Breaking the One-Hour Record at the Rendezvous Mountain Hillclimb
We are excited to host the 10th anniversary of the most demanding hillclimb event in the west on Saturday, August 6! Starting at the base of the Bridger Gondola, runners will ascend our steep slopes over 4,000 vertical feet and once again finish at the summit of Rendezvous Mountain. This annual, non-profit race is run in honor of our friend and longtime Aerial Tram mechanic Chris Onufer (Captain "X"), who on March 7, 2012 tragically passed away in an avalanche. Keeping the spirit of running alive for future generations, we donate 100% of the proceeds to the trails division of Friends of Pathways, all in Chris' name.
Think you have what it takes? REGISTER HERE for your shot at the top of the podium and cash prize.
In celebration of the return to the summit finish, we will award $1,000 to the first person to break the one hour mark. It would be a historic feat for anyone to conquer such a daunting task, and Tyler McCandless of Fort Collins, CO is confident he will persevere through this rare air to stand victorious at the top of the podium. Tyler missed this fabled mark by only a few minutes at last year's race on the modified course. We recently chatted with Tyler to gain some insight into his running background, race preparation, and why he thinks he can achieve this monumental record.
Tyler, we’re excited to see you run in the Rendezvous Mountain Hillclimb once again. Before we dive into the race, tell us where you’re from and what occupies your time when you aren’t running.
Looking forward to it! I’m currently living in Fort Collins, Colorado and I work as the Director of Asset Analytics at Catalyze. When I’m not working or running, I’m in full-on dad-mode taking care of my two young children.
With so much going on, how do you fit in a rigorous training regimen?
It can be difficult, but every week I run over 100 miles and work on my strength. One of the keys to running these races is being super strong, as well as durability over long distances, which is why I mix in longer runs, like over two hours usually. I also do interval training to help with a couple other aspects of my running: avoiding bonking and my mental fortitude to get over a “redline” moment, when I feel like I’m maxing out.
And what about running up a mountain ignites your passion?
Running is such a numbers-defined sport and when I got older, I realized that I wanted to move away from that and focus on the purity of just running as hard as physically possible up this thing! And of course because it’s fun and I love it. I just love the process of working to be as good as I can be.
How did you get involved in running these sorts of races?
I used to compete in the US Mountain Running Championships, as well as the GoPro Mountain Games. I found out about the Rendezvous Mountain Hillclimb, ran it last year and had such an amazing time. So, it was a no-brainer to come back this summer and race on the traditional course that finishes at the summit.
What separates the Rendezvous Mountain Hillclimb from other races you’ve run?
One, it’s steep! I love that. Two, the single-track is amazing; the footing is good and it’s never sketchy. Three, I just love the vibe of the race! The people are really fun, welcoming, the YETI swag is awesome. If the vibe is good, I’m drawn to return year after year. Because once again, it’s all about having fun.
We love to hear that! Take us through the course from your perspective. What are the most challenging parts, the best areas to make up time, your personal checkpoints, etc.?
Well, like I said it’s a steep course, so the start is really hard. It funnels into switchbacking singletrack and then I sort of get into my rhythm and just put my head down and go. You’re always questioning if you can go harder, so pushing myself more and more as I climb higher. The climb up to the Bridger Gondola is like WOAH, this is steep. But once you get up there, people are cheering and that’s super fun. I definitely have to be really prepared that it’s going to be harder the higher I go, both mentally and physically.
Nobody has ever broken the one-hour mark on this course. Do you think you can break it and take home the extra $1,000 prize?
My fitness is better than last year. I think this course suits my style of running more, so I believe I can do it!
We are excited to see you go for it! Now, the hard-hitting questions. What’s your favorite mid-run snack; and are you a post-race beer, bacon, or other type of guy?
I love to bring some Sour Patch Kids with me on runs. And I’m definitely a post-race beer guy, preferably an IPA.
Thanks for your time, Tyler, best of luck this year! We’ll be rooting you on.
Thank you guys, looking forward to it!
Follow Tyler on Instagram. Tyler is supported by Rabbit apparel.
Come out to Teton Village on Saturday, August 6 to cheer on the runners as they ascend Rendezvous Mountain. Be there at the finish to (hopefully) see Tyler break the one-hour mark for the the first time ever; purchase sightseeing tickets in advance and save up to $10. For more information on the Rendezvous Mountain Hillclimb, click here.