120 miles. 6 days. Through the Colorado Rockies.
Not many people look at that and think, "that sounds like fun!"
There were however 550 people who decided to take on the challenge and spend a week running together through the mountains. As for Ezra and myself, we both decided to run for fun and not for time. This not only made the race more enjoyable, but also helped keep our friendship in tact.
Each day we woke up knowing there was a sizable run ahead of us. With sore legs we rolled out of the tents, ate breakfast, packed our bags, then waited for the start.
Each day our tents were set up and broken down for us. Our bags were picked up and shuttled from the start to the finish. Breakfast was prepared and the course was expertly marked.
Each day there was an awards ceremony, an abundant amount of snacks and beer, and a deliciously catered meal for dinner. There was music, showers, and did I mention lots of beer?
This was the cycle over the 6 days. With tired bodies, racers gathered in the morning sharing stories from the day before and pumping each other up for the trails ahead. The moans and groans could be heard as the running started but once everyone found their grove it was all about having a good time.
I could go on about the scenery, the majestic views, the amazing crew and volunteers (who I can't thank enough), and the friendships that were made. Instead I decided to compile footage of each stage so that you can experience a small piece of the race yourself.
Stage 1: Buena Vista to Railroad Bridge
Distance: 20.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 2,500'
Max Elevation: 9,337'
Finish time: 3:22:37
Strava Data
Stage 2: Vicksburg to Twin Lakes
Distance: 13.3 Miles
Elevation Gain: 3,200'
Max Elevation: 12,536'
Finish Time: 2:36:08
Strava Data
Stage 3: Leadville to Nova Guides
Distance: 24.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 2,700''
Max Elevation: 10,915'
Finish Time: 4:09:51
Beer Mile Time: Approx 8 min
Strava Data
Stage 4: Nova Guides to Red Cliff
Distance: 14.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 2,800'
Max Elevation: 11,683'
Finish Time: 2:42:33
Stage 5: Red Cliff to Vail
Distance: 24.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 4,100'
Max Elevation: 11,697'
Finish Time: 4:07:29
Strava Data
Stage 6: Vail to Beaver Creek
Distance: 22.4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 5,250'
Max Elevation: 10,553'
Finish Time: 4:04:12
Strava Data
Overall this was the most organized and well put together race I've ever done. Everything about it seemed seamless and we were amazed at how they were able to make it look so easy.
As far as active vacations go, the TransRockies Run is at the top of my list.