The Under Armour TransRockies Run is back in 2021 to deliver one of the best and most epic trail running adventures in North America. Now in its ninth year, this unique six-day trail running stage race was held last week in the rugged backcountry of the Colorado Rockies and offered runners incredible mountain views, well-organized shuttling, camping, activities and meals, and a camaraderie that participants said was unlike any other trail race experience. An American Trail Running Association (ATRA) member event, TransRockies is best described by its tagline, “Summer Camp For Big Kids.”
Held from August 1st to 6th, this year’s stages were between 13 and 25 miles each day at elevations of 7,400 to 12,600 feet. The routes consisted of single and double track, dirt, 4-Wheel Drive and paved roads. These challenging courses included both point-to-point and loops. Participants had the option to compete in teams of two or run solo.
Photo: Under Armour TransRockies Run
To better understand the unique atmosphere of the Under Armour TransRockies Run, I interviewed several participants after Stage 1 in Buena Vista, Colorado to learn about the many types of runners who come to this event, their race experiences and what makes this race different from other trail running events.
Rob Shaver – San Antonio, TX
[Tayte] Is this your first time running TransRockies?
[Rob] It is!
[Tayte] What inspired you to run TransRockies this year?
[Rob] I’m running for the First Ascent Cause, which is a nonprofit that helps young adults with cancer do things outside. They give them all kinds of adventures such as kayaking, climbing, etc. free of cost. I am personally a three time cancer survivor and it feels amazing to be here running at this event.
[Tayte] How is TransRockies different from other races you’ve run?
[Rob] This is so well run! It’s remarkable how well marked and organized every stage is. The vibe is great, it’s very synergistic and everyone is here for their own experience
[Tayte] Are you running in a team or solo?
[Rob] I’m on a team with my brother, who was also my caregiver when I’ve been sick and going through chemotherapy and other treatments. We’re on a team supporting First Ascents, raising money and awareness for the cause. Our team name is “Frog Town Jubilee Jug Band”
[Tayte] What is your favorite memory from stage one?
[Rob] We were on the podium, which was a pretty cool memory! Honestly though, we were out there for the experience and I took at least 50 photos today taking in the beautiful course. We don’t get to see this kind of scenery too often coming from Texas!
[Tayte] What are you looking forward to most at this event?
[Rob] I’m looking forward to running over Hope Pass tomorrow (even though I’m a little disappointed that I heard there’s usually someone dressed up as Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings at the top and he won’t be here this year!)
Photo: Under Armour TransRockies Run
Tyler Mertes – Downers Grove, IL
[Tayte] Is this your first time running TransRockies?
[Tyler] Yes!
[Tayte] What inspired you to run TransRockies this year?
[Tyler] My aunt’s run this race a few times and she needed a partner this year. I’d come out to Colorado before and had a great time running on the trails here and thought being her partner for TransRockies would be tons of fun!
[Tayte] How is TransRockies different from other races you’ve run?
[Tyler] It’s cool that the race is broken up into six days and you have to focus on recovering after each day. It’s also nice to be here around so many different runners. It’s a really great experience and environment.
[Tayte] Are you running in a team or solo?
[Tyler] I’m on the team “Tyler and Courtney”
[Tayte] What is your memory from stage one?
[Tyler] Getting to the top of the course and looking down on the town of Buena Vista.
[Tayte] What are you looking forward to most about this event?
[Tyler] I’m looking forward to having a good time here in Colorado. This is my kind of vacation.
Photo: Under Armour TransRockies Run
Christy Austin – Otsego, MN
[Tayte] Is this your first time running TransRockies?
[Christy] Yes
[Tayte] What inspired you to run TransRockies this year?
[Christy] I heard about this race from some friends who have run it a few times and thought it would be one of those super fun and challenging experiences I didn’t want to miss out on!
[Tayte] How is TransRockies different from other races you’ve run?
[Christy] I’ve never done anything like this! I’ve run many half marathons and one marathon, but this is so much bigger!
[Tayte] Are you running in a team or solo?
[Christy] I’m running solo
[Tayte] What is your favorite memory from stage one?
[Christy] Coming in at the end I felt really good. I felt good on the downhill and feel like I’ve still got plenty of energy left.
