From Steamboat Today, August 5, 2012
Steamboat race on Mount Werner increases distance, looks to stay
Jake Lawrence of Albuquerque, N.M., crosses the finish line during the Mount Werner Classic on Saturday at Steamboat Ski Area. Lawrence finished second in 4 hours, 55 minutes.
Photo by Steamboat Springs — Jake Lawrence planned out his running schedule for the summer far in advance. The Albuquerque resident knew the Mount Werner Classic — in a new 50-kilometer format — was an option.
And on Wednesday, he finally registered for what would become his golden race.
Lawrence, who drove eight hours Friday, completed the 31 miles Saturday on his 31st birthday.
“That’s the reason we’re here,” said Lawrence, who had to get cleaned up from several falls on the course. “It was totally random and it fit. We wanted to go to a pretty place, and we’re here.”
Lawrence joined some 60 other racers competing in the well-known race with a new format.
After years of being a 5- and 12-mile run, the race changed to 50 kilometers this year. The race began at the gondola, went up the mountain and onto Mountain View trail, then turned around at Long Lake and descended back down.
For his part, Lawrence didn’t just make it an easy birthday celebration. He finished second overall in 4 hours, 55 minutes.
Boulder runner Trent Briney was first in 4:47. Steamboat Springs’ Bill Goldsmith — despite a nasty gash on his arm — was third in 4:57…
To keep reading the article, click here.
Jake's Take 