Truckee Ca, Nov. 2, 2016 – Each year, first Saturday in August or the last Saturday in July, marks the Squaw Mountain Run, a run or hike that begins at the base of Squaw and ends at High Camp. Twenty-sixteen marked the 36th annual SMR with around 350 participants.
The ASC Training Center, a non-profit, based on Donner Summit, is the event organizer and puts on the Squaw Mountain run as a fundraiser for their cross country ski and biathlon programs and to help fight cancer in the Tahoe/Truckee community. The event gives 20% of the funds it raises to the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center. This year the very successful event donated $1,700 in event proceeds. Auburn Ski Club took over organizing the SMR ten years ago and since has donated over $25,000 to the Cancer Center. This week, the Auburn Ski Club race Director, Megan met with Martha Simon, Scott Baker, and Rebecca Zadig-Escalera of the Tahoe Forest Cancer Center to transfer the SMR donation.
For many participants, the Squaw Mountain Run is a way to celebrate life following a personal struggle with cancer or in memory of a loved one. At registration, there is a flag that people can sign with their name or with that of a loved one. The flag gets carried to the race finish at High Camp where a moment of silence is observed during the awards ceremony. This year there were participants from Lisa’s Army, families participating in the SMR in memory of a loved one, and many cancer survivors. The Squaw Mountain Run is a great way for people to show their support for someone who has battled cancer or to show their appreciation for the amazing cancer center we have in Truckee.
The event would not be possible without the generous support that Squaw-Alpine has provided year after year to the event and the cause. Other sponsors this year include Salomon, Tahoe Mountain Sports, Truckee Chamber, Darn Tough, Ultimate Direction, and Hammer Nutrition.
The ASC Training Center not only puts on races, but also has summer and winter programs open to everyone. ASC grooms 20 km of cross country ski trails in the winter, which are open to members and the public, Wed. – Sun., 8:30am to 4:30pm. ASCTC is well known for its high quality grooming and as an amazing race venue. In addition to cross country ski programs, ASCTC offers snowboarding, alpine gate training, and year-round biathlon programs to participants of all levels. For more information about
programs and activities please visit www.auburnskiclub.org, email: info@assoc.auburnskiclub.org or call 530-426-3313.
Photo Source: Auburn Ski Club Megan Seifert (Auburn Ski Club race director) hands over the donation to Martha Simon and Scott Baker of the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center.
