You can call 5K runs demanding and worthy feats. But the race director of the Palm Springs Aerial Tram Road Challenge says nothing compares to his October event, when hundreds of people walk and run 3.7 miles on a course with an 1,840-foot elevation gain to reach the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Valley Station.
“Few races go uphill, from desert to mountain,” race director Matt Sills points out. “That’s why it’s called a ‘challenge.’ ”
Although people compete for best time, running or walking the course, the Tram Road Challenge is a friends-and-family event with participants from young children to seniors. Last year, a man in the 60 to 64 age division bested people in younger age groups; the overall winning time was 30 minutes 7 seconds.
The 37th annual Tram Road Challenge takes place Oct. 19.
“In terms of participants, it’s a mixed bag, like the desert demographic,” Sills says, noting that local residents include many retirees and snowbirds. The event also attracts people from out of town, out of state, and out of country (last year’s race included an Australian).
There are aid stations at each mile and food and drinks for participants at the finish line.
“We try to make it as festive and enjoyable as possible,” Sills says. “We make participants feel they are a part of something instead of just a number in a crowd. And we don’t make them walk back down — we have buses.”
Self-described “casual runner” Jesse Huskey of Palm Springs has participated 11 times. We spoke with Huskey to learn more about the experience.
Do you participate in the event alone or with family or friends? And what’s your personal best?
I have done it by myself and with my wife, friends, and colleagues. My best time was 38 minutes 22 seconds.
Why do you do it?
There are a million events out there, from marathons to obstacle courses, but the Tram Road is unique. It’s a rare opportunity to have such a challenge.
What advice do you have for people who are doing the event for the first time?
Pace yourself and even force yourself to slow down in the first half, because it gets harder as you go. The steeper incline on the back half will kick your butt.
Where else do you like to get in your paces locally?
I take the tram to the Mountain Station and run to the peak. It is an incredible workout, and it’s beautiful. With the cool temperatures and amazing views, I feel like I’m on vacation.
