A Support Role

I have written about my own personal hike up the great Majestic Lady, Pike’s Peak. That trek was a pre-event to the Ascent Race, which is why I went up the mountain in the first place. Doris and I were there to assist in running an aide station. After the summit climb, we met with our team captains, Amy and Jeff Solverson, got our camp made, and had a very welcome dinner. There are a number of aid stations on the mountain for the Ascent and the Pikes Peak Marathon. They are designed to support the racers with water, Gatorade, fruit, candy, and medical help, which is given by the El Paso County Search and Rescue teams. Everything that is needed for that support is packed in from the top or the bottom of the mountain and then back out when the races are over. There are pounds and pounds of Gatorade powder to bring in, water purification equipment, food, cups, bowls, the all important duck tape, trash cans to hold the water, Gatorade, and of course, trash. Volunteers are crucial to the success of these two interesting races. I have realized after this experience – volunteers make the world go round!