If you can believe the write-up about Kendall Mountain on summitpost.org then you “[shouldn’t] feel too proud when you reach the summit of this one.” However, we disagree. The basis for their argument is this race, Kendall Mountain Run: because runners run up Kendall Mountain it is brushed aside. Standing in Silverton, looking up at Kendall as it towers over Greene Street you get your first sense of the injustice done in that one sentence.
It is not hard to image how that 1908 bet started… seeing Kendall looming over their town the locals were sure that no one could possibly reach the summit and return within 1.5 hours and the bet was made. Although the 53 year-old, Neil McQuieg, lost by a minute and 42 seconds he sparked the imagination of other like-minded athletes. Rick Trujillo holds the FKT (fastest known time) to the summit and back with 1:23:07. Read a full history of Kendall Mountain Run here.
The race uses a different route than the one McQuieg probably took and it’s definitely a different route than the one Trujillo took (avalanche chute). The course takes a less direct approach along the jeep road leading to the top. It is longer but slightly less steep but still requires a scramble to the summit. The current course record was set last year by Joseph Gray in 1:34:59 and women’s record was set in 2008 by Mallory Kneller in 1:58:45.
Kendall Mountain Run is, again, part of the US Skyrunning Series for good reason: it is one of the toughest 12 milers around. Runners contend with altitude (the race starts at 9318 and reaches 13066), mountain weather, steep grades, hand-over-hand climbing, and quad-trashing almost uncontrolled descent.
Both course records are in jeopardy with Sage Canaday lining up for the men and Stevie Kremer for the women. They face contention from previous podium finishers Luke Ott, Andrew Benford, Jenn Shelton, Stephanie Hinds and the likes of Timmy Parr (prolific Colorado racer and frequent resident on any race podium), road-speedster Sam Yount, and Aravaipa Racing Team member, Kristina Pham (2nd in last year’s US Skyrunning Sky Series).
Besides the win the racers are going after a total prize purse of $2,500 and Skyrunning Series points. Many of the same faces will be lining up in October for the US Skyrunning Series Continental Championship with Aravaipa Running’s Flagstaff Sky Race. Both events are sponsored by Ultimate Direction with free product giveaways for lucky runners!
It’s not just the prize money or records that attract people to this race. It’s the history, town-support, and finish-line atmosphere that really makes for the experience. Silverton, with its population of less than 700, welcomes runners with open arms. The barbeque at the finish line to support San Juan County Search and Rescue is a party and will be enhanced this year with beer from SKA Brewing of Durango. Once the barbeque is over the party doesn’t stop and the festivities move to Greene Street with a free beer for every runner and a DJ at Silverton Montanya Distillers (The Rum Bar) starting at 7pm until they kick us out. If you won’t be able to make the race this year it’s definitely one to add to your 2016 calendar!
