Mt. Sanitas, Boulder, Colorado

Mt. Sanitas map Every area has its test pieces, and Boulder, Colorado, has many. One of the most tested is Mt. Sanitas, part of the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP). In the history of the program, OSMP has only allowed one race on its property, and that was an ascent of the Mount Sanitas Trail, which gains 1300 feet over 1.4 miles. The "Cardiac Arete" race was held October 25, 2003, and was won by Nathan Schultz in 15m27s. Despite the fact that the race raised several hundred dollars for OSMP, and that participants were required to do a few hours of trail work, and that the public feedback was nearly universally positive, the City soon after banned all competative events on OSMP land. Nevertheless, informal competitions continue as they have for decades, out of sight of city officials.

Numerous records exist on Mt. Sanitas. Besides the ascent of the south ridge, via the Mount Sanitas Trail, many records exist for one or more "laps" of the 3.3 mile loop route that includes the Mount Sanitas Trail, East Ridge Trail and the Sanitas Valley Trail. The former 2 trails are extremely steep, rocky and rough, while the Valley Trail is a smooth, double-wide gravel path. These trails are among the most popular and crowded in the OSMP system, often making speed record attempts even more challenging.

For those attempting their own trials on Mount Sanitas, it is traditional that you must touch the post at the north end of the bridge by the picnic shelter off Sunshine Canyon Drive, and the metal post at the summit. For a multi-lap tour you must do this every lap.

At just 6,863 feet, Mt. Sanitas is diminutive by Colorado standards. But, for me it is a special place. Mt. Sanitas dominates the view from my bedroom, and I have been playing on this mountain for nearly 40 years!

Here's a list of some of the FKT's that have been reported for Mt. Sanitas. Many more times are listed on Bill Wright's website.

Ascent of Mt. Sanitas Trail (1.4 miles), Rickey Gates, 14m28s
Ascent of Mt. Sanitas Trail (1.4 miles), female, Lisa Goldsmith (10/25/2003), 18m55s (in Cardiac Arete race)
Descent of Mt. Sanitas Trail (1.4 miles), Paul Pomeroy, 7m59s
Round trip of Mt. Sanitas Trail (2.8 miles), Dave Mackey (9/9/2003), 25m56s
1 Lap (up Mt. Sanitas Trail, down East Ridge and Valley Trails, 3.3 miles), Dave Mackey (4/6/2004), 28m05s
12 hours of loops, Peter Bakwin, 16 laps in 11h56m22s (2/22/2003), 52.8 miles with 20,800 feet of climb and descent
12 hours of loops, female, Stephanie Ehret 13 laps in 11h42m58s (3/28/2004)
24 hours of loops, Paul Pomeroy, 24 laps in 23h18m (5/24/2002)
30 loops (100 miles, with 39,000 feet of climb and descent), Paul Pomeroy (April 2006), 45h05m



Here's Pomeroy's brief report from his epic 100 miles of Mt. Sanitas:

"Bare Bones: 30 Laps, 45:05, 100 miles, 40,000' gain.
Fleshed Out: 'I think he'll be fine' Bob Rayburn said cheerfully to a passing hiker as I disgorged the last of my stomach contents on the side of the trail. Only seven hours into what was promising to be a long venture things had definitely headed south. I had imagined reaching this point relatively easily, breezing around the 3.3 mile loop, racking up the laps and styling my way to a dazzling finish by nightfall the next day. Things were not going according to plan. I wiped the slime from my lips, mustered my forces and lurched up the trail. Paralyzing cramps wracked my quads, nausea gripped my stomach and I hung my head as I continued up the hill and wondered why I ever thought this was a good idea. No backing out now I thought, mildly regretting having posted an announcement to the Boulder Trail Runners list that would require dozens of future explanations in the event of failure. If I was going to finish I needed to forget about time and concentrate on completion alone. Relief came in the form of company. Far more people than I expected had caught word of this "run" and decided to come out. I had expected to be primarily on my own. In fact of the thirty laps I was alone for only three, even during the wee hours of two nights. I doubt I would have finished solo - thank you Paul Gross, Bob Rayburn, Mike Pont, Doug Rovira. Thanks also to all of you who showed up for an "attaboy" or a single lap. I sincerely wish I had made a better showing yet I feel I can take pride in overcoming some distinct difficulties and persevering to the end. After a far more comfortable day Saturday it was a pleasure to roll down the valley trail at 4:05 am Sunday morning, and sit in my folding chair not having to face the prospect of another trip up the grade. Despite the obstacles this was a rewarding and memorable experience,in a lovely ambience, shared with many friends. Best wishes and thanks to all." -- Paul Pomeroy, 4/17/2006