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15th Annual Mt. Werner Classic

The Mt. Werner Classic is excited to announce that it is continuing efforts in 2009 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 is to completely eliminate cups from the 2009 race. Instead we will offer handheld water bottles from Ultimate Direction (UD) for runner's on the course. We will also have jugs of water for runner's to use to refill either their personal water bottles or their new UD handheld water bottle.

What follows is a list of initiatives that we will be doing this year, with the goal being to continue our efforts in years to come, as well as with other races in the Steamboat Springs Running Series.

• Handheld water bottles will be provided and the race will go completely cupless. All cups will be eliminated from the start, finish and the aid stations. Runner's are encouraged to bring their own hydration devices or to use the free Ultimate Direction FastDraw handheld water bottle that we will be giving away at the race.
• Online registration, race information and race results
• Recycling dead trail and road running shoes at the race start. Shoes will be donated to Soles4Souls .
• Recycling bins for any plastic water bottles or drink bottles that runners bring to the race. These bins will be provided in conjunction with Yampa Valley Recycles and Waste Management in Steamboat Springs, CO. In 2008, we recycled 3/4 of all post-race waste.
• Carbon offsets for runners who travel more than 50 miles to the race.
• Biodegradable forks, knives, spoons, napkins, plates, etc.
• Organic food will be served 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: 12 and 5 mile trail runs

When: Saturday, August 1, 2009. 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.

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

Course Descriptions:

• Vertical for 12 Mile race – 3,472 ft.
• Vertical for 5 Mile race – 2,180 ft.

The Mt. Werner Classic is a spectacular 5 and 12 mile trail running hill climb held in beautiful Steamboat Springs, CO.

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.

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

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