A Race Riddled With Tradition
Energetic rays of light flooded the town of Silverton this morning as nearly 300 runners towed the line of the 39th Kendall Mountain Run. As per tradition the race began in front of the Grand Imperial Hotel with the firing of a gun by Wiley Carmichael. He has ignited the race since the inaugural run 39 years ago. With the echoing bang the crowd of runners moved through the center street of town before ascending Kendall Mountain. During the race, runners experienced beautiful pines, breath taking views, and substantial elevation gain to the summit.
Dakota Jones (Left), Timmy Parr (Center) and Tate Lagasca (Right) about to summit. Photo: Jubilee Paige
Exciting Men’s Race
Hailing from Ethiopia and currently training in Colorado Springs, Daniel Hadis, lead the race clear to the top of Kendall. His strength traveling to the top was truly showcased. After the race he referred to Kendall Mountain as “a hill.” A notable race of his was his half marathon time of 1:03:34 in 2013. However, Daniel was not alone on the mountain. Only a minute behind was, Gebrekidan Abadi. Moments behind him were the next three runners Timmy Parr, Dakota Jones, and Tate Lagasca. In a post race interview Dakota recounted that there was a group of them ascending the scramble section at the top together.
“I breath easier at higher elevation.” – Timmy Parr
The real race began on the decent down Kendall Mountain. Daniel led for a while. However Dakota accelerated into another gear. He flew down the mountain and passed Daniel just before tree line. Then the two race leaders whooshed past the other runners still climbing the mountain. Several finishers retold their personal encounters with theses crazy fast runners descending the mountain. Bounding into town for the final stretch Dakota Jones held the lead and finished in 1:37:03 a mere two minutes and four second off the current course record. Daniel Hadis crossed the finish line just a minute after Dakota and Timmy Parr rounded out the podium three minutes back.
Emelie Forsberg (Left) and Sarah Pizzo (Right) reaching the top. Photo: Jubilee Paige
Exhilarating Women’s Race
Strength of legs and everything else was not lost on the women. Similar to the men there was a group of ladies who battled it out for most of the race. Emelie Forsberg was the first to crest the summit quickly followed by Keri Nelson, Sarah Pizzo, Taylor Nowlin and Sandi Nypaver.
“I loved every step of that course.” – Taylor Nowlin
Descending with ease the women started breaking off into smaller groups. Emelie and Sarah pulled away in front with Taylor and Sandi fast on their heals. Coming off an injury this past winter leader, Emelie, was not sure if her ACL would hold up. She even disclosed that if she needed to she would walk downhill to not disrupt her healing process. Emelie’s leg definitely held up and she crossed the finish line a champion in 1:59:29 just four minutes off course record set by Stevie Kremer in 2015. Sarah Pizzo, in her first Sky Race finished only 25 seconds after Emelie. However the race was not over yet. Taylor and Sandi were back and forth throughout the downhill and into town. Eight seconds faster Taylor leapt across the line and rounded out the podium.
Finish Line Aftermath
There was a trend from the racers crossing the finish: most would stop and double over on their knees. Others simply praised a higher power. And more still took refuge lying in the cool green grass as the sun graced them with its warmth. They had all conquered the mountain but the toughness left its mark. The challenge and beauty of the Kendall Mountain Run was fully displayed. Celebrating the miners of the San Juans who years ago climbed Kendall Mountain for a bet, sport and the shear enjoyment.
Added Bonus
Both the men’s and women’s champions have dealt with injuries within the past year. It was truly inspiring to see a strong race from them but also their incredible sportsmanship and comradery with the other runners. Just another historic day at the Kendall Mountain Run.