Kahtoola Uphill Race

Every year in February, Kahtoola sponsors the Kahtoola Uphill Race. The proceeds from this fun event go to Friends of Camp Colton. The race has several distances (1 mile, 600′ vertical; 3 miles, 1550′ vertical; 3.5 miles, 2200′ vertical) and categories (foot traction, skis, and splitboard). And, of course, costumes are encouraged.

Here are a few images taken of both the start of the race and as finishers return to the start.

The start of the Kahtoola Uphill Race.
The start of the Kahtoola Uphill Race.
Racers head up the ski runs of Arizona Snowbowl as part of the Kahtoola Uphill Race. Lack of snow resulted in some changes to the course.
Racers head up the ski runs of Arizona Snowbowl as part of the Kahtoola Uphill Race. Lack of snow resulted in some changes to the course.
Costumes encouraged.
Costumes encouraged.

An Evening on the Mountain

The 7th Annual Kahtoola Agassiz Uphill Race was held this weekend on the slopes on Humphreys Peak and within the boundaries of the Arizona Snowbowl. This is a winter race with runners using whatever sort of foot traction suits them. Some wear Kahtoola microspikes as minimalist equipment. Others use snowshoes. And some use skis—both downhill and telemark style. It’s an interesting contest as the runners can easily outpace the skiers on the way up—but skiers have the advantage on the downhill. Still, the fastest competitors were the runners.

Providing the rhythmic drumming during the event was Flagstaff’s very own Sambatuque.

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