16th Annual Mt. Werner Classic

Results Available Here

The Mt. Werner Classic is excited to announce that it is continuing efforts in 2010 to be a green trail running event. By joining the Greenteam, sponsored by Runner’s World and Nature’s Path, the Mt. Werner Classic is becoming a more sustainable environmentally friendly running event. Our most ambitious effort to date was to completely eliminate cups from the 2009 race. Instead we offered handheld water bottles from Ultimate Direction (UD) for runner's on the course.  In 2010, we will remain a cupless trail running event!  What does this mean to you, the runner; bring your own water container to run with.  There will be plenty of water at the aid stations, but you will need something to put it in.

What follows is a list of green initiatives that the race has undertaken:

• In 2010, we will be offering a custom Mt. Werner Classic logo on a Headsweats race visor made from Cocona®.  Cocona® products utilize an all-natural technology that incorporates activated carbon made from coconut shells.  Rendering of visor is available on the right side of this page.
• In 2010, we will be using reusable plates for the finish line meal.
• In 2009, handheld water bottles were provided and the race went completely cupless. All cups were eliminated from the start, finish and the aid stations. Runner's were encouraged to bring their own hydration devices or to use the free Ultimate Direction FastDraw handheld water bottle that were given away at the race.
• In 2008, reusable logo'd shopping bags were given out to each racer.
• Online registration, race information and race results
• Recycling dead trail and road running shoes at the race start. Shoes were donated to Soles4Souls .
• Recycling bins for any plastic water bottles or drink bottles that runners bring to the race. In 2009 and 2008, we recycled nearly all post-race waste.
• Biodegradable forks, knives, spoons, napkins, plates, etc.
• Serve Organic food at the post race meal.
• Encourage runners to ride their bikes and/or carpool to the event from out of town.

If you can think of other ways to help us green-up our event with product sponsorships or good old ideas – please feel free to send them to Race Director Emily Conjura.

Runners are encouraged to register early at Ski Haus or online.

What: Challenging 12 and 5 mile trail runs on Mt Werner

Download Course Map

When: Saturday, August 7, 2010. Race day registration will begin at 7:30am and the 12 mile run will begin at 8:00am while the 5 mile run, and 5 mile hike will commence at 8:30am.

Where: All runners meet at the base of the Mt. Werner Ski Area at the base of the Gondola.

Registration: This race is capped at 125 runners.  

Pre-register online or at Ski Haus in Steamboat Springs.  Register early to ensure an entry gift and please remember that post race food is for runners and volunteers only.

What you receive: Entry gift, great food, prizes for winners and raffle entry for prizes.

Course Descriptions:

• Vertical for 12 Mile race – 4,775 ft.

5 Miler Stats

• Aid 1 - 2.2 Miles
• Aid 2 - 4.4 Miles
• Finish - 5.4 Miles
• Starting Elevation - 6,896 ft.
• Ending Elevation - 9,071 ft.
• Net Elevation Gain - 2,175 ft.
• Net Elevation Loss - 237 ft.
• Net Elevation Change - 2,412 ft.

The Mt. Werner Classic is a spectacular 5 and 12 mile trail running hill climb held in beautiful Steamboat Springs, CO. The 12 Mile race is also part of the Trail Runner magazine national trophy series.

Just because it's shorter doesn't make the 5-mile trail run any easier. The course begins with a climb up the Right-O-Way trail, to Valley View, and up to Huffman's trail (appropriately named) finishing at the gondola. Hikers/Walkers will follow the same 5-mile course as the runners.

The runners of the 12-mile trail run begin with a similar climb up Right-O-Way to the Valley View trail where they then cut across to Duster and the Rendezvous Restaurant. At the Rendezvous Saddle the legs are worked and the challenge is not yet over. Runners continue up Pete's Wicked trail and over to Storm Peak Challenge. After all of that climbing they finally get a downhill break as they cruise on into the gondola area.

Both courses are trail runs in their entirety, and run on a combination of cat tracks and single-track trails with absolutely phenomenal views. There is absolutely NO CEMENT or ASPHALT on these courses so grab those trail running shoes! Runner's can expect 2 aid stations on the 5-mile course and 4 aid stations along the 12-mile course, as well as amazing views, wildflowers and aspen lined single-track along both courses, this race is truly a classic!

Runners are advised to bring their own water bottles or a camelback for those in-between sections. Those interested in volunteering for this race will be compensated with post race food and whatever else we can come up with to thank you!

NOTE: Due to the nature of this race starting at the bottom of the ski area and finishing at the top of the gondola, all runner's family members who would like to see the finish must make prior arrangements to either hike or bike up or pay to ride the gondola to the top. All runner's will receive a free ride DOWN the gondola after the race.

Contact:
Emily Conjura
Mark Andersen