Goretex Trans Rockies Run
Snow on the 'China Wall'
Fredrik Olmqvist / 18.09.2007
Breakfast was served at six in the dining tent; porridge, mini bagels, cheese & broccoli omelette and a few large coffees. A Slovakian runner with bright pink Crocs joined me and we were both concerned about the weather. Even though this is a Gore-Tex sponsored event all runners seem to prefer a dry and sunny race!
After we loaded our duffel bags onto the “Bag Van� we were being shuttled back to Vail. The start was delayed since the gondola ski lift which would take us to the start up on the mountain has been closed due to thunderstorm and lightning. An hour later it clears up and the race can start. The rough weather and the late start has forced the race organisers to shorten the course, from 42Km to 30Km. But no runners protest the course change as an 800m very steep climb has been taken out.
Most runners wear their waterproof jackets but when the start begins at 3000m there is only a light drizzle. Those without Gore-Tex shoes try in vain to run on the few dryer spots along the wet, slushy trail. As we follow the snow capped ridge called “The China Wall� it clears up and the warm sun makes it a trail running experience to remember. Absolutely beautiful! Pristine to say the least. We don’t even notice the altitude, about 3600 m.
Me and my running partner Elinor Fish (Team Trail Runner Magazine) are feeling strong and when we reach the second checkpoint of the day, after 2.5 hours, we are in 9th place overall and second in the mixed category. But with only a mile or so to go I bonk, and the mixed team NW Nike ACG (2nd on the first stage) who have been catching up with us, overtake us and clinch the 2nd place again. (Team Running Times are first again today).
But we are very happy to reach the podium, which we celebrate with a few Fat Tire beers at the Red Cliffs Bar in Red Cliffs, an old mining village, before heading to Hale Camp in Pando.
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