Thrilling Grand Traverse Mountain Races Conclude

The Montane Grand Traverse Mountain Run and Mountain Bike races have concluded, with Vince Rodgers claiming the coveted Grand Traverse Triple Crown in the men’s event, while Nikki LaRochelle was victorious in the women’s event in what was the seventh edition of the races.

The event also saw outdoor brand, Montane, become headline sponsor of both races for the first time, building on from its existing relationship with The Grand Traverse in the form of the ski race.

The Grand Traverse Mountain Run saw Gary Messina claim first place in the men’s event with a time of 6:05:58, while the women’s event saw Sophia Gorman emerge victorious with a time of 7:09:36, placing her sixth overall. Montane Athletes Brandon Johanns and Alyssa Wendt both placed in the top 20. The race is a point-to-point ultra-marathon from Crested Butte to Aspen, Colorado, following the route of the Grand Traverse Backcountry Ski race. In total, runners travel 40 miles across the Elk Mountains with over 6,000 ft of elevation gain.