Pottstown’s Niko Teller probably woke up this Monday morning a little sorer than most weekend warriors. That’s because instead of yard work or house repairs, he spent his Saturday and Sunday on one of the most grueling sports challenges in the world, the Eastern States 100. Rob Senior jogged though the particulars in The Mercury.

Teller has a history of overcoming obstacles. As a youngster, he refused to let diagnoses of ADD/ADHD define him. “It taught me all I needed to do was outwork the average person. Don’t give up, study harder,” said the 26-year-old.

The straightforwardness of marathon running appealed to him. “All you have to do is run as far and as fast as possible through any and all conditions,” he characterized.

That’s a skill the Eastern States 100 requires in massive amounts.

The race, set in Williamsport (west of Wilkes Barre), is a two-day trek over 103.1 miles, the equivalent of running four traditional marathons consecutively. Competitors also face natural impediments that include mud, water, inclines, heat, and humidity.

Along the way, 30–40 percent of participants drop out.

Even qualifying is an achievement: running 50 miles in 16 hours or less.

“My ultimate goal is just to finish,” Teller said.

Although the race ended yesterday evening (5:00 p.m.), results have not yet been tabulated, leaving Teller’s status unknown.

More on this tale of endurance is at The Mercury.