BY HEATHER FOSTER
Sunshine, bluebird skies, and crisp fall weather aligned on Saturday for a magical day to host the 43rd Annual Baldy Hill Climb in support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation.
Two hundred-plus participants ranging from 8 to 80 years of age hiked and raced the 1.86-mile, 3,140-vertical-foot course straight-up to the top of Bald Mountain. The event is organized annually by the SVSEF Cross Country Team.
“We are always so psyched to bring the Baldy Hill Climb to our community,” said Rick Kapala, Cross Country Team program director. “It’s one of those touchstone events in our town where we get our to celebrate this amazing place where we live while also supporting the SVSEF. And of course, it’s all made possible by the generous support of the Sun Valley Resort as well as our title sponsor Sturtevant’s.”
The $100 bonus on the line for those who set a new course record remains elusive. Morgan Arritola remains the only woman to break 40 minutes in the history of the event.
Her record set in 2010 stands at 39 minutes and 51 seconds for the women, along with the men’s record of 35 minutes and four seconds set in 2014 by Miles Havlick.
Miles Fink-Debray ran his way to the top step of the podium for the eleventh time in 36:22, just 78 seconds shy of Havlick’s record.
“It was a really nice day for the Hill Climb and it was super fun to be out there with everyone,” said Sarah Goble, SVSEF XC Gold Team Member and winner of the women’s race. “It is always a very tough race, but I felt good. SVSEF put on a great event and I’m glad I got to get out and compete!”
More than 130 hikers also came out to enjoy the perfect fall morning and support the fundraiser for SVSEF, including Laurie and Mike Reynoldson of Boise.
“We’ve been coming to Sun Valley for more than 20 years and spend as much time as possible here in the Wood River Valley,” said Laurie Reynoldson. “As hikers, when we heard about the opportunity to challenge ourselves in support of what SVSEF creates for the youth of this community, we had to jump in. That hike is no joke, but it was the perfect way to kick off a stunning fall weekend in the mountains – we hope we can make it again next year!”
Sun Valley Resort cranked up its chairlift to give participants a ride down the mountain—something those with cranky knees were deeply appreciative of. And the future looks good when it comes to the youth. Not only did a dozen youngsters took part in a children’s division but 14-year-old Cora Faye Scott took second place in the women’s division.
Women’s Race Podium Results:
1. Sarah Goble 46:53 (SVSEF XC Gold Team)
2. Cora Faye Scott 48:02 (SVSEF XC Comp Team)
3. Aurora Cramer 48:44 (SVSEF XC Post Grad Team)
Men’s Race Podium Results:
1. Miles Fink-Debray 36:22
2. Johnny Hagenbuch 37:05 (SVSEF XC Gold Team and U.S. Ski Team)
3. Peter Wolter 37:27 (SVSEF XC Gold Team)
Complete race results and hiking times are posted online at https://svsef.org
The title sponsors were Sturtevants and lead partner Sun Valley Company. Supporting sponsors were Durance Cycleworks, Coxa Carry, Perry’s, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch, and Boulder Mountain Clayworks.
TIME TO THINK ABOUT SKIING
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation has offered an array of programs for youth 5 and older since 1966. No experience is necessary to join, and the organization offers financial assistance to families. For more information, visit https://svsef.org