Cresting The Hill at Mt Washington!

Race #5 in the Frontrunners GutBuster Trail Running Series took place on August 16th at Mt Washington Ski Resort. The final race of the season was a 3km 'ascent race' which started at the base of the green chair and climbed steeply to the top of mountain over rocky, rooty trails. Just under 70 brave trail runners took on the challenge of the course and were greeted with one of the hottest days of the summer to add to the challenge!

Early on in the race a lead group of 3 runners broke away which included Shane Ruljancich, Eric Findlay and Alex Magdanz. This group continued to put distance between themselves and the chase group of 4 which included GutBuster Race Diretors, Mark Nelson and Nick Walker. Shane Ruljancich was the first to crest the top of the hill with Eric Findlay close behind. The last 300m of the race flatten out a bit (still uphill but not as steep) and Eric was able to change gears and get past Shane for the overall win. On the womens side, Emily Solsberg used her hill climbing strength to hold onto a small lead over Lara Wear of the Prairie Inn Harriers. Emily recently qualified for the Canadian Mountain Running Team heading to Switzerland and her win at the Mt Washington GutBuster secured her position as the overall series champion.

Ascent Race Results

Photos by Tony Austin