The 4th Annual 24 Hours of Sunlight

The 24 Hours of Sunlight will kick off on February 7 at Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. This is the fourth year for the event, which involves competitors, either individuals or teams, hiking up Sunlight mountain with climbing skins attached to their skis and then cruising back down to the start. The goal? To do this as many times as you can in a 24 hour period.

Last year a world record for most human powered vertical feet was broken by two of the 266 competitors. Eric Sullivan, of Crested Butte, Colorado completed 51,068 feet which breaks down to 34 laps or 47.6 miles. Molly Zurn, of Reno Nevada, broke the women's record with 22 laps equaling 33,000 feet. These athletes are a different breed, training for months before hand in less than traditional conditions - including complete darkness save for a head lamps and moonlight. There will be a nearly full moon the night of the race which should help racers considerably with illumination and depth perception.

The race will kick off at 11 am on Saturday, February 7 and continue until the following morning. Teams must maintain one pit area, designated for ski repair/maintenance and sleeping or eating. This is a self supported race, meaning all food, water and on-course support must come from other registered racers. Following the race will be a celebration offering, to racers, free food from Qudoba Mexican Grill and beer from Coors. Registration for the event will close February 4 at midnight and can be completed online. at www.24hoursofsunlight.com Entry fees range from $125 of $300 per individual racer.

Spectators of course will not be forgotten. Those wanting to come and watch the competition are invited out to ski on whichever of the 67 trails that are open to the paying public, listen to music, munch on some food and have a beer on the sun deck during the daylight hours. The lodge and bar areas will remain open throughout the night for those brave souls wishing to soldier through with their racing counterparts.

Sunlight Mountain Resort, which opened in 1966, is the local hill for Glenwood Springs. The resort itself is about 15 miles from downtown Glenwood and hosts a myriad of other events including the 24 Hours of Sunlight. There is lodging near the mountain, including the Sunlight Mountain Inn and the Brettleberg Condos which are both located directly next to the resort.

For more information, check out the event website and visit www.sunlightmtn.com