“Lucy’s Dad: Ash Bartholomew’s inspiring story at Western States 100” is a new short film following the journey of 61-year-old Australian ultrarunner Ash Bartholomew, dad to Salomon athlete Lucy Bartholomew, as he follows his life-long dream of running the Western States 100 in 2023.
In 2018, already two years into entering the draw for the revered race, Ash traveled to California to support Lucy in her Western States 100 debut, where she took third place. Five years on, it was his turn to take center stage.
The race brings together the full Bartholomew clan — who had not all been together in 10 years — in an effort to support their dad, and get him across the line within the race’s 30-hour cutoff time.
A still from “Lucy’s Dad” shows Lucy and Ash in the early stages of the 2023 Western States 100. Photo Salomon TV
The film is an emotional roller coaster, as the day starts in a most idyllic way for Ash, supported by his three children and fulfilling his dream. But in the second half he begins to struggle, and it is a battle against the clock as crowds gather around him in the final miles, in an effort to get him home. The group effort exemplifies the spirit of ultrarunning.
With insights from Ash, sons Josh and Tom, daughter Lucy, and family friends — the film is as much about humanity as it is about running.
A scene from the film “Lucy’s Dad” shows support building in the last two miles. Photo: Salomon TV
