Alive and Kicking

Rim Rock Run Revisited

By Jeff Recker

In 1997, Senior Writer of Runners World Magazine, Don Kardong, traveled to Grand Junction to be the guest speaker for a race with an uncertain future, the Rim Rock Run. He would also decide to run and write about this race, the people who were struggling to keep it alive, and the awe-inspiring natural beauty of this western-most part of Colorado. His article appeared in the November ’98 issue and was splashed with the words “amazing,” and “magnificent.” He wrote, referring to the 22.6 mile course and the geological sediment-cake the course climbs, winds, and falls off, “it stuns the imagination.”

The grandeur of this place is omnipresent. It tantalizes the soul. As a resident of Grand Junction, I can tell you that feeling never tires. This gem rises prominently on the city’s south side like a jeweled crown, complete with a mosaic of colors that range from burnt oranges, fiery reds, and pastel pinks specked with green foliage of pinyon and juniper trees. Rim Rock Drive, which spans the entire National Monument, is livelier than a frightened snake, beginning with a series of inviting switchbacks that climb roughly fifteen-hundred feet. This snake darts in and out of man-made tunnels forged through millions of tons of sandstone. It flirts with the ragged edge of this nearly 23 mile-long rock and flicks its tongue at the wind that rallies from canyon floors. It ends much the way it started, with a series of switchbacks that begs serious discussion about gravity and sinkholes.

Is there a better place in the world to appease the heart and soul of a runner? Surely not. And to stage a race? No way. Looking at this venue from a runner’s perspective it’s almost too good to be true. For a while, it was.

While Kardong’s article was filled with questions – some expressing doubt of conquering the formidable Rock – the answers were mostly found on his journey that day. The big one however, the big Q that would not be laid to rest for some six months after he left town, was this: “will this race survive?”

See, a year earlier, a new Superintendent of the Colorado National Monument had been appointed who didn’t share the belief that sporting events should be held on the Monument. Steve Hickman’s vision was one of “solitude” and it challenged the very life of the Rim Rock Run, a race that was still in its infancy, already struggling to attract more runners. Race Director, Katie Hill, was about to face the challenge of her sporting life.

Local runners, and nonrunners alike, were left to comprehend the logic behind Hickman’s decision that, somehow, runners threatened the solitude he vowed to uphold, though a parade of vehicles did not. Something didn’t add up.

Meetings ensued between Hickman and Hill, yet Hickman’s resolve remained steadfast. The news was devastating to Hill: he would not renew a permit for next year’s race.

But as a runner, let me say this: it takes a runner to know resolve -- to REALLY know resolve. As runners, we know the formidable opponents of speed and distance and our resolve to conquer both. This was a race not so different. Hill needed that permit and was now faced with a road mined with the bureaucracy of the Federal Government. To make matters worse, she would need to obtain the permit quickly or face the prospect of not being able to capitalize on the momentum of the race’s short but promising history.

Hill gained support of local Congressman, Scott McInnis and Senator Ben Nighthorse-Campbell. In time, the two gained the support of Secretary of Interior, Bruce Babbitt, who then overruled Hickman in granting the permit. It happened in May of that year, just in time for Katie Hill and her staff to promote and plan for the race.

Four years later Rim Rock Run has the full support of the Park Service. In all fairness, the issue of safety was always at hand, so now the race is required to pay for extra personnel brought in from other parks to make it “safe.” Still, the Park Service was left with a tarnished image for its earlier refusal to grant the permit. “I still feel bad about this,” expresses Katie Hill. In a show of goodwill, Katie invited now retired Steve Hickman to shoot the starting gun for the race last year, which he accepted.

In fact, this race seems to be all about goodwill. It benefits the women’s cross country team at the local college, Mesa State. Katie recruits local businesses and organizations to volunteer at the water stations. Each year, the water stations compete for the “best” honors. Furthermore, the Daily Sentinel, Grand Junction’s local newspaper, has played a key role in supporting the race by featuring lengthy articles and numerous photographs. “It seems the entire community has shared in the success and support of this race.”

Katie is confident of the race’s future. “This race continues to spark the imagination of runners from all over the country.” This year’s crop featured runners from as far away as New York and Alaska. The race is capped at 400, not huge by most standards but easily Grand Junction’s largest running event. “You have to consider where we are.” Which is halfway between Denver and Salt Lake City, each four hours by car. Additionally, the race is an odd distance, 22.6 miles, a twist from the attractiveness of a 26.2. Still, the race draws anyone who is looking for an unparalleled running adventure. It also attracts the very best in local talent.