By Richard Bolt for the American Trail Running Association
There was no shortage of excitement at the 61st running of the Delta Dental Mt. Washington Road Race in Gorham, NH. First, the weather conditions forced the shortening of the course to 3.8 miles from the typical 7.6 miles. Second, Kim Dobson, 38 of Eagle, and Joseph Gray, 38 of Colorado Springs, ran away from the field to win their races in relatively convincing fashions. Third, both runners set short course records. And, finally, Kim Dobson set the all time win record for women runners, as she moved into a tie with Bob Hodge for the most wins at Mt. Washington all-time.
[Editor’s note: the last time the Mount Washington Road Race was abbreviated to half-way due to inclement weather was in 2002. Results on the Mount Washington website.]
As is often the case, Mt. Washington did not disappoint in the weather department. Known as the “home of the world’s worst weather,” Mt. Washington showed it with temperatures at the base in the low 50’s with windy and drizzly conditions.
Temperatures at the summit were in the 20’s with sustained winds of 75 to 80 miles per hour with the threat of ice and snow, making it too dangerous to race to the top. Even with the shortened course, runners were still greeted by high winds, rain and temperatures in the 30’s at the finish line. Living up to its reputation for extreme weather, Mt. Washington provided a day to remember.
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