The 41st Annual Quad It’s Importance to the Community and the Preparations on Race Day

GRANTS, NM – The 41st Annual Mt. Taylor Quadrathlon was held on Saturday February 17. The Quad takes months of preparation to set up and is one of the biggest events in Cibola County. This years Quad was the 41st Annual Quad and is a race of 44 miles and includes four disciplines including biking, running, skiing, and snowshoeing.

The 41st Annual Mt. Taylor Quadrathlon was a success, according to Quad Board Member Danielle Lovesee. She said, “To put it lightly, the 41st Mount Taylor Quadrathlon was a success this year! It ran very smoothly and efficiently. Throughout the years, we have come up with systems that work to put on a race of this magnitude.”

According to Lovesee there were many highlights in this year’s race. She said, “We had many highs this year at the race. One that I would like to highlight is Erin Castillo, who is a Grants native, winning the women's solo category. This is not an easy feat and has only been accomplished by two locals in our 41-year history. We are very proud to have Erin competing in our race and giving our Quad Kids participants a familiar face to look up to.”

A lot of prep goes into preparing for the Quad. Lovesee said, “Some may find it surprising the prep work that goes into the Quad. We begin meeting in June, monthly and then weekly starting in January. Our board and volunteers work many hours outside of the everyday jobs they hold. Communication and delegation are [some of the] key[s] to getting tasks done. There are 11 on our board and main volunteer group that heads up the race, over 10 local entities that help during the race, and at least over 160 volunteers.”

Race day is a very busy day and consists of many volunteers working to set up and transport equipment. Lovesee said, “Our race day consists of an early morning for most. We have to transport equipment to the correct transitions, along with volunteers and those working at the transitions. We rely on Ham Radio volunteers to aid communication in town and along the entire course up to the summit of the mountain. In town we are big on creating that feeling of hospitality to not only the contestants but their families and support systems that travel to our town.”

The Quad provides the opportunity for younger organizations to volunteer such as National Junior Honor Society, the Grants High School Band, GHS Foods class as well as for local businesses. Lovesee said, “Our Quad Kids event gives our younger group a small taste of what they can achieve when they get older as well. The Quad provides promotion and recognition to our local businesses through meal vouchers and allows for food trucks to set up at the race.”

The Quad is an important race to the Cibola community, Lovesee explained, saying that everyone is encouraged to take part in the event. Lovesee said, “The Mount Taylor Quadrathlon isn't just a race but it is a part of who and what our community is. We would like to invite all to come out next year for the 42nd even if you aren't racing but to experience the environment in which this event creates. All involved can guarantee that you won't be disappointed.”