Baldy Hill Climb 2021 Hiker Overall Results

Baldy Hill Climb 2021 Women Race Results

Baldy Hill Climb 2021 Men Race Results

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)

Sarah Goble and Miles Fink-Debray Top the Podium at 43rd Annual Baldy Hill Climb
Hikers and Runners Ascend Bald Mountain in Support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation

SUN VALLEY, Idaho – Sept. 27, 2021 – 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 (SVSEF). Two-hundred-plus participants ranging from eight to eighty years old, hiked and raced the 1.86-miles and 3,140 vertical feet 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. Again, thanks to all the participants, volunteers, and sponsors for your support of the SVSEF.”

The $100 bonus on the line for those who set a new course record remains elusive. Morgan Arritola’s record set in 2010 stands at 39:51 for the women, along with the men’s record of 35:04 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. Arritola remains the only woman to break 40 minutes in the history of the event.

Sarah Goble, SVSEF XC Gold Team Member and winner of the women’s race said, “It was a really nice day for the Hill Climb and it was super fun to be out there with everyone. 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!”

“Personally, I’m attracted to any race that is physically the most demanding, that requires you to go to your absolute limit and the Baldy Hill Climb is just that,” said Miles Fink-DeBray. “I would rank the Baldy Hill Climb as the most physically and mentally unrelenting race I’ve ever completed in. There is no settling in and it’s quite a long time to be pushing as hard as you absolutely can. Only one other race has been more physically taxing and that’s the Red Bull 400, which is the world’s toughest 400-meter race—but the Baldy Hill Climb trumps it from a mental standpoint. It was incredibly special to win my 11th BHC and it was the perfect fall day especially after such a smokey summer. I felt absolutely incredible and really just ran away with it from a minute in and had amazing energy and legs!”

 

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!” Reynoldson continued.

Thank you to title sponsor Sturtevants and lead partner Sun Valley Company, along with our supporting sponsors Durance Cycleworks, Coxa Carry, Perry’s, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch, and Boulder Mountain Clayworks.

 

 

Photos by: Julia Seyferth and Heather Foster