Wild West Relay Gets Your Ass Over The Pass
The Wild West Relay is set to take place this upcoming weekend for the 14th year. It began in 2004 and still entices running enthusiasts to “Get Your Ass Over The Pass.” The event starts in the foothills of Ft. Collins and send runners into the heart of Jackson County as they traverse the national forests of the Continental Divide and end in Steamboat Springs.
The 198 mile race trail winds through foothills, working ranches, and the beautiful vistas of the North Park valley that typify the American West. The course is divided into 36 legs. Team sizes are 12 runner and 6 runner teams. There are 63 teams entered this year with a total of 675 runners.
Professional race director, Paul Vanderfeiden, is the director for this event that has passed through North Park since it’s inception. North Park takes good care of the participating runners providing soup and showers for them at the high school. This event has raised and distributed close to $230,000 since 2005.The Wild West Relay is a for profit race, however, “Volunteers With A Purpose” is a program that benefits non-profit groups.
The race participants celebrate at the finish line in Steamboat Springs at the Gondola Plaza. Teams enjoy a cold beer and a refreshing dip in the Yampa River.
