June 20, 2010 (Pinkham Notch, NH) – Saturday, June 19 marked the 50th annual Mt Washington Road Race featuring over 1,000 runners who were greeted with very warm temperatures – a recorded high of 61°F, or approx 15° C – and a brisk wind for the 12.2km/7.6-mile battle up the Northeast’s highest peak.

The daunting climb rises over 4,650 vertical feet, and features an average grade of 11.5%, with extended pitches of 18% and the final 50 yards to the finish launching skyward at 22%! Just reading about the course profile is enough to make casual runners cringe and even the pros begin to feel sympathetic leg-cramps.

The competition in women’s field was steep – like the race itself.  New York runner Shewarge Amare not only took the win, but also claimed her victory with a record time of 1:08:21, besting the previous record of 1:10:08 set in 1998 by Magdalena Thorsell.   Second place went to Krisin Price of Raleigh, NC with a time of 1:11:13.   Bailey, CO’s Brandy Erholtz was third in 1:12:53.

The men’s field was equally competitive, with Chris Siemers, of Arvada, CO taking the win in a time of 1:00:22. Eric Blake, of New Britain, CT was hot on his heels, losing only 18 seconds to Siemers while Joseph Gray, of Lakewood WA rounded out the top three with a time of 1:01:31.

Among the competitors were US National Ski Team member Kris Freeman and his brother, 2006 Olympian, Justin.  While both  were making their first appearance at the historic event (we’ve since heard that Justin first did this race 16 years ago), Mt Washington is no stranger to cross-country ski racers, beginning with Mike Gallagher, who won it 4 years running from 1964-1971.

Kris ended the day in 15th, with a time of 1:07:56, making him the fastest New Hampshire runner and winner of the Crossan Cup.   Brother Justin was not far behind, in 17th place (1:08:12) and the 2nd fastest NH runner. The Woman’s Crossan Cup went to Concord, NH’s Amber Ferreira in 1:19:47.

This year’s Mt Washington Road Race was also the U.S Mountain Running Championships, and tryouts to choose the team for the World Mountain Running Championships which will be held in Kamnik, Slovenia in September.

Canada’s own Mountain Running Championships will be held on July 9th at the Nakiska ski area in Kanaskis Country, just outside Canmore, Alberta, and you can expect to see a strong contingent of Canadian cross-country skiers in the mix as well.

Full Results here.