Dr. Nate Kartchner- UTAH 115 Medical Director
Dr. Kartchner is the Medical Director for the Utah 115. He is board-certified in Emergency Medicine, an attending physician at Evanston Regional Medical Center, Director of EMS for Uinta County Wyoming and a Field Surgeon with the Utah Army National Guard. He has extensive wilderness medicine experience previously working as a ski patroller, wildland firefighter and whitewater river guide. He has two combat deployments with the United States Army. Currently he lives in Southern Utah with his beautiful wife of 22 years and their 5 children. He has completed several ultra-marathons as well as climbed and skied from the summit of the Grand Teton. Winters are spent skiing with his family whenever possible while summers are spent rafting, camping, and backpacking throughout the West.
To ensure you have a safe and successful race in Kanab, please take a moment to review these guidelines and "pro-tips" from our Medical Director.
The Medical Team & Your Care
Our course is supported by an emergency medicine physician with a background in military and wilderness medicine, alongside a dedicated team of first-aid volunteers.
• Our Focus: We are here to manage serious emergencies and ensure everyone is fit to keep moving.
• Self-Sufficiency: Because our doc needs to stay mobile for emergencies, we ask that you (and your crew) handle the "small stuff"—think minor aches, nausea, or routine blisters. Please come prepared to be your own first responder for minor issues.
Suggested Personal Pharmacy
We recommend packing a small kit with these basics for symptomatic relief:
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500-1000 mg every 6 hours as needed.
• Loperamide (Imodium) 4 mg after the first stool, 2mg after each loose stool thereafter. No more than 8mg in 24 hours.
• Ondansetron (Zofran) 4 mg ODT every 4-6 hours (this is prescription-only, so chat with your doctor beforehand).
We also strongly recommend you bring supplies to treat your own blisters and know how to use them (or your crew). We will try to help if possible, but there will NOT be dedicated foot care supplies at the race.
A Critical Note on NSAIDs
We strongly advise against taking NSAIDs (like Advil, Motrin, Aleve, or Naproxen) during the race. These meds reduce blood flow to your kidneys. When you combine that with the dehydration and exertional rhabdomyolysis common in ultras, you are looking at a high risk for Acute Kidney Injury. If you choose to take them anyway, hydration becomes your #1 priority.
Safety & Logistics
• Stay Hydrated: If you reach a point where you can’t keep fluids down and need an IV, we have to medically disqualify you for your own safety and transport you to the hospital. Also, a reminder that crew-administered IVs are strictly prohibited.
• Medical Authority: This is a remote race. If we’re worried about your vitals, we may hold you at an aid station or, in severe cases, pull you from the race. We want you to finish, but we want you to do it safely.
• The Elements: Expect altitudinal stress (5,000–6,500 ft) and wild temperature swings—hot days and chilly nights. Plan your gear accordingly!
As the old ultra-marathon adage goes: "If you get sick, if you get injured, or if you die ... it’s your own damn fault!" We’re here to help you cross that line, but your safety starts with you.
Now, let’s get out there and have some fun!
Nathan Kartchner, MD
Utah 115 Medical Director
