This race had been on the radar for a couple of years and I would say it even exceeded my high expectations. I knew I wanted to be a part of this inaugural event as it had "epic" potential. When the opportunity came up to "race" it, I jumped at the chance. I know how much hard work it took by all the volunteers to make this thing work and I thank you all for allowing 197 of us lucky runners to take on this challenge.
Being 2 weeks after
Hardrock and 1 week before
Ouray, I decided not to even think of this as a "race", but instead went very conservative, chatting with friends and taking tons of pictures. Even with a conservative approach, I felt pretty worked by the finish line.
Pete and Nick have created a monster. It was like a mix of Hardrock, Bighorn, Bear, and Wasatch all rolled into one incredible 65 mile course!
While I had hiked or run several parts of this course in
State Forest State Park over my 20 years living in nearby Fort Collins, putting it all together in one big loop made me appreciate it even more. Put this race on your bucket list everyone!
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| The starting line at Gould Community Center |
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| Climbing up Seven Utes with the full Never Summer Range about to come into view |
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| Kristel and Alan traversing the ridge before the drop to Lake Agnes |
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| Lake Agnes |
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| The American Lakes |
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| The climb to North Diamond Peak to the beat of the kilted drummer |
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| The traverse from North Diamond to Montgomery Pass |
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| Near Montgomery Pass |
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| Climbing toward Kelly Lake. Most amazing wildflowers ever! |
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| Kelly Lake |
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| Some scrambling above Kelly Lake |
Not that I'm keeping track or anything, but this is twice in a row I've whooped your ass in the mountains.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have a selective memory (Cheyenne Mt, Black Squirrel, ...). I do want a rematch at Hardrock someday.
DeleteThat course looks awesome
ReplyDeleteYou need to come back to Colorado and do this Mike.
DeleteAwesome pictures. Sounds like a burly race, though I expect nothing less from the two clowns that orchestrated it. Would you do it again?
ReplyDeleteYou would love it Steph! Yes I want to do this one every year. Nice job at Kendall Mt!
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