By Tyler Servoss
Photo courtesy of Evolo Race Events.
May 2014 marks the 100 year anniversary of Utah’s Camp Williams. The US Army partnered with Evolo Race Events and the communities surrounding the base to stage a series of endurance events.
Mountain Biking & Running events allowed participants to access to some of the unique terrain of Camp Williams. The dirt roads and double tracks were a challenge and the Army did not disappoint with regular fly- over’s by Apache Helicopters, Soldiers in fatigues manning aid stations beside their Humvees and interesting course features rarely seen by civilians made the race a once in a lifetime experience. Athletes saw simulated training areas such as Afghan Village, Area 51, Machine & Grenade Firing Ranges, The Impact Area, IED Lane & Prisoner of War camps.
The MTB race featured 25K and 50K options. The 50K included 162 riders with Aaron Campbell of Bountiful Bicycle Racing posting the fastest time in the men’s category and Meghan Sheridan of Team UtahMountainBiking.com taking out the best time for the women.
The 25K field included 85 riders and was won by Mitch Longson with professional Triathlete Moka Best of Team Athleta winning the womens category in her first mountain bike race.
In addition to the Mountain Bike and Running Races, a commemorative road cycle course showcased each of the 5 surrounding cities that support Camp Williams: Bluffdale, Saratoga Springs, Lehi, Herriman, and Eagle Mountain. Course options included both 50 and 100K options. Aid stations were located at the beautiful city parks and were staffed by each city council.
The events also served as a fundraiser with a portion of each registration fee being donated to the Utah National Guard Charitable Trust to support soldiers and their families.
See results on page 14.
