For these high school cross country athletes on summer break, raising money for their team meant putting one foot in front of the other and making a run for it – an 80-mile run.
It’s a pledge-per-mile challenge of the four most southern portions of the Colorado Trail, and as many as 15 members of the Durango High School Demons cross country team, freshman to seniors, are set to run each day.
They began Friday, at 10,910 feet, on Molas Pass, aiming to reach their journey’s end this afternoon at the Junction Creek trailhead in Durango.
Each segment is its own undertaking.
On Day 1, Friday, they tackled 20 miles up, ending at 11,340 foot Bolam Pass. Day 2 it was down to Hotel Draw, 16 miles. Day 3, another 16 miles to Kennebec Pass, 11,700 feet high in the La Plata Mountains. For today, a final 18 miles, where aspiring teammates and family plan to greet the runners 4.5 miles from the finish at Gudy’s Rest, an overlook that is certain to signal a sort of homecoming.
At least 14 juniors and seniors plan to run all four sections, from soaring peaks to old-growth forests – a postcard rollercoaster of elevation gains and loss, not to mention weather.
Club booster parent Susie Lloyd called the challenge a combination of hiking and running with morning yoga.
“I don’t know of many cross country teams that do these kind of miles up in the mountains,” Lloyd said.
Jennifer Thurston, mother of Demon runner Seamus Millett, said the idea came from Cross Country Coach David McMillan to generate a budget, so all team members can travel to cross country meets. Currently, Thurston said, money is only allocated for the top 14 boys and girls.
“They’re doing this to make up for the shortfall of budget,” Thurston said. “But Coach McMillan would rather take all 50.”
The meets span the region, but a focal point is to get all team athletes to Phoenix.
“It’s a huge expense, but it’s a fabulous experience for them,” Thurston said.
Parents and others in support of the cause bring food, supplies and gear to a team camp each night.
Lloyd said one night she brought dinner to the runners, camped in pouring rain.
“It’s really inspiring to see those kids,” she said.
“We’ve just had some great teamwork from parents,” Thurston said. “But what’s great? It’s the kids making the effort and not just the parents out there.”
The runners are expected to finish at Junction Creek trailhead between 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. today.
bmathis@durangoherald.com
