106 Degree West Tri: Highest Tri in the World Recap

By Bill Plock
The first time doing anything can be exciting or frightening perhaps, but racing a brand new triathlon at high altitude in cold water never before swam in with 800 other people created some amazing memories at the inaugural 106 Degree West Triathlon in Dillon.
Nervous, excited tension oozed from racers setting up in transition in 35 degree weather as tiny bits of fog lifted off the water for the swim.
Nobody talked about what they expected their race time to be, or how they were going to attack the ride or run–because nobody had a clue what to truly expect.
It was so refreshing to talk about the unknown and the little bit of fear of the cold water or wondering how the altitude would feel.
I wondered how brutal the climb to Montezuma would be–and it was, from a triathlon standpoint.
Epic, hard, unfair, brutal—but–beautiful, fun, and amazing all seemed to be words I heard repeatedly in Dillon this past weekend.
This triathlon was simply different, new and a challenge unlike any other race.
Familiar Colorado triathletes didn’t know what to expect just like all those that traveled from across the country. There was no home field advantage. We were all nervous and excited together.
The 106 delivered many opportunities to do something for the first time for even the most seasoned triathletes. Triathletes from all over the country, many doing their first ever triathlon, were privileged to swim in the 58 degree water of Dillon Reservoir. This was the first time people were allowed to swim here since it was created in 1963. Somewhere beneath the swimmers, buildings from the original town of Dillon settled in the 1860’s still stand. A few structures were moved to the current town when the damn was built. Over 300 bodies of early miners and pioneers were exhumed and reburied in the current cemetery as well. We swam in hallowed waters according to some people.
Racing at over 9,000 feet made the 106 the highest triathlon in the world drawing many to the challenge. No doubt the thin air combined with the steep grade of the road leading to Montezuma added significantly to the finishing times.
Most people were at least 20 percent slower than normal. But nobody seemed to care.
Simon Butterworth, a D3 coach and a 12 time Kona finisher simply said, “It was hard!”
Kelli Trudel, laying in transition after the race (seen in the video) said, “this race just isn’t fair” referring to the climb to Montezuma.
When I asked TriBella athletes Hayley Benson and Dana Phillips, both finishing on the podium to give me a word to describe this race they both said, “epic”–at the exact same time–jinx!
Stacia McCormick Wilkins said, “it took my breath away, literally and figuratively–it was so beautiful”
Human Movement’s (the company who put on the event) Race Director Travis Dray was ecstatic with the turn out and couldn’t say enough about the support of local authorities who made this race as safe as possible.
“They did the heavy lifting, the Summit County Sheriff, the town of Dillon and the Highway Patrol were amazing to work with to ensure a safe race”, Dray said. He added, “we set out to make this race reflect the tag line of It Wont Be Pretty But It Will Be Beautiful, and I think we did that.”
In the end, it was simply fun to be in a new environment racing with many people I have raced with for years. When it was over, nobody talked about the times they recorded other than how slow they were. They spoke of the challenge and beauty.
I once raced the St. Croix 70.3 with it’s very steep bike climb and the nick name of that race is the “Beauty and the Beast” so I guess that can’t be coined for the 106. But if I had to suggest a term I would call it the “Epic Beauty.”
It will be interesting to see how this race evolves. The weather was perfect Saturday when temperatures quickly climbed into the 60’s, but no doubt a September start in the mountains could bring all types of weather.
Of course there is only one first time, but I think this event has a chance to become something special and draw racers from all over looking to rethink how they race, to let go of race times and focus on good times and camaraderie and just enjoying the beauty of Summit County while competing.
As for me, it was the first time I had dropped out of a race due to a nagging knee issue. So I am dealing with those thoughts and emotions to. But I would like to come back and conquer this “Epic Beauty.”
Check out this great recap video by 303’s Khem Suthiwan:

Also check out 303’s Facebook Album from the event!
2016 RESULTS