Celebrating Cibola’s athleticism
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – The Mount Taylor Winter Quadathlon, until recently the only winter sporting event of its kind, was held on February 19. The event brought people from across the country to compete in the spirit of sport.
The annual event was stymied by the COVID-19 pandemic, but still generated a significant turnout of interstate athletes and local Cibola competitors.
The quadrathlon celebrated its 39th year in 2022, just shy of four decades creating revenue generation for Cibola County, bringing people from across the country to enjoy the natural majesty that surrounds the metropolitan area. Presenting “The Ultimate Challenge,” as described by Quadrathlon Director Stephanie Gaines, the Mount Taylor Quadrathlon gives athletes a difficult course as they explore the beauty of Cibola County’s most famous volcano. With 125 participants (soloists, pairs, and teams) the 2022 event went off without a hitch.
The Ultimate Challenge
Beginning in the City of Grants between the Cibola County Historic Society and Old County Complex on 515 West High Street, competitors bike their way through Grants and out into the county headed toward turquoise Mount Taylor. As athletes make their way up the ancient volcano, the biking turns into a run at Forest Road 239. With snow and cold blanketing the course, quad directors recommend each of the athletes bring a change of shoes.
Athletes turn to the third portion of the race as they approach Heartbreak Hill, this steep and snowy hillside presents competitors with an increase of 1,300 feet in elevation.
Reaching the end of the first half of the race, athletes make their way up Mount Taylor to hit 11,301 feet in elevation by way of snowshoeing. Beginning the final half of the race, athletes snowshoe their way down the mountain until turning back to skiing. Making their way down the mountain, and returning to the City of Grants where they finish where they started at 515 West High Street. Taking anywhere from four to nine hours, Cibola’s athletes navigate Mount Taylor tirelessly, competing for glory and the ability to be one of the county’s strongest athletes.
Quad setup – A unique community event
The Quadrathlon committee spends an entire year studying the course, making arrangements to ensure the event will go off without a hitch. Working with the Cibola County Trail Alliance and other community partners, the Mount Taylor Winter Quadrathlon is a truly community event.
Meeting at least once a month, with meetings picking up gradually as the event becomes closer, the quad committee embodies the Spirit of Cibola by bringing together multiple groups and local agencies to make the event successful.
Director Gaines explained that with assistance from the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office providing a large deal of support to the quad, Grants Police Department, Cibola general Hospital, and a number of local restaurants and food trucks in the downtown area, the quad truly celebrates Cibola.
As the quad approaches its 40th year, the committee is looking to go big in a celebration of Cibola County. To become involved and help celebrate Cibola, those looking to assist can call 505-287-4802 or visit https://www.mttaylorquad.org/ and scroll down to “Contact Us,” where prospective volunteers may fill out a form and the committee will be in touch.
Full results of the 39th Annual Mount Taylor Quadrathlon can be found at https://www.mttaylorquad.org/ by clicking on the “Race Results” box at the top of the page.