Saturday morning, I’ll be running up Mt. Evans. Yes. THAT Mt. Evans.

Mt. Evans on the right! Photo by pixelsby.me. Amazing pics over there!

This was a picture I found from someone that lives fairly near to me actually. Pretty amazing shot from Daniels Park area!

My History

I ran this race in 2008, 23 years old and a lot less experienced at mountain running than I am now. I ran a 2:11:15 for 18th overall, 16th guy. I was beat by Matt Carpenter (course record that year), Canadian Mountain Running Team member and Arc’teryx runner Adam Campbell, the Japanese 2:19 marathoner and 2000 Olympics gold medalist Naoko Takahashi,  trail elite and La Sportiva runner Susan Nuzum among many others. It was a stacked year and I had no idea what I was getting into! This year I look forward to seeing who shows up.

The Weather

Currently showing a temperature of 48º at the start and temps in the upper 50s by 9:30 am. Link to forecast is here.

The Course

The race starts at Echo Lake, 10,600′ above sea level. Runners take off up the highest paved road in North America. This course means business! There is 4,410′ of climb on this course with only 948′ of decent. Not much of a break from climbing there.  The road to the top is 14.33 miles long with some of the steepest sections after Summit Lake (mile 9). The finish is well worth it though and you will likely be greeted by a herd of mountain goats! Final elevation is around 14,200′ above sea level. Not a bad way to get high!

Course Map!

The Runners

The list was updated again on Wednesday the 13th and can be found here.

I won’t attempt to call out every runner that stands a chance, I’m not THAT good. My name isn’t Justin Mock! He could tell you exactly what to expect.

The guys should have a pretty good race going on:

Ryan Hafer – Colorado Springs local – 2010 Barr Trail winner and record holder – 2012 5th place Bolder Boulder (31:49)

Geofrey Kiplagat Terer – Kenya – 1:02:35 half marathon – 28:50 10k – 2:11:56 marathon- Ummm Yeah. That fast!

Wyatt Hornsby – says goal is sub 2:30 – took 35 minutes off his 2011 Cheyenne Mt 50k time from a year before

Dan O’Connell – Middle of ultra training – Strong runner – 5th at Sage Burner 50k with a 5:05

Russell Stein – Denver – Taken over local scene with fast times – 1:12:52 Platte Half Champ – Colorado Marathon – Cherry Creek Sneak

Tim Waggoner – Golden – overall tough athlete – training for Leadman – has a pet fox - 19:19 Leadville 100 2010 – 2:00:33 2011 Mt Evans Ascent

Me – hoping for 2:05 or under – faster would be welcome!

The women have a few big names as well:

Ellie Keyser – Ft. Collins – 2:58 and the win at Colorado Marathon a month ago

Lisa Goldsmith – Nederland – Decorated trail runner – La Sportiva team – Masters records at Pikes and Imogene

Stevie Kremer – Crested Butte – 2011 Barr Trail champ 1:51 – 2011 Lead King Loop champ 2:11

Jeanne Cooper – Eagle – 5th at Cherry Creek Sneak 5m 2012 – 2:49 at 2012 Olympic Trials

This is by no means a full list, just a few of the names I recognize! Expect a great race on both sides.

Running Up Mt. Evans – 4,400′ of climb in 14 miles

I’m not exactly sure what to expect for me but I know it will be fun and there will be plenty of pictures on my next post!