GUNNISON, Colo. - Registration is currently open for the 68
th Annual W Mountain Race to be held on October 20
th at 10 a.m.
Last year, Western's
Evan Sutherland took the overall title with a 17:21 effort in brutally windy conditions. The top female finisher in 2018 was two-time Mountaineer track & field All-American
Bailey Sharon with a 21:17 clocking to place 15
th overall. The 2017 addition saw 86 finishers.
The current course record of 15:40 was set by Western cross country and track legend, Josh Eberly in 2012.
In recent years, the W Mountain Race has served as competition for redshirt and unattached cross country athletes and a preseason test of fitness and resilience for track & field athletes. Other Mountaineer Athletics teams have joined in the tradition as Western men's basketball has made a habit of testing their mettle on the dirt of the W.
Dating back to 1951, the W mountain race celebrates its 68
th running in 2018 continuing the status of oldest running race in the state of Colorado.
The "W Mountain" race was started by Western students along with U.S. Olympic Ski Coach Sven Wiik as preseason preparation for his team. The ski team continued to put on the race until 2007 when Western Track & Field took over the W Mountain tradition.
The 2.8 mile "W Mountain" race starts at approximately 7750' and meanders along a dirt road up to the top of Tenderfoot Mountain at 8,671'.
Tenderfoot Mountain is home to the largest collegiate emblem in the word - the Western "W". Additionally, the summit holds distinct archeological value so all participants are asked to exercise caution and remain on the established road atop the mountain.
In a unique combination of student-athletes and members of the community, the race regularly draws 100 competitors to take on the 900+ feet of elevation gain embodied in the high altitude challenge.
For those not interested in running who would still like to support Western track & field and cross country, please visit our
donation page.
Race Information
Directions: Head West on Highway 50 out of Gunnison. Turn left onto W. Airport Rd. and follow it as it turns into Gold Basin Rd. Follow the road for a little more than half a mile until you see a sign on the left for the turnout to the W Mountain Race. Follow the dirt road to the start line and park accordingly.
Race Day Registration: from 8:30-9:15 a.m. and will be $25 (cash only)
Race Day Check-in: from 9:00-9:30 a.m. at the start line
Race begins at 10 a.m.
