Western Colorado University Athletics

Celebrating its 74th year dating back to 1951, the W mountain race is the oldest running race in the state of Colorado. The "W Mountain" race was started by Western students, including 2016 Mountaineer Hall of Fame Inductee Ed Ali, 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 the Track and Field team 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', which is the home of the Western "W", the largest collegiate emblem in the world. The race annually brings in 150+ competitors to take on the high-altitude challenge.

Please help us in sponsoring the 74th Annual W Mountain Race on Saturday, October 5th,2024. Generous donations like yours can help us compete at the highest level in both the NCAA Division II and the RMAC conference. All donations will go directly to Western Track & Field and Cross Country programs. 

Thank you in advance for your continued support of the Western Colorado University Track & Field and Cross Country programs.

For those not running but still wanting to support Western Track & Field and Cross Country, please visit our donation page. (More information bellow)

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 Check-in: from 9-:30 a.m at the start line

In-person registration: from 9-10 a.m. 

Race begins at 10 a.m.

Please contact Austin Billings with questions - abillings@western.edu or 970-943-3259

W Mountain Donation Guide
Do you want to support Mountaineer Cross Country/Track and Field and want some team gear? Then head to the online donation page and based on your contribution level you will receive the team gear listed bellow. It's simple, click the donation link and select the amount. Then chose "Men's and Women's Cross Country" or "Men's and Women's Track and Field." Lastly, in the "Additional Comments/Message" on page two, write out your size and complete the form. Then we will send you your gear!