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Ruckman, Acieri take titles in 2nd Breck Ascent Series race

Bryce Evans
summit daily news

There’s nothing like taking a victory lap before the sun even fully comes up. That’s what a pair of local athletes did Wednesday morning in the second race of the Breck Ascent Series, an uphill challenge set up by the Breckenridge Recreation Department and Breck ski resort.

Greg Ruckman – the two-time Olympic rower and fan of any activity that involves lung-burning work – won the men’s side of the draw with a time of 30 minutes and 16 seconds. Nikki Arcieri was the women’s winner, clocking in at 44:37.

Competitors started near Beaver Run Resort at the bottom of Peak 9 at 6:15 a.m., then headed uphill – all the way to the warming shack which sits atop Peak 10. Racers could use AT gear, cross country or telemark skis, snowshoes, splitboards or just skinned-up alpine skis.



The rec department heads up the logistics of the racing, while the resort marks the course. Breck staffers were out on the hill at 5:30 a.m. to set up for Wednesday’s trek.

“I’m happy to be a part of such a unique event and excited to have so many participants that feel the same way,” said Linsey Kach, sports and special events coordinator for the rec center in Breck.



Thirty-nine athletes competed in Wednesday’s race, as the series continues to grow.

Three more races are left on the slate for this winter and all will be in the evening, starting at 5:30 p.m. Next up is a competition on March 16.

For information on the series or for full results from the race, visit http://www.townofbreckenridge.com.


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