding," he noted.

Like most of those close to him, Walsh's mom Cheryl's initial response: "are you crazy?"

But Walsh hasn't wavered and is determined to go out and defy the odds.

"I think a lot of it is just internal fortitude and just wanting to go out and show others they can do whatever they want," he said. "Just go out and push yourself."

When Walsh first revealed he would compete in the event, Cheryl Walsh said it triggered mixed emotions.

"Why do you want to do this? Why put your body through this," Cheryl said. "A 48-hour challenge is not meant for everybody. I think that's what draws him to it. Only a few are willing to attempt this and I think he wants to be in that class."

The 40-mile course, which is set through the Vermont woods, is comprised of several backbreaking events. According to the race's site, youmaydie.com, competitors may be asked to chop wood for two hours, carry a 20-pound stump around for hours, lift 10-30-pound rocks for five hours, crawl around in mud or even memorize the names of the first 10 presidents of the United States.

"We don't really know what we're up against," Walsh said. "It's all about being motivated and being positive. As long as you have that positive attitude, you can keep pushing yourself. You never reach that limit. Just keep going.

"I expect to be thrown through mud, chopping wood ... definitely hiking up some mountain carrying some logs around," he added. "Anything crazy they (the event organizers) can think of."

As a matter of fact, the only challenge Walsh is aware of will be completed when this story was published.

"The first challenge is to get an article published," he said. "If you don't, the morning before the race begins you need to meet up with one of the race guys and swim 12 miles before the race even starts."

The Kenmore West graduate recently purchased an old tractor tire which he uses for strength and endurance training in a field near his Dreyer Avenue home. He's competed in several 5K races and marathons. He won a military-police 5K overseas.

Currently, he's working to get into law enforcement.

This weekend, however, he'll be trying his best to "stay alive."

"I definitely think I'm ready with all the training that I do and just my attitude of keeping motivated," Walsh said. "I'll be able to push through anything."

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