The 54th Northeast Delta Dental Mt. Washington Road Race

7.6 miles in length.  An average grade of 12%.  Extended sections of the course have an 18% grade.   The last 50 yards steepens what is affectionately called "the wall" with a 22% grade. The Mt. Washington Road Race is a New England running tradition and a rite of passage for mountain runners everywhere.  I photographed the race for the fourth time last week and it's more fun and more remarkable every time.  The 2014 men's champion was Joe Gray.  After a string of strong showings, I was excited for Joe to take the win.  Last year's winner, Eric Blake was second with 2012 champ Sage Canaday, Zach Miller and Ryan Bak rounding out the top five.  Shannon Payne of Colorado took the women's race in her first try at Mt. Washington followed by Italian World Champion Valentina Belotti, stand out Brandy Erholtz, former US and World Champion Kasie Enman and NH favorite Denise Sandahl.  What a day!  Here are a few of my favorite images. 

Zach Miller and Ryan Bak

Sage Canaday

Eric Blake at the hair pin

Joe Gray

Joe Gray sees the win

Joe Gray breaks the tape

Joe Gray contemplates the hard work

Eric Blake

Ryan Bak

Justin Freeman, Nordic Olympian and top NH Men's finisher

Brandon Newbould

Kasie Enman

Shannon Payne, Women's Champion

Denise Sandahl, 5th woman overall and top NH women's finisher

Darrin Dia Blo

Ashley Krause of Western Mass Distance Project

Paul Bazanchuk, Central Mass Striders

Peter Maksimow and Simon Gutierrez of Team Colorado