Wyoming Endorfiends Finishes 2014 Wild West Relay
What does a nuclear scientist, a sports nutritionist, and a United Nations Indigenous Fellow have in common? They were all members of the 2014 Handel relay team, Wyo Endorfiends, who competed in the Wild West Relay this past weekend. The Wild West Relay is a 200-mile run from Fort Collins, Colorado, via Wyoming, ending up in the resort town of Steamboat Springs. This was the third time Handel had put together a team for the Wild West relay, and fifth relay overall counting others. As usual, team captain Casey Bader assembled and coached this year’s team consisting of Handel employees, friends, and family.
The 12-person team started in Fort Collins Friday morning, running through the day and night, and completed early Saturday afternoon in Steamboat after 36 legs, 200 miles, and 3 mountain passes. “This was my favorite relay yet” says Casey. “Everything just clicked, the weather, the team, and the overall experience.” The 12-member team, ages 20-50, ran three legs each, ranging in distance from 3-10 miles with various degrees of uphill and downhill, and temperatures ranging from 80s during the day to a low of 35 at night. The Wild West Relay’s slogan is “Get Your Ass Over the Pass” referring to the famous Rabbit Ears Pass near Steamboat, CO, but in fact at almost 10,500 feet, Deadman’s Hill near the Wyoming/Colorado border is actually the tallest pass the runners have to traverse. For the Handel employees, their friends and family members, the annual relay has become an event to look forward to each year. It is a great experience that tests endurance, builds stronger bonds, and facilitates teamwork. The Handel team is already making plans for next year.
