The Grand Traverse Mountain Race is a point-to-point ultra event from Crested Butte to Aspen, Colorado. The course follows the route of the Grand Traverse Backcountry Ski race.

In total, runners travel 40 miles across the Elk Mountains with over 6,000′ of elevation gain.

Bikers travel 40 miles across the Elk Mountains with over 7,800′ of elevation gain. The mountain bike course runs the other way, and starts with a 3000′ ascent up Aspen Mountain before continuing deep into the Elk Mountains.

This year’s event was more popular than ever with 558 entrants registering on the day, 198 on the bike, and 360 taking part in the mountain run.

3^rd place in the women’s mountain bike race, Montane athlete, Jessica Yeaton with a time of 05:27:31.

Seasoned trail runner, Brandon Johanns, managed to complete the mountain run in 07:02:01, achieving  7^th place across the finish line. Just 00:32:23 after the overall winner, Bash Walio who completed the course in 06:29:38.

Also completing the ultra run with a time of 11:42:53 was Brian Anthony, Sales rep for Montane USA.

The weather was, according to most athletes, perfect conditions for the event.

Take a look at some of the highlights below taken by Eric Phillips (@phillips_photo).