The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
You’ve skied it, now run it
For the first time, the Grand Traverse is proud to offer a supported trail run from Crested Butte to Aspen on Saturday, August 24. It is close to the 40-mile route that skiers have done since 1998. The start will be in downtown Crested Butte and the finish is at the base area of the Aspen ski area.
Racers will start on Elk Ave at 5:45 a.m., run to the Upper Upper Loop trail via Tony’s, over to Brush Creek Road, and out to Canal Trail. They will continue on through Death Pass (Trail 400) to Star Pass to Taylor Pass and Richmond Ridge and into the Aspen Ski Resort for the finish at the base of Aspen Mountain. Racers may do the run solo or as a team of two.
Mandatory Gear includes a container to carry your water minimum 12oz (aid stations will not have cups), CORSAR card, Buff or light hat, dark sunglasses and wind shell with hood.
There will be five aid stations on the course that will have limited water and Clif products. They will not have cups for dispensing water, racers must supply your own water container. This is a cup-less race.
It is suggested that racers carry their own water and nutrition just in case stations run out. The following items are also suggested but not mandatory: wind shell pants, sunblock, water sterilization, matches or lighter, compass & map (of the area), light gloves, trekking poles, emergency space blanket, running pack, cell phone (very limited service on course).
There is a short list of rules which include, no whining, no littering and enjoy yourself, among others.
Registration and further information is available online at www.gtmountainrun.com and as of press time, Tuesday night, five racers were already registered. It’s $75 for an individual, $140 for teams of two prior to August 1. The price goes up to $90 for individuals and $160 per team after August 1.
