Mt. Taylor Quadrathlon

The Quad is a 43 mile race to the top & back down the highest peak in NW NM. The race constists of 4 parts; road bikes, running, cross country skiing, & snow shoeing. If this is your first visit, here is a description of the race- Bike: Racers begin at an elevation of 6,500 ft w/ a 13 mile road race through the streets of Grants & then begin the 1,700 foot climb from desert cactus to ponderosa pine. Run: At the end of the paved road, bikes are parked & racers must run the next five miles on gravel roads. The road generally starts out dry but usually turns to snow pack. This part of the course will climb 1,250 feet in elevation. XC Ski: Runners then turn to cross-country skis to challenge the next 1,200 foot climb of the mountaineering ski course that covers two miles. During the final yards of this course you must face the notorious "Heart Break Hill" that lies waiting for weary racers. Snowshoe: The remaining one mile climb on snowshoes gains 600 feet to reach the 11,301 foot summit of Mt. Taylor where a person can see over one hundred miles on a clear day and then...the race is only half over. You must reverse the four events and race the 22 miles back to the Start/Finish line.

More Partner Information:

• Visit the Mt. Taylor Quad website for more information