[Tayte] What are you looking forward to most about this event?
[Christy] Getting to know people and being outside in this beautiful environment.
Photo: Under Armour TransRockies Run
Jo Meek – Newton Abbot Devon, UK
[Tayte] Is this your first time running TransRockies?
[Jo] Yes!
[Tayte] What inspired you to run TransRockies this year?
[Jo] Brits aren’t currently allowed in the United States, but I already had my entry to the race from last year. I had to get an elite athlete exemption to come over here, which was a difficult process. I really wanted to run something special this year and felt committed to do whatever it took to get here!
[Tayte] How is TransRockies different from other races you’ve run?
[Jo] The atmosphere. Everyone is really friendly and keen to hang out.
[Tayte] Are you running in a team or solo?
[Jo] I’m running on a team with Sian Longthorpe. Our team name is “Run Britannia”
[Tayte] What is your favorite memory from stage one?
[Jo] We got lost! I saw some different flags and I knew I shouldn’t have followed them but I did. We actually lost first place there, but we’ll get them tomorrow!
[Tayte] What are you looking forward to most about this event?
[Jo] I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s stage on Hope Pass. I’ve never run that high!
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Jason Romero – Albuquerque, NM
[Tayte] Is this your first time running TransRockies?
[Jason] This is my first time!
[Tayte] What inspired you to run TransRockies this year?
[Jason] I love running and sign up for every race I can.
[Tayte] How is TransRockies different from other races you’ve run?
[Jason] You don’t see the kind of camaraderie among runners and organization of the event at many other races.
[Tayte] Are you running in a team or solo?
[Jason] Solo, for six days!
[Tayte] What is your favorite memory from stage one?
[Jason] The trails were beautiful and the people were awesome.
[Tayte] What are you looking forward to most about this event?
[Jason] Simply just running and being out here in Colorado with a bunch of fun people!
Photo: Under Armour TransRockies Run
Jason Snelson – Flagstaff, AZ
[Tayte] Is this your first time running TransRockies?
[Jason] It is!
[Tayte] What inspired you to run TransRockies this year?
[Jason] I was on “tent crew” at the 2019 TransRockies race.
[Tayte] How is TransRockies different from other races you’ve run?
[Jason] I haven’t run many other events, but in this race it feels like everyone wants to take care of the runners the best they possibly can and that’s what makes it so great.
[Tayte] Are you running in a team or solo?
[Jason] Solo
[Tayte] What is your favorite memory from stage one?
[Jason] Getting to the top and knowing it would be mostly downhill for the rest of the stage.
[Tayte] What are you looking forward to most about this event?
[Jason] The camaraderie and good vibes.
Photo: Under Armour TransRockies Run
Kim Moyano – Gilroy, CA
[Tayte] Is this your first time running TransRockies?
[Kim] This is my fourth time running TransRockies
[Tayte] What inspired you to run TransRockies this year?
[Kim] You’d have to blame my daughter for that! We ran this race together in 2015 and were going to run it again last year in 2020 until it was cancelled. My daughter wasn’t able to run it this year but I came out with a friend who filled her spot.
[Tayte] How is TransRockies different from other races you’ve run?
[Kim] It’s super doable. This year is actually different than other years because there aren’t as many international athletes and super fast runners and more normal runners. The first year I came I was intimidated by all the great runners here. It’s a nice environment, it’s encouraging for every level of runner. They call it the “summer camp for adults,” which is completely true. It’s a different vibe from most races because everyone is trying to survive it, so there’s more camaraderie and encouragement. There’s so much support on the trails! There’s already a lot of support in the trail community, but here it’s on another level.
[Tayte] Are you running in a team or solo?
[Kim] Solo
[Tayte] What is your favorite memory so far from stage one?
Tim and Chris (the race entertainers!)…that was a nice reward to see them at a hard point in the race! It was just what we needed at the right time.
[Tayte] What are you looking forward to most /about this event?
[Kim] Getting through it and finishing on day six!
Photo: Under Armour TransRockies Run
Are you ready for Summer camp for big kids? Learn more about the 2022 Under Armour TransRockies Run and register before the race fills up!
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