By Craig Michaels
For some, a trip to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway means riding up the mountain to the top Tram station for some amazing views. While others, venture there to test their endurance by running, jogging, or walking up the Tramway road. The 31st Annual Tram Road Challenge takes place this Saturday October 22nd. This 6K run/walk begins at the bottom of Tram Road and ends at the Tram’s Valley Station, an elevation gain of 2,643 feet in just 3.7 miles.
Special finishers’ medals will be presented to all participants along with a Cool Tech race shirt. Awards will be given three deep in each age category for both male and female finishers during a breakfast ceremony at Desert Regional Medical Center immediately following the race.
The first Tram Road Challenge was held in 1983 and was won by Rob Slick in 27 minutes, 35 seconds and Nancy Baird in 35 minutes, 25 seconds. The fastest men’s time was set by Rubin Garcia of Mexico – 26 minutes, 5 seconds – in 1987. Lubov Kremleva of Russia set the fastest women’s time – 28 minutes, 56 seconds in 1998.
With a start time of 7:00 am, temperatures are expected to be in the upper 60’s to low 70’s with clear skies. While the is only a 6K, it is not the distance which makes this run/walk so difficult, it’s the elevation gain which earned this race the title of the “Toughest 6k in the World.” Proceeds from this event benefit United Way of the Desert.
The Tramway’s road will be closed from 6:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. on race day with the first tram scheduled for 10:00 a.m.
For more information or to register for the race, please call (760) 324-7069 or visit www.kleinclarksports.com.
Written By: Craig Michaels
(760) 880-3848
