Weather can’t dampen spirits at TransRockies
By Josh Gosliner

At the start of the TransRockies Run this morning in Beaver Creek, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and the racers set off on their 110 mile journey likely thinking it would stay that way.  Throughout the majority of the first stage, Mother Nature cooperated and gave racers perfect running weather.  As most racers flew through the first control station at 11.75 miles of the 15.5-mile route, a gorgeous Colorado morning transitioned into what most thought would be a gorgeous Colorado afternoon.  However, for many of racers, staying dry became not only a mirage, but a measure of how well your team did.

Those who finished the race early were treated to great weather throughout their run, and were lucky enough to be in the Eagle’s Nest atop Vail Peak when the weather took a turn for the worse.  And so it began, with rain relentlessly falling on the racers as they charged up the daunting climb towards the Eagle’s Nest.  Many racers crossed the finish line soaked, not with just the typical perspiration, but loads of precipitation to boot. 

As those who had already finished along sat in the comfort of the Eagle’s Nest, tenacious racers continued to run across the finish line.  Despite the difficult climb to the top of Vail Peak at 10,100 feet, along with the added challenge of less than desirable weather, most racers came across the finish line with a smile.

However, the weather was not done toying with the TransRockies Run, as high winds and lightning forced the gondola connecting the peak to Vail village to be shut down.  The Eagle’s nest soon became packed with runners, event and media staff, eating granola, Clif bars, and for some, pizza.  Soon enough, the gondolas re-opened, allowing a tired, wet, but resilient group of athletes retire for the day in the tent city.