The America’s Uphill race begins at the base of Aspen Mountain and climbs 3,267 punishing feet up to the finish line at the Sundeck Restaurant, which sits at an elevation of 11,212 feet. Racers can wear whatever they want to get up the mountain: snowshoes, nordic skis, tele skis, AT skis, running shoes, etc. This year, Mike and Sari chose to wear lightweight Nike flats modified with metal cleats screwed under the forefoot for uphill traction in the snow.
Team Beaver Creek brought a strong contingent of local athletes over to defend their team title, but the competition from the Ute Mountaineer team proved to be too tough this year. Mike finished in second place behind 2007 Mountain Runner of the Year, Ricky Gates, while Sari finished behind legendary mountain runner Anita Ortiz. Full Results here.
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